Articulated Or Swinging Flow Conduit Patents (Class 137/615)
  • Patent number: 7128094
    Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, David R. Bissen, Lawrence P. Schmidt, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner, Richard T. Atherton, Richard L. Grover
  • Patent number: 7104280
    Abstract: A mixing faucet includes a body part (2), where a rotatable swivel tap (4) is mounted on said body part and a rotatable valve spindle (6) is mounted in said body part for an adjustment of the feeding of cold and hot water, respectively. The rotatable valve spindle (6) is according to the utility model equipped with a projecting arm (8) engaging a groove in a slide (10) on the side of the body part (2). The resulting mixing faucet is much easier to handle than hitherto known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Damiza A/S
    Inventor: Torben Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7032619
    Abstract: A guide ring of a sanitary spout fitting having a swivelling spout which can be fitted swivellably on a fitting body via a swivelling sleeve which forms part of the swivelling spout, has material projections on both cylindrical faces. Through these material projections the guide ring is in contact both with the inner cylindrical surface of the swivelling sleeve and with the outer cylindrical surface of the fitting body. The guide ring thus ensures good radial guidance of the swivelling sleeve of the swivelling spout on the fitting body. Because the guide ring can rotate with respect both to the swivelling sleeve and to the fitting body in the new state, the smooth running of the swivelling spout is preserved even if one of these rotation possibilities is obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Fritz Gaenzle
  • Patent number: 7021334
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid coupling for coupling a fluid source with a fluid supply line. The fluid coupling comprises a gladhand mounted to a body via a swivel connection. The gladhand is movable between a stored and protected position, wherein an outlet of the gladhand rests against a rubber cup to prevent fluid flow therefrom, and a use position, wherein the gladhand is removed from the rubber cup and can be connected to a fluid supply line. Additionally, the fluid coupling comprises a valve assembly preferably disposed in the body. The valve is operable between open and closed positions to effectively turn the fluid coupling on and off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: BLD Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher R. Helmer
  • Patent number: 7011108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the safety of an articulated mast (22), especially of a concrete distribution mast, whose mast segments (23 to 27) are controlled via a remote control (50) and a control device (62) that is responsive to the remote control signals using a computer-assisted circuit arrangement (80). Safety monitoring is made possible by the provision of an interrupter element (112, 112?) in the control device (62) which disrupts, via a delay member (116), the connection to the control inputs of the actuators (92, 94) associated drive units and/or the feed units (98, 100) for the purpose of power or pressured oil feed once the remote control elements (52) of the remote control device (50) are in the off-position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Benckert, Paul Von Bäumen
  • Patent number: 6983763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor device for thick matter, especially for concrete. The distributor device (16) comprises a concrete distributing boom (18) carrying a conveying conduit (20), which has at least two boom arms (30 to 36) that can be swiveled about horizontal articulation axes (38 to 44) relative to one another or relative to a boom support (26). At least one of the boom arms, preferably the base arm (30), is telescopically movable. In order to be adaptable to the telescoping movements, the conveying conduit is assembled from three interlinked conduit sections in the area of the telescoping boom arm. A first conduit section (58) is rigidly linked with the stationary member (46), while a second conduit section (60) is rigidly linked with the extensible telescoping member (48). The device further comprises an intermediate section (62) which is connected with its ends (64, 66) to the first and the second conduit section (58, 60) and which is configured as a flexible pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hartmut Benckert, Hans Renz
  • Patent number: 6948538
    Abstract: A fueling crane comprises an extensible boom rotatably associated with a pedestal wherein the extensible boom has a first end rotatably affixed to a fuel inlet pipe mounted on the pedestal and a second end terminating in a fueling nozzle. The extensible boom has at least one elbow joint between the first end and the second end wherein the elbow joint permits the fueling crane to provide fuel to any vehicle spaced from the pedestal within a given radius. The extensible boom is generally disposed in an upright manner wherein the elbow joint is spaced horizontally from but substantially directly above the pedestal and the second end is substantially adjacent the first end when the extensible boom is in a storage position. The improved extensible boom has means for returning the fueling nozzle to the storage position with the fueling nozzle disposed directly over a fuel drip collector thus providing for an environmentally secure fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nusbaumer, Ronald Woods
  • Patent number: 6938643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage structure having a fluid transfer boom for transfer of cryogenic liquids such as liquified natural gas (LNG) from a first storage structure to a vessel. The boom has two arms which are rotatably connected at their first ends via a swivel joint. In one embodiment a liquified natural gas duct is supported within the first and second arms which form a gas tight housing around the liquified natural gas duct. The transfer boom according to the present invention provides a redundant containment system wherein the LNG duct is supported by the structurally strong and self-supporting transfer boom which confines the natural gas in case of a leak in the inner LNG duct. In a further embodiment the transfer boom comprises seven swivel joints in total such that rotation in all directions is possible when the vessel is moored to the storage structure and has to cope with relative motions of roll, pitch, yaw, heave, sway and surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Pollack
  • Patent number: 6926049
    Abstract: An in-flight hose-and-drogue refueling system composed of: a refueling hose-and-drogue unit extending from a refueling aircraft for engaging with a refueling probe of an aircraft to be refueled and; a drogue steering assembly for steering the drogue, the drogue steering assembly including a plurality of individually controllable, compressed air driven thrusters, and a compressed air supply line extending along the hose for supplying compressed air to the thrusters, wherein the hose and the supply line form a unit having a circular outline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: UAV Refueling Inc.
