Articulated Or Swinging Flow Conduit Patents (Class 137/615)
  • Patent number: 4290463
    Abstract: A loading arm having dual inboard and outboard arms and dual connections for connecting the arm to a tank in which provision is made for the loading arm to be connected to side-by-side flanges on the tank and to provide for movement of the connecting system in three mutually perpendicular planes relative to the outboard arm of the loading arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company
    Inventors: Bernard J. DeGeorge, Dean E. Hermanson, Carlos Tomas
  • Patent number: 4276917
    Abstract: A mobile platform has a riser assembly mounted thereon. A loading arm assembly projects from an upper end of the riser assembly, and a jumper hose assembly projects from a lower end of the riser assembly. These assemblies can be interconnected between a marine tanker manifold and a storage facility conduit, to form a fluid transferring connection therebetween. The riser assembly has a pipe section supporting the loading arm assembly for horizontal rotation about a vertical axis. A parallel mechanism, within the riser assembly, supports the pipe section for swinging movement in a vertical plane. This parallel mechanism maintains the vertical orientation of pipe section. A drive system is provided for maximizing the total horizontal angle of rotation through which the pipe section can be rotated about the vertical axis. A power drive is provided for operating the parallel mechanism to raise and lower the pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: George Fujita
  • Patent number: 4274586
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted fluid spreading apparatus including a fixed spray bar having an extender spray bar mounted on each of the opposite ends thereof by means of swing joints so that each of the extender spray bars are movable about a single angularly disposed axis between extended and stowed positions. The spray bars and the swing joints have dual fluid flow passages formed therethrough so that fluid under pressure from a fluid supply is serially recirculated through the spray bars and swing joints back to the fluid supply when the apparatus is in a standby mode, and is sprayingly applied by actuator controlled self-adjusting nozzles mounted in the spray bars when the apparatus is in the operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Francis K. Hill
  • Patent number: 4270572
    Abstract: A hinging down-spout assembly having a first elongated section to which a second elongated section is attached by a hinge whereby the second section can swing from a position approximately at a right angle to the first section into a position parallel to the first section for storage, a lapping section attached to the first section and extending at approximately a right angle to the first section and extending under and around the sides of the second section for directing water flow between the elongated sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Inventor: Clifford J. Jarzynka
  • Patent number: 4269239
    Abstract: A traveling articulated loading arm movably mounted on the deck of a marine tanker for transferring fluid between a flexible hose along either side of the tanker and manifold ports at various locations along the tanker centerline. The arm can be extended sufficiently beyond either side of the tanker to enable connection of the hose to the arm without having to bend the hose over the tanker railing, and petroleum and other fluid from the hose can be directed into any of the tanker holds by connecting the inboard end of the arm to the proper manifold inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Frank P. Haley
  • Patent number: 4262712
    Abstract: A gasoline dispensing nozzle is magnetically held in place to the fueling filler neck of the vehicle, while at the same time providing for a tight seal at the nozzle filler neck interface preventing escape of vapors to the atmosphere. Vapor directional control means may be included in the nozzle or be operably associated therewith, which will permit the recovery or redirecting of gasoline vapors issuing from the vehicle fuel tank during the refueling process. At the filler end of the nozzle is a switchable permanent magnet to latch, support and hold the nozzle to the vehicle fillpipe. To remove the nozzle when refueling is completed, the magnetic flux is switched in a different direction away from the fillpipe to a metal element known as a keeper. A pressure sensing mechanism is provided at the outer face of the magnet so that when a suitable seal is made between the nozzle magnet and the filler neck surface, a signal is provided via the pressure sensor that the seal has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Dale A. Young
  • Patent number: 4262699
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting adapted to be rotatably mounted to a sanitary fixture is disclosed. The sanitary fitting includes a valve body and spout assembly and may be of unitary design. The valve body and spout assembly is rotatably mounted on a tubular manifold which is rigidly mounted to the sanitary fixture. Flexible hose means is coupled between a supply source and the valve body. Special seal means, such as O-rings, lubricants or the like, is not required since the flexible hose means is coupled to the valve body whereby water does not contact the rotatable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Fabian
  • Patent number: 4262696
