Patents by Inventor William W. Holmes, IV

William W. Holmes, IV has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11306849
    Abstract: A joint having a male joint member and female joint member with enhanced ease of assembly, in which a raised stop on the male joint member is limited to displacement between a constriction on the female joint member and a locking ring segment, in which the locking ring segment and constriction are separated by an unobstructed traverse region that allows the male joint member to slide axially when under stress without separation from the female joint member, and in which a compressible spacer is installed between the male joint member and female joint member to ensure that the raised stop is installed in an intermediate position between the constriction and the locking ring segment. The compressible spacer withstands forces associated with assembly but allows the joint to compress during extreme events to prevent failure of the joint during extreme events, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Russell J Huggins, Jay Derek Caston, William W Holmes, IV
  • Patent number: 10550973
    Abstract: A joint having a male joint member and female joint member, in which a raised stop on the male joint member is limited to displacement between a constriction on the female joint member and a locking ring segment, and in which the locking ring segment and constriction are separated by an unobstructed traverse region that allows the male joint member to slide axially when under stress without separation from the female joint member. The rounded shape of the groove that accommodates the locking ring segment acts like a universal joint, allowing deflection between the male and female joint members without separation. The female joint member flares on the inside of its distal region to accommodate such deflection. Thus the male and female joint members have a degree of axial and radial flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundry Co., LLC
    Inventors: Jay Derek Caston, William W Holmes, IV, Russell J Huggins
  • Publication number: 20190309882
    Abstract: A joint having a male joint member and female joint member with enhanced ease of assembly, in which a raised stop on the male joint member is limited to displacement between a constriction on the female joint member and a locking ring segment, in which the locking ring segment and constriction are separated by an unobstructed traverse region that allows the male joint member to slide axially when under stress without separation from the female joint member, and in which a compressible spacer is installed between the male joint member and female joint member to ensure that the raised stop is installed in an intermediate position between the constriction and the locking ring segment. The compressible spacer withstands forces associated with assembly but allows the joint to compress during extreme events to prevent failure of the joint during extreme events, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Russell J HUGGINS, Jay Derek CASTON, William W HOLMES, IV
  • Publication number: 20160377208
    Abstract: A gasket comprising a central opening having a first diameter; an inner region adjacent to the central opening, the inner region having an approximately constant first axial thickness and a first radial length; an outer region adjacent to the inner region, the outer region having a second axial thickness and a second radial length, the second axial thickness being less than the first axial thickness, and the second radial length being no more than about thrice the first radial length; and wherein the gasket is constructed from an elastomeric material. The gasket may be used in a pipe joint including at least one threaded pipe flange joined to another pipe flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: William W. HOLMES, IV, Russell J. HUGGINS, Cameron A. CORCORAN
  • Patent number: 9194519
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Patent number: 9121532
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen, Jim Lambert
  • Patent number: 8925977
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system for use with a spigot includes a bell and a sealing device. The bell is adapted to mate with the spigot. The bell includes a first end and a second end. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device includes a locking segment including a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20140339773
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen, Jim Lambert
  • Patent number: 8870188
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen, Jim Lambert
  • Publication number: 20130313784
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen, Jim Lambert
  • Patent number: 8544851
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Patent number: 8533926
    Abstract: A method of use of a conduit coupling system, sealing device, and bell are disclosed herein. The method comprises positioning a sealing device inside a bell coupled to one end of a first conduit, inserting a spigot of a second conduit through the sealing device inside the bell, wherein the sealing device is adapted to move axially within the bell in the direction of the insertion of the spigot and in a radial direction from a centerline of the conduit, and partially removing the spigot from the bell, wherein a segment of the sealing device engages the outer surface of the spigot end as the spigot end is partially removed from the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first conduit. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Patent number: 8528184
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Patent number: 8511691
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLP
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Patent number: 8511690
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20120280497
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20120228836
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20120227240
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20120049463
    Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
  • Publication number: 20120038116
    Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell, and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED STATES PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen