Joined Sections Patents (Class 138/155)
  • Publication number: 20030079789
    Abstract: This invention related to a pre-formed channel piping system. This invention relates to a pre-formed channel piping system to facilitate a combination utility fluid system with an underground communication network. The pre-formed fluid pipes include a channel for carrying communication components in a protected casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: CityNet Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Egan, Cortez White
  • Publication number: 20030079788
    Abstract: This invention related to a pre-formed channel piping system. This invention relates to a pre-formed channel piping system to facilitate a combination utility fluid system with an underground communication network. The pre-formed fluid pipes include a channel for carrying communication components in a protected casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: CityNet Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Egan, Cortez White
  • Publication number: 20030080552
    Abstract: A weldable plastic tube (10) has at least one end designed to be butt welded and designed for the conveyance of a fluid producing a drop in mechanical resistance of said weldable plastic. The tube comprises an internal layer (12) for protection of the plastic of the tube from contact with the fluid conveyed and adjoining said welding end has a terminal section permanently covered with an external reinforcing sleeve (13) also of weldable plastic to participate in the butt welding of the tube. The sleeve has a thickness such as to make the mechanical resistance of the tube section nearest the welded end at least equal to the mechanical resistance of the tube not in contact with the fluid when in contact with the fluid in the welding zone which will be without the internal protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Massimo Genoni
  • Publication number: 20030075227
    Abstract: Thermoformed intake duct (1) made of non-woven material and including flanges (6, 7, 8, 9) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the duct, projecting from the outer surface of the duct, a first portion (4) of the duct being formed in the form of a first bellows, a first bellows-shaped portion (4) having two longitudinal flanges (6, 7) diametrically opposed along a first diameter (D2), characterized in that the duct includes at least a second bellows-shaped portion (5) having two longitudinal flanges (8, 9) diametrically opposed along a second diameter (D3) of the duct which makes, with respect to the first diameter (D2) of the two flanges (6, 7) of the first bellows-shaped portion, a non-zero angle, and especially 90°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Henri Lepoutre
  • Patent number: 6536480
    Abstract: High-pressure pipe element made of a hooped tube for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil production installations, notably offshore. The high-pressure pipe element is an assembly consisting of two connections (3) and (4) respectively welded to the two ends of a metallic tube (1). The metallic assembly is hooped. Hooping (2) covering tube (1) comprises a sufficient number of hooping layers to withstand a determined internal pressure. Transition zones (5) and (7) in the vicinity of the welds comprise additional hooping layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, E.A.D.S. Composites Aquitaine
    Inventors: Jean Guesnon, Christian Gaillard, Pierre Schaeffner, Christophe Blois
  • Publication number: 20030051762
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bending and holding aid, especially for pipes, cables and lines consisting of a bendable hollow body that is closed, at least in sections, open at both front ends having a substantially tube-shaped enveloping surface, which consists of individual articulated members connected by means of connecting elements with flexible angles, where the freely accessible front ends of an articulated member form a sharp angle whose opening is oriented in the direction of the connecting elements. The bending aid is configured such that the connecting element is a defined one-dimensional joint and that on the side of the bending aid opposite the connecting elements catching elements are disposed that connect the adjacent articulated members so as to interlock, without additional holding device, when the bending aid is bent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Kessler
  • Patent number: 6532993
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a kit for installing an underground piping system. The kit includes a protective conduit having flexible piping contained therein and a plurality of sealing members. The installer positions the protective conduit and flexible piping as a single unit thereby facilitating installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Albino
  • Patent number: 6527015
    Abstract: Pipes or pipelines insulated on their surface or surfaces are described. The pipes or pipelines may be for submerged service, below the surface of water. The insulation chosen may be an epoxy substantially free of phenolics and one or more of glass or ceramics. The coating may be an abrasion resistant coating. Such pipes or pipelines are generally intended for the transport of fluids, which can include natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, chemicals, combinations thereof, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: F. Glenn Lively
  • Patent number: 6523575