    Abstract: A concrete placing boom device includes a rail-mounted base, extensible outriggers and a jointed two-section cantilevered arm structure that supports a jointed two-section pipeline. Preferably, the inner arm section is pivotally mounted on the base for rotation about a vertical axis and the outer arm section is pivotally mounted on the inner arm section for rotation and angular elevation. The device is joined with pins for assembly and disassembly for easy transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Rotec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Oury
  • Patent number: 4261398
    Abstract: The deepwater offshore loading system is especially suited for transferring petroleum from a floating storage and loading terminal to a marine tanker and for providing for relative movement between the tanker and the terminal. The system comprises a support boom mounted on the deck of a terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending generally horizontal along the boom from risers at the deck, a pair of vertical fluid conduits and a first coaxial swivel joint connected between the outboard ends of the boom conduits and the upper ends of the vertical fluid conduits. A pair of horizontal conduits are mounted one above the other in a generally horizontal position with the inboard ends of the horizontal conduits connected to a header which is pivotally connected to the lower ends of the vertical fluid conduits. Another header is connected between the outboard ends of the horizontal conduits and a dual universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Frank P. Haley
  • Patent number: 4252162
    Abstract: Fluid transferring apparatus, more commonly referred to as a marine loading arm, comprising rigid, pivotally-interconnected inboard and outboard arm members pivotally mounted on an upstanding riser, and a system for maintaining the outboard member in a substantially horizontal attitude during the fluid transfer process. A first hydraulic ram, connected between the riser and the inboard member, and a second hydraulic ram, connected between the inboard member and the outboard member, are functionally coupled to a hydraulic system with an outboard arm member attitude sensing means, so that if the outboard arm member pivots more than a pre-selected distance above a horizontal attitude the first hydraulic ram provides pressurized fluid to the second hydraulic ram to return the outboard member to its horizontal attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Le Devehat
  • Patent number: 4232710
    Abstract: A system for suppressing cavitation in fluid pipeline passages such as fluid loading arms, particularly of the marine type, comprising extended turning vanes in the elbows of the loading arm, preferably in the upstream direction from the elbow tangent point, and also including the capability for adjusting the attack angle of the vane relative to the pipe axis. The combined effect of the extended vane and the negative attack angle improves cavitation performance to a greater extent than each of these expedients when used separately. This system obtains increased flow rates without significantly increasing the system back pressure and the adjustability of the attack angle will allow for optimization relative to changes in products and flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Donald J. Gallo, Thomas L. Roscetti, Alan E. Emslie, Frederick G. Hammitt
  • Patent number: 4231398
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a fluid cargo transfer hose to a marine tanker manifold, comprising a flow control valve and a flanged spool on the end of the hose, and a pipe coupler-valve operator assembly on the tanker manifold. In one embodiment of the invention the pipe coupler-valve operator assembly is mounted on an articulated pipe assembly and supported by a guide structure that facilitates moving the coupler into and out of contact with the spool flange on the end of the hose, and moving the valve operator into and out of engagement with the valve stem, during coupling and uncoupling operations. In another embodiment of the invention the pipe coupler-valve operator assembly is mounted in a fixed position on the tanker manifold, and the flow control valve and flanged spool are brought into coupling position by means of a winch and a guide assembly mounted on the tanker deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Harold M. Gibbons, deceased
  • Patent number: 4220177
    Abstract: An offshore loading system especially suited for transferring petroleum from a floating storage and loading terminal to a marine tanker. The system comprises a support boom pivotally mounted on the deck of the terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending generally horizontally along the boom from risers at the deck, a pair of vertical fluid conduits slidably connected to the outboard end of the boom and a pair of articulated manifold assemblies connected between the lower ends of the vertical conduits and the marine tanker. The outboard end of the horizontal conduits are articulated and are connected by swivel joints to the vertical conduits to facilitate raising and lowering the vertical conduits relative to the outboard end of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: William A. Gill
  • Patent number: 4207920
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for interconnecting a pair of relatively displaceable conduits comprises a pair of outer swivel fittings each connected via a respective outer pipe to a respective one of the conduits, and a pair of inner pipes each connected between the other side of each of the outer swivels and a respective side of a single inner swivel. The outer side of each of the outer swivels is clamped fixedly on the respective conduit so that there is no strain in the outer pipe between each of the outer swivels and the respective conduit. To this end each such outer pipe may include a U-shaped section lying in a plane including the swivel axis of the respective swivel fitting and perpendicular to the axis of the respective conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Inventor: Heinz Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 4206782