    Inventors: Eric N. Enig, Julius W. Enig
  • Patent number: 6913041
    Abstract: A concrete boom hose is provided with a first end that is connected to the outermost end of a series of concrete pipes and a second end through which the flowing concrete exits. The second end is provided with an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the first end that is connected to the concrete pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Construction Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Lehnhardt, Rolando Altamirano
  • Patent number: 6883532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a large-scale manipulator, especially of concrete pumps. Said large-scale manipulator has a bending boom (22) which consists of at least three boom arms (23 to 27) and which is preferably configured as a concrete spreader boom. The arms of said boom are each pivotable to a limited extent about horizontal bending axes (28 to 32) which are parallel to each other, by means of a drive aggregate (34 to 38), respectively. A control device (50, 62, 52) for moving the boom with the help of actuating mechanisms that are allocated to the individual drive aggregates, and means for damping mechanical vibrations in the bending boom are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Kurt Rau
  • Patent number: 6880295
    Abstract: A snap lock device is disclosed for hingedly securing an extension to a downspout. The device includes a first member having a head and a shank extending from the head. The shank extends through a first hole defined by the extension and through a second hole defined by the downspout. A second member cooperates with the first member and the second member defines an aperture for the locking reception therein of the shank for locking the extension and downspout together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Scott Frey
  • Patent number: 6871667
    Abstract: A distribution device for dense substances, especially concrete, with a distribution boom carrying a concrete-conveyance conduit, with at least one telescopic boom section (4) consisting of a first telescopic component and a second telescope component (6) that can be extended with respect to this first component, as well as at least one reinforcement beam that is arranged on one of the telescope components and carries a section of the concrete-conveyance conduit, wherein a section of the concrete-conveyance conduit in the region of the telescopic boom sections consists of a flexible hose with a compensation loop to accommodate the extension movement of the telescopic motion or of at least one scissor-type conduit assembly made up of swivel elements connected to each other in such a manner than the swivel elements in the two terminal positions of the telescopic boom section are substantially arranged in a crossover position and, together with the articulated joints that interconnect them, move past each other
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Schwing GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Schwing, Horst Heckmann
  • Patent number: 6866444
    Abstract: A device installed at a ditch on a road for preventing a backflow of sewage and a malodor is provided. The device includes a frame portion comprising a plurality of frames arranged in parallel with each other, a valve portion being opened or closed in a manner of a lever according to the weight of a flow of the sewage, and a cover portion for covering the frame portion and the valve portion. The cover portion includes flat drain holes formed in plural lines which are arranged in parallel with each other; flow velocity resistance embossings protruding upwardly with a predetermined height in a bar shape; inclined drain holes formed at both ends of the lengthwise direction and inclined upwardly; and a plurality of sliding prevention embossings protruding upwardly from an upper surface of the cover portion, for preventing walkers from sliding thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: My's Tech Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jin-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 6863086
    Abstract: An unloading system includes a transport for flowable product and an unloading assembly for enabling the flowable product to be removed from the transport without requiring personnel to crawl under the transport in order to connect or disconnect the transport and the unloading assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: OMYA Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Keith Heiberger
  • Patent number: 6827103
    Abstract: An automatic eaves trough downspout includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit has a coupling socket. The second conduit has a hollow cylindrical coupling body is adapted to fit in the socket to form a pivotal connection. A pair of pivot pins serve as an axle for relative pivotal movement of the first conduit and the second conduit. A torsion spring overlies at least one of the pivot pins to bias the second conduit into a substantially vertical stored position. A ratchet engagement is provided between the pivot pin and the socket of the first conduit, which permits rotational movement pin in the first direction to increase spring tension and resists rotational movement in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: David L. Cheremshynski, Carlo D'Elia, Michael Clarence Claerhout
  • Patent number: 6823894