    Abstract: An outlet tube comprising a unitary material sheet folding into a rectangular shape and having overlapping ends secured with rivets, the outlet further including flanges extending outwardly from one end of the walls of the rectangular shape, and slots at the upper and lower fold lines to accommodate irregular shaped holes via bending of the sides of the outlet tube. Three sizes of flat blanks handle all gutter common hole sizes, and these blanks are made by one die assembly, which include holes on flange to allow riveting to the floor or the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: M&B Manufacturing
    Inventor: Mitchell S. Mrsny
  • Patent number: 6520211
    Abstract: A transport pipe for solid materials has a single layer pipe section having a threaded first end and a thread second end. The pipe section has a hardened inner mantle. A first coupling collar having a first threaded collar is threaded onto the threaded first end. A second coupling collar having a second threaded collar portion is threaded onto the threaded second end. Wear-resistant layers are located in the region of the first and second coupling collars. Seals in the form of, for example, O-rings, U-shaped profiles, or flat packings, can be provided between the coupling collars and the pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Esser-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Esser
  • Patent number: 6516833
    Abstract: This invention relates to flexible tubular conduits or pipes particularly in situations where the conduits need to withstand relatively high pressures. In such cases, the conduits are reinforced by helically wound armor which is compliant in flexure, and profiled to allow each subsequent turn to interlock with the previous turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: University College London
    Inventors: Joel Aaron Witz, Raymond Nicholas Burke
  • Publication number: 20030024587
    Abstract: High-pressure pipe element made of a hooped tube for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil production installations, notably offshore. The high-pressure pipe element is an assembly consisting of two connections (3) and (4) respectively welded to the two ends of a metallic tube (1). The metallic assembly is hooped. Hooping (2) covering tube (1) comprises a sufficient number of hooping layers to withstand a determined internal pressure. Transition zones (5) and (7) in the vicinity of the welds comprise additional hooping layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jean Guesnon, Christian Gaillard, Pierre Schaeffner, Christophe Blois
  • Publication number: 20030010391
    Abstract: A floor panel for use in an air handling unit that provides a thermal barrier to the passage of heat. The panel is reinforced internally so that it can support a heavy piece of air handling equipment inside the unit such as an air conditioner heat exchanger coil. The panel includes a reservoir for collecting moisture from the coil and rapidly exhausting the moisture from the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: John Carlisle Adams, Timothy Edward Ruhl
  • Publication number: 20030010392
    Abstract: A panel for use in air conditioning duct for carrying air along an enclosed path of travel. The panel includes a rectangular shaped frame made of a material having a relatively high R value. The frame is closed by a top cover and a bottom cover so that a cavity is established within the panel. The cavity is filled with a curable material that sets inside the panel to bond the walls of the frame together and to bond the covers to the frame. A bulb seal having high insulation characteristics extending along the length of one edge of adjoining panels so that energy transmission is further inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Adams, Michael W. Austin, Christian C. Herbeck
  • Publication number: 20030001387
    Abstract: A pipe connecting structure for connecting a pair of sleeve-like pipes integrally in an axial direction by inserting a male side end portion of one of the pair of sleeve-like pipes into an opening of a female side end portion of the other sleeve-like pipe so as to serve as a connecting portion, wherein a male side protrusion insertion hole and a female side protrusion insertion hole are formed in a peripheral surface of each end portion of a pair of the sleeve-like pipes which constitute the connecting portion, the protrusion insertion holes are brought into coincident with each other, an engagement protrusion is inserted in the protrusion insertion holes and engaged therewith, and such an engagement state of the engagement protrusion is retained by pressing the engagement protrusion with a sleeve member disposed in such a manner as to cover the connecting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Tawara, Makoto Kato
  • Publication number: 20030000592
    Abstract: An electrically self-grounding connector for joining end portions of fluid flow conduit sections, and two processes for fabricating the connector. A connector formed according to one process includes an inner layer formed by electrically conductive, contiguous carbon ribbons, an outer layer of chopped carbon fibers, and a layer of surfacing veil between the inner and outer layers. A connector formed according to the other process substitutes a layer of carbon cloth for the carbon ribbons. In both connectors, electrically conductive carbon forming the inner and outer surfaces acts to dissipate and neutralize electrostatic charges generated by triboelectric processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond L. Wellman, Michael S. Cork