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a tanker to a marine tower comprising apparatus for mooring the tanker to the tower and apparatus for connecting a supply conduit on the tower to a receiver conduit on the tanker. A hose-pipe section is normally stored on the tanker at least in part on a rotary pulley located on the tanker in a manner such that one of the ends of the hose-pipe has connected to it a first connecting element which opens upwardly on the tanker deck. A boom on the tower capable of freely pivoting about the axis of the latter has attached to its free end a second connecting element adapted to cooperate with the first connecting element. A rope passes vertically through the second connecting element whose free end is attachable to the first connecting element to move the first connecting element towards or away from said second connecting element which remains substantially stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1980
    Assignee: Enterprise d'Equipments Mecaniques et Hydraulics E.M.H.
    Inventor: Samuel Tuson
  • Patent number: 4205699
    Abstract: An improvement in a fluid delivery apparatus which comprises a fluid input tube communicating via a flow through swivel joint with a fluid output tube which extends orthogonally of the input tube. The improvement comprises a pair of spaced apart bearings, each comprising an inner cylindrical bearing structure and an outer cylindrical structure. The outer cylindrical bearing structures are supported by the output tube and the inner cylindrical bearing structures are supported by the input tube. The bearings serve for taking up substantially the entire radial load created by the weight of the output tube thus protecting the swivel joint from such radial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Inventor: Carroll E. Brekke
  • Patent number: 4202372
    Abstract: An expandable and retractable fluid conduit is disclosed for conveying fluid between a fixed point and a movable point. A plurality of rigid pipe sections are pivotally connected in end-to-end relation by swivel joints to form an articulated fluid conveying pipe. A plurality of rigid support sections are pivotally connected in end-to-end relation to form an articulated support member. The articulated pipe member and the articulated support member criss-cross, and are pivotally connected at their intersections, to form a lazy tong configuration. Universal swivel joints are provided at each end of the conduit, and means is provided to render each pipe section and each support section buoyant in underwater installations. In another embodiment of the invention, two articulated fluid conveying pipes criss-cross for pivotal connection at their intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Harold M. Gibbons
  • Patent number: 4197101
    Abstract: An air cleaner for a heavy duty vehicle comprises a container having an open end for receiving a filter cartridge, and a removable closure for the open end. The closure includes a first portion which defines a central opening which is removably secured to the open end by circumferentially spaced bolts and a second portion comprising an air valve housing which is mounted on the first portion through a swivel connection to permit the air valve housing to pivot relative to the container without removal of the bolts. The air valve housing includes a pair of inlets connected to different air sources, such as to ambient outside air and to heated engine air respectively, and a valve mechanism which opens one of the inlets while the other is closed. Air communicating through the open inlet is communicated through the central opening into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Assignee: Fram Corporation
    Inventors: Edmond H. Cote, Jr., Kenneth A. Conti
  • Patent number: 4190080
    Abstract: An articulated fluid loading arm for delivery of gasoline or other liquids through a drop pipe into a tank truck or railway tank car. The arm is equipped with a control system comprising a hydraulic jack for regulating the angle defined by the inboard and outboard arm sections, a sensor system that senses a change in the attitude of these two arm sections and actuates the hydraulic jack to maintain the drop pipe in an established azimuthal position as it is lowered into and raised out of the tank truck or tank car hatch, and means for adjusting the sensor system to make it functional for various locations of the drop pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene R. Le Devehat
  • Patent number: 4190090
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a petroleum-oil supply line mounted on a marine column to a receiver conduit mounted on an oil-tanker, said column a head being mounted pivotally about the axis of said column at its upper end and including a rotary turret with a boom extending radially therefrom, wherein the improvement comprises a single-turn rotary pulley mounted on the head of the column and adapted to receive the upstream length of a hose-pipe, apparatus for permanently connecting the upstream end of said hose-pipe to the downstream end of the oil-supply line of said column, and apparatus for supporting and guiding the downstream length of the hose-pipe from the pulley to the end of said boom in such a manner that a connecting member provided at the downstream end of the downstream length has its outlet opening constantly directed downwards at the end of the said boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Entreprise d'Equipements Mecaniques et Hydrauliques E.M.H.