    Abstract: Splay nozzle apparatus attached to the outlet end of a lateral spout, to splay the water laterally from the outlet to overcome the problem of erosion of the ground as had on direct flow from a lateral spout onto the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: James A. Koller, Lee A. Roehrig
  • Patent number: 6823888
    Abstract: A telescopic boom-mounted concrete pump is provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. The boom assembly includes inner, intermediate and outer boom members. A first concrete conduit which is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized concrete is mounted at one side of the inner boom member for movement therewith. A normally U-shaped flexible concrete hose has its inlet end thereof connected to the discharge end of the first concrete conduit. A rigid concrete conduit has its inlet end connected to the discharge end of the flexible concrete hose. A jib boom member in the form of a concrete discharge conduit is pivotally and rotatably connected to the outer end of the outer boom member and is in fluid communication with the rigid concrete conduit. The jib boom member is secured to and is positioned within a lattice truss. A winch is selectively removably secured to the outer end of the lattice truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Glazer Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Raymond
  • Patent number: 6820630
    Abstract: A dry sectional gate valve having a swiveling intake elbow and shot pin assembly for selectively locking the elbow into a fixed position. A shot pin extends from a pull-knob through the flange of the elbow into one of a plurality of spaced-apart detent slots or holes around the perimeter of the valve body. The elbow can be swiveled thereby allowing a connecting fire hose to be positioned to minimize kinks and avoid obstacles thereby bringing water freely into the valve. The shot pin can be used to selectively lock the elbow in a desired position facilitating connection and disconnection of mating fire hose couplings or the shot pin can be set to allow the elbow to rotate freely enabling the hose to reach its most relaxed position when charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Task Force Tips, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Alan Carringer, Ross J. Mack, Robert W. Steingass
  • Publication number: 20040200535
    Abstract: A dry sectional gate valve having a swiveling intake elbow and shot pin assembly for selectively locking the elbow into a fixed position. A shot pin extends from a pull-knob through the flange of the elbow into one of a plurality of spaced-apart detent slots or holes around the perimeter of the valve body. The elbow can be swiveled thereby allowing a connecting fire hose to be positioned to minimize kinks and avoid obstacles thereby bringing water freely into the valve. The shot pin can be used to selectively lock the elbow in a desired position facilitating connection and disconnection of mating fire hose couplings or the shot pin can be set to allow the elbow to rotate freely enabling the hose to reach its most relaxed position when charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney Alan Carringer, Ross J. Mack, Robert W. Steingass
  • Patent number: 6786233
    Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, David R. Bissen, Lawrence P. Schmidt, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner, Richard T. Atherton, Richard L. Grover
  • Patent number: 6779688
    Abstract: A system for collecting undesired concrete discharged from the concrete supply pipe of a mobile concrete pumping vehicle. The system includes a catch basin having an outer wall and a bottom wall that define an open reservoir. The catch basin includes an open top end that receives the second, discharge end of a delivery hose connected to the concrete supply pipe that distributes concrete out through the delivery hose. Preferably, the reservoir is sized to receive a sufficient volume of concrete to prevent the undesired discharge of the concrete during movement of the boom arm of the pumping vehicle. The catch basin includes a plurality of suspension straps that suspend the catch basin around the discharge end of the delivery hose during movement of the boom arm. The suspension straps are each connected to a support bracket mounted to the boom arm of the concrete pumping vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Putzmeister, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin G. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6755212
    Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a plurality of articulated boom sections. Each boom section has a longitudinal axis. A stiffening layer is attached to a surface of at least one of the boom sections, and extends within about ten degrees of parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom section. The stiffening layer is formed of a fiber-reinforced composite material including a plurality of fibers and matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, David R. Bissen, Lawrence P. Schmidt, Brian E. Spencer, Richard L. Grover, Leo B. Willner
  • Publication number: 20040108003