  • Patent number: 6501026
    Abstract: An accessory to be attached to a base section of trunking for routing electrical cables is provided with a wall for concealing, inside the trunking, any longitudinal gap beyond an edge of at least one length of cover section. The wall has an effacable projecting finger on the front. Applications include the fitting of electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: David Piole, Bertrand Decore
  • Publication number: 20020195158
    Abstract: The application describes a method of manufacturing a double-walled pipe structure, comprising the steps of providing a pair of inner flow pipe and an outer sleeve pipe around each thereof, providing an insulating material within each annular space therebetween, joining the two inner flow pipes in an end-to-end relationship with the outer sleeve pipes spaced apart, and sliding a cover section into place over the gap between the sleeve pipes, the cover section comprising a length of tube with a longitudinal split therealong, wherein prior to sliding, the cover section is opened by enlarging the split thereby to provide an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the sleeve pipe, and after sliding the cover section is compressed such that its inner diameter is less than the outer diameter of the sleeve pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Turner, Paul Summerfield
  • Patent number: 6497256
    Abstract: A panel for use in air conditioning duct for carrying air along an enclosed path of travel. The panel includes a rectangular shaped frame made of a material having a relatively high R value. The frame is closed by a top cover and a bottom cover so that a cavity is established within the panel. The cavity is filled with a curable material that sets inside the panel to bond the walls of the frame together and to bond the covers to the frame. A bulb seal having high insulation characteristics extending along the length of one edge of adjoining panels so that energy transmission is further inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Adams, Michael W. Austin, Christian C. Herbeck
  • Patent number: 6497255
    Abstract: A floor panel for use in an air handling unit that provides a thermal barrier to the passage of heat. The panel is reinforced internally so that it can support a heavy piece of air handling equipment inside the unit such as an air conditioner heat exchanger coil. The panel includes a reservoir for collecting moisture from the coil and rapidly exhausting the moisture from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John Carlisle Adams, Timothy Edward Ruhl
  • Patent number: 6494233
    Abstract: An insert with connecting outlet for flexible hoses, particularly for hydraulic and industrial applications, comprising a body which is suitable to be inserted, with a first end, in a flexible hose to be connected and, with a second end, in a port of an apparatus, by locking through a rotatable male element; the end of the body of the insert that is suitable to be inserted in the apparatus port being provided with a retention element which is suitable to lock in its seat the rotatable male element when the insert is inserted, with its second end, in the rotatable male element, the rotatable male element being externally threaded for engagement with the port of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Manuli Rubber Industries S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Seghi
  • Patent number: 6494234
    Abstract: A pipe bend for a pipeline for transporting abrasive materials, includes a pair of coupling collars having an outer ring, which has an outer circumferential anchoring groove, and an inner ring secured in the outer ring against axial displacement and made of a more wear-resistant material than the outer ring. Extending between the coupling collars is an arcuate outer pipe portion which is welded at both its ends to the outer rings of the coupling collars, and has a greater inner diameter than the outer rings. Extending at a radial distance to the outer pipe portion between the inner rings of the coupling collars is an arcuate inner pipe portion made of more wear-resistant material than the outer pipe portion and having opposite ends of an inner cross section in coaxial alignment to an inner cross section of the inner rings, for radial support upon the outer pipe portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Esser-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Esser
  • Patent number: 6494232
    Abstract: A modular protective sleeve for underground utilities may be pulled into an underground utility duct by using lanyards extending between two adjacent manholes through the utility duct. The modular protective sleeve may be assembled over an existing and active utility service such as electrical or telephone cables, optical cables, or gas lines, without disrupting the utility service. The protective sleeve comprises at least one bottom half-shell and two top half-shells which are interlocked on to another in such a way that they may be pulled in either direction. Once the protective sleeve is in place, the concrete casing surrounding the utility duct may be broken without danger to the utility service, after which repair or splicing to the utility can be carried out. The sleeve may then be retrieved for re-use, or left in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Waddleton
  • Patent number: 6475625