    Inventor: Samuel Tuson
  • Patent number: 4186763
    Abstract: An irrigation system having a generally vertical water delivery pipe and a water distribution pipe extending horizontally from and communicating with the delivery pipe. The distribution pipe is driven in rotation around an axis defined by the water delivery pipe by a hydraulic fluid operated drive, while hydraulic fluid for actuating the drive is circulated between the drive and a pump or the like through a conduit system which includes a rotary joint encircling the axis defined by the delivery pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1980
    Inventors: George R. Ferguson, Eric D. Freeman
  • Patent number: 4180170
    Abstract: A rotary tower crane for construction purposes comprising a non-rotating mast, a boom mounted at the head of the mast by a rotary connection so as to be swingable about the mast axis, a lifting device on the boom consisting of a hoisting rope which can be raised and lowered, and a distributor device for supplying and distributing concrete in the working area of the crane. The distributor device comprises a platform mounted on the mast below the rotary connection, an articulated distribution arm serving as a carrier structure for a concrete conveyor pipe formed in a plurality of sections connected together by ram-actuated connections, and having a rotatable mounting located on the platform. The platform is mounted on the mast by a ram-actuated rotational coupling so that the platform may be swung about an axis parallel to the axis of the crane mast to provide an operational field for the platform which is limited by the extent of swing of the platform on both sides of the crane mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: Freiedrich Wilhem, Schwing GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Meinken
  • Patent number: 4165108
    Abstract: A device for connecting two tubes having a small cross-section perpendicular to a universal coupling element which connects to each other a first component and a second component of an articulated marine structure, said tubes are associated respectively to said first and second components, while said universal coupling element is essentially constituted by a solid core provided with four cross-pins the respective axes of which extend in four orthogonal radial directions. Two opposed cross-pins are supported in respective contact zones by bearing surfaces defined by one of said components, while the remaining two opposed cross-pins are supported in respective contact zones by bearing surfaces defined by the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (Production)
    Inventor: Jacques de Saint-Palais
  • Patent number: 4161199
    Abstract: A vapor recovery system especially useful for collecting the evolved vapors from crude oil or other volatile liquids being transferred between floating tankers and a storage container. A generally U-shaped frame is pivotably mounted to a support at each end of the frame. The frame carries a pair of conduit members having a plurality of openings distributed along the length thereof. Flexible hoses are connected between each of the openings in the conduit members and a corresponding vent in the tankers. A winch and cable arrangement is used to lower the frame into operating position and to raise the frame into a stowed position at the end of a loading period. The ends of the conduit members are each connected to a vapor storage container through a swivel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1979
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Frank P. Haley
  • Patent number: 4143675
    Abstract: A torsionally controlled swivel joint having at least one axis of rotation is provided with a torque element, either in the form of a helical torsion spring or one or more torsion bars, completely enclosed within the flow passage of the joint to counteract torsional forces applied to one section of the joint relative to another section. One end of the torque element is rigidly connected to one section of the joint while the other end is rigidly connected to a cylindrical adjustment disc rotatable with and sealed in fluid tight engagement to the other section of the swivel joint. In the preferred embodiment, torsional preloading of the torque element is achieved by a plurality of locking balls in a ball race formed in the mating surfaces of the adjustment disc and swivel joint section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Houston W. Knight
  • Patent number: 4142551
    Abstract: A loading arm for transferring petroleum products at sea between two floating vessels. The loading arm structure includes a rotatably supported column having a boom hingedly supported at the upper end of the column for rotation about a first horizontal axis. An outer arm is hingedly connected at one end to the outer end of the boom for rotation about a second horizontal axis. A hydraulic/pneumatic spring includes a hydraulic cylinder connected between the column and the boom, the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder being pressurized from a large volume of gas for counterbalancing the weight of the boom and the arm. A second hydraulic/pneumatic spring is coupled between the column and a lever arm rotatable about the first horizontal axis. Linkage means couples the lever arm to the outer arm for maintaining the lever arm and outer arm in fixed angular relationship relative to each other as they rotate. The gas pressure in the hydraulic/pneumatic springs is adjustable to accommodate changes in load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Ameron, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Wilms