    Abstract: A distribution device for dense substances, especially concrete, with a distribution boom carrying a concrete-conveyance conduit, with at least one telescopic boom section (4) consisting of a first telescope component and a second telescope component (6) that can be extended with respect to this first component, as well as at least one reinforcement beam that is arranged on one of the telescope components and carries a section of the concrete-conveyance conduit, wherein a section of the concrete-conveyance conduit in the region of the telescopic boom section consists of a flexible hose with a compensation loop to accommodate the extension movement of the telescope or of at least one scissor-type conduit assembly made up of swivel elements connected to each other in such a manner that the swivel elements in the two terminal positions of the telescopic boom section are substantially arranged in a crossover position and, together with the articulated joints that interconnect them, move past each other during the
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Friedrich Schwing, Horst Heckmann
  • Patent number: 6742814
    Abstract: A miniature patio heater is provided which has a total height of approximately 3 ft. and which has a shroud with a diameter less than 2 ft. The patio heater includes a base having a vertically extending chamber, which is approximately 1.5 ft. high, for receiving a small gas bottle. A hollow post extends upwardly from the upper end of the chamber. A heater assembly and shroud are supported at the upper end of the post. A gas line extends along the inside of the hollow post between the heater assembly and the chamber. A connector assembly provides a pivotal connection between the end of the gas line and a regulator connected to a gas bottle within the chamber. The chamber is provided with an access opening for inserting and removing the gas bottle. Thus, the gas bottle, with attached regulator, can be swung from a vertical upright position within the chamber outwardly through the access opening to an angular position to facilitate removal of an empty gas bottle and replacement with a fall gas bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: CFM-RMC International, a division of the Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company
    Inventors: Michael Resmo, Sung Boo Yoon
  • Publication number: 20040099337
    Abstract: A method and a system for loading and storage of oil from a production platform on a tanker (FSO vessel) which is equipped with a dynamic positioning system (DP system), the oil being transferred via a loading hose extending between the platform and the tanker. The tanker when required is moved substantially along a circular arc which is predefined in relation to the platform, at the same time as the tanker by means of the DP system when required is turned about a defined point on the tanker, for achieving an optimum power consumption during the loading operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Navion ASA
    Inventors: Tor Erik Hilden, Trygve Gerhard Egge, Narve Oma, Kjell Egil Helgoy
  • Publication number: 20040094212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the safety of an articulated mast (22), especially of a concrete distribution mast, whose mast segments (23 to 27) are controlled via a remote control (50) and a control device (62) that is responsive to the remote control signals using a computer-assisted circuit arrangement (80). Safety monitoring is made possible by the provision of an interrupter element (112, 112′) in the control device (62) which disrupts, via a delay member (116), the connection to the control inputs of the actuators (92, 94) associated drive units and/or the feed units (98, 100) for the purpose of power or pressured oil feed once the remote control elements (52) of the remote control device (50) are in the off-position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hartmut Benckert, Paul Von Bumen
  • Patent number: 6732770
    Abstract: A fueling crane comprises an extensible boom rotatably associated with a pedestal wherein the extensible boom has a first end rotatably affixed to a fuel inlet pipe mounted on the pedestal and a second end terminating in a fueling nozzle. The extensible boom has at least one elbow joint between the first end and the second end wherein the elbow joint permits the fueling crane to provide fuel to any vehicle spaced from the pedestal within a given radius. The extensible boom is generally disposed in an upright manner wherein the elbow joint is spaced horizontally from but substantially directly above the pedestal and the second end is substantially adjacent the first end when the extensible boom is in a storage position. The improved extensible boom has means for returning the fueling nozzle to the storage position with the fueling nozzle disposed directly over a fuel drip collector thus providing for an environmentally secure fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph M. Nusbaumer, Ronald Woods
  • Patent number: 6729349
    Abstract: A faucet has according to the invention a support body centered on an upright axis and adapted to be fixed to a horizontal support surface. The body is formed with a radially outwardly open outer groove having upper and lower axially spaced and confronting flanks and a radially outwardly directed floor. A sleeve fitted over and surrounding the body has a radially inwardly directed inner surface level with the outer groove and an axially downwardly directed shoulder generally level with the upper flank. A hard split bearing ring set in the outer groove has an outer face bearing on the inner sleeve surface, an upper face on which the shoulder rests, a lower face bearing on the lower flank, and an inner face radially confronting the floor. A biasing element braced radially between the bearing ring and the body presses the outer surface of the bearing ring against the inner surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz Brandebusemeyer
  • Publication number: 20040069356