    Abstract: In a structure for joining a first plastic part and a second plastic part, the first plastic part is composed of at least one resin such as polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), while the second plastic part is composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Between the two parts, a metamorphic polyethylene layer exhibiting a good joining property for both the first and second plastic parts is interposed to join the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuharu Muto, Hiroshi Osaki
  • Patent number: 6463961
    Abstract: A hanger comprises a contact portion that makes surface contact with one face of the duct; a tongue piece as an engagement member that protrudes from the contact portion toward a tip end; a base portion bent continuously with the contact portion and away from the duct so as to form a guide rail accommodating space between the base portion and the tongue piece; a pressing portion formed continuously with the base portion, for pressing a face adjacent to the one face toward the tip end of the tongue piece to allow the guide rail to be securely retained between the pressing portion and the tongue piece; and a member for mounting a hanging member to the base portion. A method for hanging the duct comprises inserting a tongue piece of the hanger into the groove-shaped space of the duct; and bending the pressing portion toward the guide rail to press the face adjacent to the one peripheral face of the duct, thereby fixing the hanger to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Air System Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shozo Iizuka
  • Patent number: 6464261
    Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting two double-walled pipes, e.g. production filter pipes (10, 12). The coupling may have the shape of a connector (10A, 12A) divided into two parts, each part (10A, 12A) being attachable on the end portion of a double pipe (10, 12), the parts (10A, 12A) of the connector being interconnectable, preferably mutually screwable. Such double pipes (10, 12) have two concentric liquid passages, one through the inner pipe (14) and one through the annulus-like, concentric liquid passage 920) between inner pipe (14) and outer pipe (16). In order not to block the outer concentric liquid passage (20) at the joint place (10A, 12A) so that liquid flowing therewithin must be transferred to said smaller pipe through a valve, longitudinally extending, through-going flowing channels (18) have been formed in the joint area; said channels (18) may be distributed circumferentially, thus allowing continuous flow of liquid past the coupling area (10A, 12A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Reslink AS
    Inventors: Arthur Dybevik, Ole S. Kvernstuen, Terje Moen
  • Patent number: 6460573
    Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Engel Industries
    Inventors: Joshua D. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, Herbert J. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20020134452
    Abstract: Girth welds with crack arresting capability, and welding methods for producing same in high strength pipelines, are provided. Girth welds according to this invention are produced in high strength pipelines by welding methods that produce (i) HAZ microstructures that are softer than the pipeline steels, (ii) weld toes that act as stress/strain concentrators, thus promoting tearing in the HAZ and a ring-off fracture; and (iii) a weld geometry that promotes an inclined fracture path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas P. Fairchild, Clifford W. Petersen, Scott D. Papka, Mario L. Macia
  • Publication number: 20020134453
    Abstract: A temporary fixing structure includes recesses formed with a mounting hole of a first tubular body to face each other wherein the diameter of the mounting hole extending along the recesses is smaller than that of a flange, and protrusions arranged at the head of an end portion of a second tubular body wherein a spacing between the protrusion and the flange is substantially equal to the thickness of a mounting surface of the first tubular body and wherein the protrusions are arranged inside the fist tubular body through the recesses. The second tubular body is turned with respect to the first tubular body to bring a flat portion of the flange into close contact with the mounting surface of the first tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Chikuma, Takahiro Nakakomi, Hirokazu Yaezawa, Yoshinobu Okuno, Katsumi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6448498
    Abstract: A flexible raceway arrangement for routing power and/or communication cabling to a work area. The raceway arrangement includes an elongate support member which mounts thereon a plurality of raceway covers arranged along the support member in side-by-side relation with one another to define an elongate raceway run. The individual side covers are pivotably openable to provide access to cabling within the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Jay King, Charles J. Saylor, X. Shawn Yu, Clifford Wayne Nelson, Robert Clare Wayner, Barry Lee Andersen, David E. Emery
  • Patent number: 6443497
    Abstract: A device for tightening a spout, attached to a previously installed angled pipe having an outside radius of curvature, in a position relative to a stop member having an opening through which at least a length of the pipe extends, comprising, at least one sleeve, comprises: at least a first leg and a second leg which meet at a juncture which defines an angle substantially corresponding to the angled pipe, wherein the first and second legs have a combined total length, wherein the first leg has a leg length and is substantially rigid along at least a portion of the leg length, has an inside radius of curvature that is approximately equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the angled pipe, and wherein the sleeve has a slit, along the entire total length of the first and second legs, to allow the sleeve to be pressed onto and at least partially about the angled pipe; and a method for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: David B. Gravison