  • Patent number: 4135540
    Abstract: Externally discharging downspouts normally dump water adjacent the building foundation where it accumulates and, if rainfall is heavy, it drains through the weeping tiles with the possibility of overflow inside the building leading to flooded basements. Various methods have been provided to lead downspout drainage water to a point remote from the building such as permanent pipes or automatically unrolling plastic tubes. The present device includes an adaptor secured to the downspout from which the usual elbow is removed, and a hinged trough or conduit section pivotally secured to the adaptor. The trough can be held vertically against the downspout and manually hinged downwardly when desired or can be electrically operated from one position to the other and vice-versa. If electrically operated, the operation can be automatically controlled by humidity or by switch operation from inside the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Inventor: Karl H. Felsen
  • Patent number: 4135543
    Abstract: A hose storage and supply apparatus comprising a hose guide track having front and rear ends, the guide track having means on which a hose can move as it is paid out or is retracted, a hose on the guide track, a fluid coupling means joined to each end of the hose on the guide track for joining a fluid supply conduit thereto, and means operably connected to the hose to move it along the guide track from a retracted position to a paid out position and back to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
    Inventor: Douglas W. DeGraaf
  • Patent number: 4131132
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for releasably attaching a hose supporting boom to an overhead swivel cartridge of a car washing apparatus comprises a hinge plate adapted to be attached at one end to the rotatable outlet of the swivel cartridge, a boom body member from which the boom arm extends which body member has a hinge plate-receiving recess, compression means maintaining the hinge plate in the hinge plate recess of the boom body member and a jack which can be moved from an inoperative position to an operative position in which it is effective to maintain the compression means in a compressed state so that the boom assembly can be quickly detached from the hinge plate and the swivel cartridge can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Zierden Company
    Inventor: Frank P. Zierden
  • Patent number: 4130134
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying materials having first and second support members movable longitudinally with respect to each other, a third support member positioned between the first and second support members and movable along a line extending therebetween, first and second rigid conduit sections having one end supported respectively by the first and second support members and a third rigid conduit section having its ends swivelly connected to the other ends of the first and second conduit sections and supported by the third support member, whereby as the first and second support members move longitudinally with respect to each other, the first, second and third conduit sections expand and retract accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Assignee: Morgen Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Harold J. Castle
  • Patent number: 4127145
    Abstract: A movable pipeline construction which includes a first pipe and second pipe connected by a movable joint so as to permit angular and/or transverse movements of the pipes with respect to a common longitudinal pipe axis. Each of the pipes are provided with at least one of connecting ports and branch passages which are interconnected by way of flexible pipeline elements. The flexible pipeline elements may be constructed as flexible tubes, hoses, pipe bundles and/or bellows. Preferably, a stop valve construction is arranged in the pipeline elements to control the flow of the medium therethrough without affecting the flow through the other pipeline elements and/or the first and second pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1978
    Assignee: Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim (vorm. Hch. Witzenmann) Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Udo Erlenmayer, Reinhard Gropp, Hans Zenn
  • Patent number: 4121616