    Abstract: A concrete boom hose is provided with a first end that is connected to the outermost end of a series of concrete pipes and a second end through which the flowing concrete exits. The second end is provided with an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the first end that is connected to the concrete pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gary D. Lehnhardt, Rolando Altamirano
  • Patent number: 6719009
    Abstract: The present invention is a concrete piping system comprising a pipeline. The pipeline includes an intake end, an output end, a liner resistant to concrete abrasion and a pressure tube of composite materials placed over the liner. A concrete pump is connected to the intake end of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Bissen, Lawrence P. Schmidt, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner
  • Patent number: 6719008
    Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for transferring fluid (13) between a first site and a second site, comprising: a winch (40) for the first site (10) whereon is wound a suspension cable (17) designed to be stretched between the two sites (10, 11) and which is adapted to subject the cable to constant tension; a support (14) for the first site and for storing in suspension rigid pipe sections (15) mutually articulated via articulating sections (16) with rotary bends and joints, so as to shift from a storage position wherein the pipe sections (15) are suspended accordion-like to the support (14) to a stretched position between the two sites (10, 11) by being suspended to the cable; and means for coupling (22) some of the articulating sections (16) to the support (14) or to cable (17) depending on the length of the cable stretched between the two sites (10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, S.A.
    Inventor: Renaud LeDevehat
  • Patent number: 6712089
    Abstract: A recessed, frostproof water faucet having a tubular stem connected to a pivot plumbing unit connected to a subsurface water line through the rear wall of a box-like recess unit. A slider connector connects the water faucet tubular stem and the access panel or lid of the recess unit. The lid pivots on hinges and as one lifts the lid, the faucet is lifted by the slider connector from a horizontal storage position to a vertical locked position for use, the slider connector being connected to a faucet flange and sliding along grooves in tracks mounted along the inner side of the lid. A sliding hinge locks the lid upright, sliding downward along the upper end of the rear wall. The faucet is returned to the storage position by pulling upward and lowering to the closed position, the slider connector sliding forward along the grooves to the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Danny Heflin
  • Publication number: 20040055642
    Abstract: The cryogenic rotary coupling comprises segments of a cryogenic line that are capable of turning relative to each other about a pivot axis of the rotary coupling. Radial retaining elements and axial retaining elements define the pivot axis of the rotary coupling. One of the segments comprises a vacuum-insulated double-walled female portion and the other segment comprises a vacuum-insulated double-walled male portion engaged at least in part in the female portion. A first sealing gasket is interposed between a free end of the male portion engaged in the female portion and one of the retaining means. A second sealing gasket is interposed between a free end of the female portion surrounding the male portion and the other one of the retaining elements. A heater device is disposed in the vicinity of the second gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Dominique Valentian
  • Patent number: 6701981
    Abstract: System for loading and unloading of fluid products to or from a vessel (1), where a fluid hose (4) is fastened to the bottom side of a submerged frame (2) so that the frame (2) is free to turn around a vertical axis with respect to the hose (4) in that an additional hose (9) is connected with the hose (4) at the frame and with the vessels coupling for loading and unloading, and that the frame (2) may be maneuvered with contact against the bottom of the vessel, and held in positioned during the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hitec Marine AS
    Inventor: Claes W. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6701675
    Abstract: An automatic downspout system for automatically extending a downspout during periods of precipitation and retracting the downspout during periods of no precipitation. The automatic downspout system includes an upper tube, a lower tube having a lower reservoir, wherein the lower tube is slidably positioned about a lower end of the upper tube, a lower opening and a side opening within the lower tube, a downspout member pivotally attached to the lower tube, and a ballasting structure connected to the lower tube and the downspout member for extending the downspout member when the lower tube is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Jon D. Ekker, Frank H. Nienaber
  • Patent number: 6701980
    Abstract: A fueling assembly for use in the transfer of fuel is disclosed. The assembly includes a platform and a plurality of swivel joints and pipe sections. The assembly can be folded onto and supported by the platform, and can be unfolded to extend away from the platform. A vertically-moving assembly and a horizontally-moving assembly are provided, each including two swivel joints and connected to each other by an elbow pipe. A coupler may be attached to one of the swivel joints for releasable coupling with a fueling assembly, and for receiving fuel from the fueling assembly. The hydrant may be attached to a pantograph or to any mobile pipeline or mobile pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nova Group, Inc