  • Publication number: 20020117229
    Abstract: A bead and interconnecting bead structure for use in a flexible arm assembly having improved interface characteristics allowing for simple, quiet adjustment of the structure in three dimensions, while simultaneously increasing the weight of object the arm assembly can support. The interface characteristics are improved by utilizing two different materials at the area of contact between two adjacent beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Harold A. Luettgen, Michael Cammack
  • Publication number: 20020108661
    Abstract: A pipe construction kit comprises two pipe sections in the form of twin-wall pipes. A spigot is formed on one end of a pipe section, while a socket is formed on the associated end of the other pipe section. The socket and the spigot are twin-wall pipes, having predominantly smooth-walled internal pipe sections and corrugated external pipe sections with elevations and troughs. The outside diameter of the pipe sections and the outside diameter of the socket are approximately equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph Peter Hegler
  • Publication number: 20020100517
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plastic jacket having air spaces formed by spaced walls used to insulate hot and cold piping systems and the fittings for those systems. The jacket is made from multiple segments, which are joined together along their longitudinal joints. The segments are joined to each other by tongue and groove connections. One segment can be cut longitudinally and glued to another segment to make a larger segment to fit various diameters of pipe. In a further embodiment, the plastic jacket is modified to form the duct of a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. The inner wall of the jacket forms the air duct. In both embodiments, at least some of the segments have hinge portions created by omitting the inner wall at the hinge portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Norman George Somerville, James Lannen Beckstrom, Robert Kent Nicholson, Richard Bedner
  • Publication number: 20020096224
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for connecting the ends of sheet metal ducts wherein each duct end is provided with a double walled frame. Corner connectors defining perpendicularly extending arms are associated with each frame, and bolts or other fasteners are utilized for connecting the connectors and frames. The respective double walled frames comprise integral sections at the duct ends. The sections include an upturned portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the duct wall, a second portion bent rearwardly from the outer end of the first portion, a third return portion, and an inner wall portion extending from the outer end of the third portion and forming a L-shaped portion. When the frame is formed in this fashion, it is adapted to receive the side edges of respective arms of corner connectors whereby the ducts may be efficiently assembled by locating corner connectors in place and thereafter applying the fasteners used for maintaining the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: William V. Goodhue
  • Patent number: 6412519
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for connecting the ends of sheet metal ducts wherein each duct end is provided with a double walled frame. Corner connectors defining perpendicularly extending arms are associated with each frame, and bolts or other fasteners are utilized for connecting the connectors and frames. The respective double walled frames comprise integral sections at the duct ends. The sections include an upturned portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the duct wall, a second portion bent rearwardly from the outer end of the first portion, a third return portion, and an inner wall portion extending from the outer end of the third portion and forming a L-shaped portion. When the frame is formed in this fashion, it is adapted to receive the side edges of respective arms of corner connectors whereby the ducts may be efficiently assembled by locating corner connectors in place and thereafter applying the fasteners used for maintaining the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William V. Goodhue
  • Publication number: 20020079011
    Abstract: A removable/reusable insulating cover includes an insulating material, a flexible and puncture resistant coating, a flap which is an extension of the coating and a hinge which is an integral part of the coating. The system provides a flexible yet durable insulation cover, which may be removed and reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Peter R. Toth
  • Patent number: 6408889