    Abstract: An articulated fluid loading arm especially suited for transferring petroleum from a floating storage and loading terminal to a marine tanker. The arm comprises a support boom pivotally mounted on the deck of the terminal, a pair of fluid conduits extending along the boom from risers at the deck, and a dual-flow passage drop-pipe assembly suspended from a carriage that rides in a track on the boom. The drop-pipe assembly comprises four rigid pipe sections interconnected by swivel joints into a parallelogram-like structure, one corner thereof pivotally connected to the carriage and the opposite corner connected to a pull-in type pipe connector for releasably securing the arm to a tanker manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Glen E. Lochte, Cryssis N. Pashalis
  • Patent number: 4116385
    Abstract: A universal mounting structure for supporting a fog generator discharge head used in applying insecticides. The universal mounting structure includes a first conduit means constructed of a pair of right angularly disposed conduit portions for defining an entrance passageway and a transfer passageway, with one of the conduit portions including means for connecting the conduit means to fog generator air blower means. The universal mounting structure includes a second conduit means constructed of a pair of right angularly disposed conduit portions for defining a transfer passageway and an exit passageway. The second conduit means is connected to the first conduit means so that adjacent conduit portions are coaxially aligned with each other for angular adjustment about a vertically disposed axis and includes locking means for securing the second conduit means in a selected angularly adjusted position relative to the first conduit means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: Lowndes Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Waldron
  • Patent number: 4114662
    Abstract: An articulated arm is described which comprises an articulated product tube permittedly connected in use to a fixed product conduit. A product tube support is connected to and pivotal about substantially the same axes of the product tube and one or more counterweights is mounted on and movable with the product tube support so as to balance the weight of the product tube and the support. In order to allow for thermal expansion of the product tube, the product tube support member is connected adjacent its outboard end to the product tube by connection which allows for relative movement between the support and the tube. The tube may be connected to a plate slidably received in a recess in a member mounted on the product tube support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: National Supply Company (U.K.) Limited
    Inventors: John Purefoy Goodacre, Colin Potter, Peter Ball
  • Patent number: 4111465
    Abstract: A torsionally controlled swivel joint having at least one axis of rotation is provided with a torque element, either in the form of a helical torsion spring or one or more torsion bars, completely enclosed within the flow passage of the joint to counteract torsional forces applied to one section of the joint relative to another section. One end of the torque element is rigidly connected to one section of the joint while the other end is rigidly connected to a cylindrical adjustment disc rotatable with and sealed in fluid tight engagement to the other section of the swivel joint. In the preferred embodiment, torsional preloading of the torque element is achieved by a plurality of locking balls in a ball race formed in the mating surfaces of the adjustment disc and swivel joint section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Houston W. Knight
  • Patent number: 4109681
    Abstract: A hoisting crane is of the type comprising a tower and at the top region thereof one inner and one outer jib section which are pivotably mounted. The jib sections have roughly the same length and are by a means slewed relative to the tower, whereby the outer end of the outer jib section -- which carries a hoist controlled lifting hook-- always takes substantially the same level. A pipe for pumping of concrete to a portioning means at the outer end of the outer jib section is attached to the tower and the two jib sections. Rotary couplings are provided coaxial with the pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: Tornborg & Lundberg AB
    Inventor: John E. L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 4109688
    Abstract: A loading arm having an inner conduit section, an outer conduit section, and a manually operable arm extension, is disclosed. The entire arm assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis, and a motor is provided to raise and lower the inner conduit section about a horizontal axis. Two parallel rods are connected at one end to a fixed link at said horizontal axis and connected at the opposite end to the outer conduit section to maintain the outer conduit section in a fixed attitude at any position of the inner conduit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Neal E. Jameson
  • Patent number: 4103709
    Abstract: A faucet spout includes a non-metallic hub and a metallic spout cover having a body portion surrounding the hub and an integral spout portion. A non-metallic spout tube is positioned inside of the spout portion and in turn has a sealed fluid connection with the interior of the hub for communication with the valve positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Stanadyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank S. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4099542