    Inventor: Guy G. Rothrock
  • Patent number: 6698451
    Abstract: The invention is a placing boom comprising a plurality of boom sections connected together in an articulated arrangement. A pipeline is carried by the boom sections, wherein the pipeline is disposed inside at least one of the boom sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, Lawrence P. Schmidt, David R. Bissen, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner
  • Publication number: 20040035473
    Abstract: An automatic eaves trough downspout includes a first conduit and a second conduit. The first conduit has a coupling socket. The second conduit has a hollow cylindrical coupling body is adapted to fit in the socket to form a pivotal connection. A pair of pivot pins serve as an axle for relative pivotal movement of the first conduit and the second conduit. A torsion spring overlies at least one of the pivot pins to bias the second conduit into a substantially vertical stored position. A ratchet engagement is provided between the pivot pin and the socket of the first conduit, which permits rotational movement pin in the first direction to increase spring tension and resists rotational movement in the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: David L. Cheremshynski
    Inventors: David L. Cheremshynski, Carlo D'Elia, Michael Clarence Claerhout
  • Patent number: 6679284
    Abstract: A telescopic boom-mounted concrete pump is provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. The boom assembly includes inner, intermediate and outer boom members. A first concrete conduit which is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized concrete is mounted at one side of the inner boom member for movement therewith. A normally U-shaped flexible concrete hose has its inlet end thereof connected to the discharge end of the first concrete conduit. A rigid concrete conduit has its inlet end connected to the discharge end of the flexible concrete hose. A jib boom member in the form of a concrete discharge conduit is pivotally and rotatably connected to the outer end of the outer boom member and is in fluid communication with the rigid concrete conduit. The jib boom member may be removed from the outer end of the outer boom member and replaced with an aerial platform. A winch and sleeve is also mounted on the boom assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Glazer Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Raymond
  • Patent number: 6675822
    Abstract: The invention relates to a concrete distributing boom for mobile and stationary concrete pumps. The inventive boom is provided with a substructure (14, 14′, 14″), a pillow block (32) that can be rotated around a vertical axis on the substructure and a stack of arms (16) consisting of several mast arms (34, 34′, 34″) that can be pivoted against each other. The first mast arm (34) is articulated to a hinge (36) of the pillow block (32). Moreover, a drive mechanism (38) is provided that is provided with a driving pinion (42) for rotatably driving the pillow block (32). Said pinion (42) can preferably be rotated around a vertical axis by means of toothed racks (40). The aim of the invention is to enable to easily change masts between different substructures (14, 14′, 14″). The pillow block (32) that is connected to the stack of arms (16) can be detachably coupled to the driving pinion (42) which is arranged in the substructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Putzmeister AG
    Inventors: Rolf Schmitz, Dieter Schillinger
  • Patent number: 6647670
    Abstract: An automatic down spout extension system including an extension spout pivotally attached to the lower end of a down spout, and a ballast container attached to the distal end of the extension spout. An insert including a number of side openings is attached at the upper end of the down spout, and a hose extends from the bottom of the insert to the ballast container. Rainwater from the rain gutter flows down the down spout and a portion of the water flows through the hose and fills the ballast container at the end of the extension spout. The weight of the water in the ballast container causes the extension spout to move to an extended working position. A spring interconnecting the extension spout and the down spout biases the extension spout in an upright storage position. A drain opening in the ballast container allows water to run out, and when the rain stops and the container empties, the spring pulls the extension spout to an upright storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Dran
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6588448
    Abstract: A telescopic boom-mounted concrete pump is provided wherein a telescoping boom assembly is pivotally and rotatably mounted on the platform of the truck. The boom assembly includes inner, intermediate and outer boom members. A first concrete conduit which is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized concrete is mounted at one side of the inner boom member for movement therewith. A normally U-shaped flexible concrete hose has its inlet end thereof connected to the discharge end of the first concrete conduit. A rigid concrete conduit has its inlet end connected to the discharge end of the flexible concrete hose. A jib boom member in the form of a concrete discharge conduit is pivotally and rotatably connected to the outer end of the outer boom member and is in fluid communication with the rigid concrete conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Glazer Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Raymond