    Abstract: A marine loading arm jumper assembly especially suitable for use on a buoy or other offshore fluid transferring facility where tanker movements are large and space is limited. The assembly comprises a pair of articulated loading arms extending from a coaxial pipe swivel joint mounted on the buoy, and a terminal pipe swivel joint assembly including another coaxial swivel joint for connecting this dual arm system to a tanker manifold. A guide arm assembly also is provided to maintain the loading arm in proper alignment with the terminal swivel joint assembly while the arm is disconnected therefrom as during periods of very bad weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Harold M. Gibbons
  • Patent number: 4093003
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading of ships, including a stand pipe on a dock, an inner jib pipe, a beam approximately parallel to the inner jib pipe, and an outer jib pipe whose free end has a pipe line coupling for connection to the coupling device of a ship. The inner jib pipe at one end is connected to and pivotal in a vertical plane on the stand pipe. The inner jib pipe on its other end supports the outer jib pipe, which is pivotal in the same plane. An extension of the outer jib pipe extending beyond the latter pivot is pivotally connected to one end of the beam. The beam towards its other end is connected pivotally to a link which itself is pivotally connected to the stand pipe. The pivot bearings for the beam and inner jib pipe are arranged coaxially on the stand pipe. The beam and the inner jib pipe are extended beyond the pivot bearing with the stand pipe and carry compensating weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Miller, Heinz Keltjens
  • Patent number: 4092996
    Abstract: This apparatus is designed for transferring fluid from a fluid source to a fluid consumer. The system includes two substantially identical, extendable and collapsable pipe systems each of which includes a plurality of substantially rigid pipes and a plurality of pipe coupling devices. The pipe coupling devices are arranged to pivotally connect the ends of the pipes together so that fluid may flow from pipe to pipe through the pipe coupling devices. A plurality of holding devices are arranged to hold a specific portion of a pipe in one pipe system in a pivotal spaced apart relationship to a corresponding portion of a pipe in the other pipe system. Fluid from the flow source communicates with one end of each of the pipe systems through the plurality of pipes, through the plurality of pipe coupling devices to a fluid consumer or fluid distributor. This apparatus also includes a plurality of supporting devices each arranged for carrying the pipe systems above a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Arne Karl Kock
  • Patent number: 4090842
    Abstract: The gas-on pipe is supported independently of the firing hood to provide for a greater length of the gas-on pipe thereby reducing the deflection stress in the gas-on pipe to acceptable values; adjustments to the end of the gas-on pipe is facilitated during kiln operation to obtain low stress values; the location of the end of the gas-on pipe is not affected by thermal expansion of the firing hood; and cooling process air leakage into the firing hood which causes overheating or process complications is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: Allis-Chalmers Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene F. Rossi
  • Patent number: 4085781
    Abstract: A spar having fluid flow lines or material conveyors extending along the same is anchored by a ball joint, U-joint, elastic joint or the like to a base on the bottom of a body of water, such as a sea bottom. The spar has a buoyancy chamber near its upper end for applying an upward tension thereto at all times. When a vessel is adjacent to the upper end of the spar, tension means extends between the spar and structures on the vessel bow to couple the two together. The tension means provides a lateral force exerted on the spar to bias the spar toward the vessel even as the latter changes position relative to the spar due to current, wave and wind action. Several embodiments of the tension means are disclosed. The fluid flow lines carried by the spar connect a base manifold on the bottom of a body of water with delivery hoses or other conductors which can provide flexibility and are connected to the vessel for the transfer of crude oil and other fluids thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Assignee: Bechtel International Corporation
    Inventors: Luis B. Serpas, Sam W. Small, Frederick S. Ellers
  • Patent number: 4083135
    Abstract: A dredging pipe assembly includes at least two rigid sections physically connected together by a cardan joint and connected for fluid continuity by a pair of flexible sections disposed in spaced apart relation with the cardan joint between them. A flexible duct serving additional equipment bridges the cardan joint without interfering with the flexible sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignees: Ballast-Nedam Groep, N.V., Amsterdamse Ballast Bagger en Gran, b.v.
    Inventors: Theodorus van den Brink, Tjako Aaldrik Wolters
  • Patent number: 4083133
    Abstract: In a suction dredger, the connection between the water tube flange and the water duct flange is more reliable in operation, if the slush tube is adapted to turn by means of a rotary gland with respect to the slush tube flange to be rigidly coupled with the floating body, with the slush tube flange being connected through an arm with a water tube piece, while the water tube piece is connected through a flexible tubing with the water tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Ballast-Nedam Groep N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Jan Ravesteyn, Jan DE Koning, Tjako Aaldrik Wolters
  • Patent number: 4079752
    Abstract: Pipe coupling assembly for mounting on a tank vessel for use in transferring liquid to or from a single point mooring buoy, or for use in other locations where use of a loading arm is not practicable. The assembly comprises a pipe coupling capable of being releasably clamped to a pipe or hose end. Conduit means including an elbow is connected between the pipe coupling and a swivel assembly. A support is arranged to support the swivel assembly spaced from a support surface so that the pipe coupling is rotatably moveable about the swivel assembly between an operative downwardly facing position and a rearwardly and/or upwardly facing retracted position relative to the support surface. A pair of pipe couplings, arranged to operate in synchronism, may be mounted on a pair of swivels to allow simultaneous coupling to a pair of hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Bridon Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Arthur Loftus Paddington
  • Patent number: 4066098
    Abstract: An articulated branch assembly comprising pipe member and appropriately arranged combinations of fluid carrying swivels, ball joints, or rubber hose is fixed to the outboard end of a conventional marine cargo loading arm. The branch assembly is used for bunkering vessels while the arm is supported off the cargo manifold adjacent to the bunker manifold. Fitting marine cargo arms with the bunkering assembly and supporting the arm off the cargo manifold permits, for a large percentage of vessels, simultaneous bunkering and cargo transfer through the other cargo arms in the bank. The branch assembly also: eliminates in many cases the need for a separate bunker arm(s), avoids overstressing of the smaller, weaker bunker manifolds, and makes the bunker manifolds more accessible without resorting to long lengths of hose or auxiliary bunkering saddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Donald J. Gallo
  • Patent number: 4066093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose feeding winch intended for use in charging drill-holes with pulverulent or pumpable explosives through a hose inserted into each individual drill-hole. The winch comprises a drum rotatable about a central shaft, a drum cage enclosing said drum and rotatable about said central shaft, and a cradle supporting the central shaft and rotatable about a central axis on the platform of the truck. The drum has means forming a channel or path for the charging hose to be wound and unwound thereon in a single layer, and without displacement by sliding movement in radial or peripheral direction on the surface of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Nitro Nobel AB
    Inventor: Bengt Gunnar Wilhelm Egerstrom
  • Patent number: 4060282
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a slurry composed of a solid suspended in a liquid, for separating the solid from the liquid, and for discharging the solid onto a mound for storage. The hydroseparating stacker includes a separator for removing a portion of the liquid from the slurry and leaving a slurry concentrate. The separator is supported by a boom which includes a first hollow support element operably coupled to the separator for transporting the slurry thereto. The boom also includes a second hollow support element operably coupled to the separator for removing the excess liquid therefrom. The separator and the boom are movably suspended superadjacent to the mound for depositing the slurry concentrate discharged from the separator onto the mound for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1977
    Inventor: Edwin A. Kehr
  • Patent number: 4050585
    Abstract: A loading arm for transferring petroleum products at sea between two floating vessels. The loading arm structure includes a rotatably supported column having a boom hingedly supported at the upper end of the column for rotation about a first horizontal axis. An outer arm is hingedly connected at one end to the outer end of the boom for rotation about a second horizontal axis. A hydraulic/pneumatic spring includes a hydraulic cylinder connected between the column and the boom, the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder being pressurized from a large volume of gas for counterbalancing the weight of the boom and the arm. A second hydraulic/pneumatic spring is coupled between the column and a lever arm rotatable about the first horizontal axis. Linkage means couples the lever arm to the outer arm for maintaining the lever arm and outer arm in fixed angular relationship relative to each other as they rotate. The gas pressure in the hydraulic/pneumatic springs is adjustable to accommodate changes in load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1977
    Assignee: Ameron, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Wilms