  • Patent number: 6588465
    Abstract: The aerial refueling drogue utilizes a bleeding drogue canopy providing substantially constant loads over a range of refueling speeds, by passive movement of the bleeding drogue between a retracted position and and extended position. The passive variable speed drogue comprises leading edge support arms, center support arms, and trailing edge support arms mounted to a refueling coupling member, with a forward drogue canopy attached between the leading edge support arms and the center support arms. An aft bleeding drogue canopy is connected between the center support arms and the trailing edge support arms. Springs in the trailing edge support arms bias the bleeding drogue canopy to a retracted position. In an alternate embodiment, cords are attached to the trailing edge of the aft bleeding drogue canopy, continue through the trailing edge support arms, up each center support arm, and through rings attached to the inside of the aft bleeding drogue canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: West Coast Netting, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Kirkland, Matts Lindgren, Jerry Stultz
  • Patent number: 6497249
    Abstract: This invention primarily relates to means to convey fluid from a moving location to a fixed location formerly achieved by the utilization of such means as a flexible hose. The invention has particular relevance to desludge systems where settled sludge take up means is caused to traverse the floor of a settling tank or vessel and transmit the sludge via a hose to a disposal point. The invention provides improved means replacing flexible hoses and further can provide means to motivate the traveling sludge take up means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Ignatius Swan, Richard Pierpont Moore
  • Patent number: 6484752
    Abstract: A mobile concrete pump comprising a supporting frame (16) mounted on a chassis (10) and a pump unit (30) disposed on the supporting frame (16) and having a rear material feeder container (32). Conveyor pipes or tubes (38, 40) can be connected to the pump unit (30), and can be transported in magazines (42, 44) along with the automatic concrete pump. The magazines can be easily accessed when they are moved from a transport position substantially parallel to the loading area (48, 50) into a removal or unloading position, with back end tilting downwards, by rotating said magazines around an axis of rotation (52, 54) parallel to the vertical axis of the chassis and tilting around a tilting axis (56, 58) which runs crosswise in relation to their longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the vertical axis of the chassis. Rotation and tilting of the magazines (42, 33) can be done manually or using hydraulic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Putzmeister Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Willi Ebinger, Dieter Schneider, Alexander Huslik
  • Patent number: 6463958
    Abstract: In a distribution device intended in particular for concrete distribution, a scissor-like assembly of conveying-conduit elements is provided to ensure lengthwise adjustment of the concrete-conveying conduit to a telescopic distribution-boom section which supports the concrete-conveying conduit. The scissor assembly is designed such that the articulation points of the conveying-conduit elements move past each other while the telescope is being extended or retracted from one end position to the other, and alternately assume transposed positions when the telescope is fully retracted or fully extended. The conveying-conduit elements will always assume an extended position, either against the direction of concrete conveyance or in the direction of concrete conveyance, when the telescope is either fully retracted or fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Schwing GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Schwing
  • Publication number: 20020117219
    Abstract: The invention is a placing boom comprising a plurality of boom sections connected together in an articulated arrangement. A pipeline is carried by the boom sections, wherein the pipeline is disposed inside at least one of the boom sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Anderson, Lawrence P. Schmidt, David R. Bissen, Brian E. Spencer, Leo B. Willner
  • Patent number: 6435212
    Abstract: A faucet assembly has a stationary base body having an outer surface formed with a passage having an outlet end opening at the outer surface. A spout sleeve fitted over the base body has an inner surface radially inwardly confronting the base-body outer surface. One of the surfaces is formed with a radially open groove, open toward the other surface, and into which the passage outlet end opens. A spout projecting radially from the sleeve has an outwardly open passage opening inward into the groove. Water is supplied to the base-body passage to flow into the groove and thence through the spout passage and out of the spout. A radially expansible brake ring has an inner surface bearing radially inward against the base body and an outer surface bearing radially outward against the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz Brandebusemeyer