    Abstract: A bendable tube used for an endoscope or the like, includes a plurality of joint pieces 11 arranged in a row. Each of the joint pieces is provided at one end portion thereof with a pair of first connecting portions 12 and at the other end portion with a pair of second connecting portions 13. The first connecting portions 12 are projected in a center axis direction of the joint piece and arranged 180 degrees away from each other in a peripheral direction, and the second connecting portions 13 are projected in the opposite direction to the first connecting portions 12 and arranged 180 degrees away from each other in the peripheral direction. The first connecting portion 12 is formed with a through-hole 12a (retaining portion) and the second connecting portion 13 is formed with a protrusion 13a. The first and second connecting portions 12, 13 of the adjacent joint pieces 11 are connected together only by fitting engagement between the protrusion 13a and the through-hole 12a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Machida Endoscope Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Komachi
  • Patent number: 6405761
    Abstract: The present invention provides a metal pipe bonded body formed from a plurality of metal pipes. Each metal-pipe is formed with an elongated, pre-formed portion at each end, and a central portion, each elongated, preformed portion having a constant inside diameter greater than an inside diameter of the central portion of each metal pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Daido Tokushuko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Shimizu, Hirotsugu Horio, Kazushige Kito, Shigeyuki Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20020070031
    Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Benn A. Voll, Elmer R. Peterson, Simon Angelle, Ken Dyson, John L. Baugh, John T. Broome
  • Publication number: 20020066491
    Abstract: Pipes or pipelines insulated on their surface or surfaces are described. The pipes or pipelines may be for submerged service, below the surface of water. The insulation chosen may be an epoxy substantially free of phenolics and one or more of glass or ceramics. The coating may be an abrasion resistant coating. Such pipes or pipelines are generally intended for the transport of fluids, which can include natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, chemicals, combinations thereof, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: F. Glenn Lively
  • Publication number: 20020066492
    Abstract: A conduit pipe is installed within a cable tunnel and telecommunication cables are disposed in the conduit pipe. The conduit pipe is divided longitudinally into a plurality of divided bodies. Each divided body is equipped at one longitudinal side with a retaining part and at the other longitudinal side with a protruded part. A single conduit pipe is formed when the divided bodies are connected to each other along the longitudinal side. Since the divided bodies can be wound around a small-diameter bobbin to be carried, the space for their custody is reduced and the carriage thereof is easier. Further, since connection parts on surfaces of the conduit pipes can be arranged such that they occupy empty spaces between conduit pipes, the space occupied by the connection parts can be minimized, thereby comparatively larger number of telecommunication cables being able to be disposed within the cable tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Young-Sug Kang, Geu-Bok Kim, Yong-Kun Noh, Myung-Woo Seo, Jeong-Kwen Park
  • Patent number: 6397895
    Abstract: Pipes or pipelines insulated and optionally coated on their interior surface or surfaces are described. Pipes or pipelines insulated and optionally coated on their exterior surface or surfaces are also contemplated, The pipes or pipelines may be for submerged service, below the surface of water. The insulation chosen may be an epoxy substantially free of phenolics and one or more of glass or ceramics. The coating may be an abrasion resistant coating. Such pipes or pipelines are generally intended for the transport of fluids, which can include natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, chemicals, combinations thereof, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: F. Glenn Lively
  • Patent number: 6390137
    Abstract: This invention relates to a co-tube assembly for a heating and air conditioning system. The co-tube assembly comprises a connector an inner tube and an outer tube. The connector including a first opening, a second opening and a third opening. The inner tube extends through the first opening and the second opening of the connector. The inner tube has a first portion axially outwardly of the first opening of the connector and a second portion axially outwardly of the second opening of the connector. The outer tube is disposed over the first portion of said inner tube and inserted into said first opening of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Ewald, Charles Thrift, John Horst
  • Patent number: 6390139
    Abstract: A conduit pipe is installed within a cable tunnel and telecommunication cables are disposed in the conduit pipe. The conduit pipe is divided longitudinally into a plurality of divided bodies. Each divided body is equipped at one longitudinal side with a retaining part and at the other longitudinal side with a protruded part. A single conduit pipe is formed when the divided bodies are connected to each other along the longitudinal side. Since the divided bodies can be wound around a small-diameter bobbin to be carried, the space for their custody is reduced and the carriage thereof is easier. Further, since connection parts on surfaces of the conduit pipes can be arranged such that they occupy empty spaces between conduit pipes, the space occupied by the connection parts can be minimized, thereby comparatively larger number of telecommunication cables being able to be disposed within the cable tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Korea Telecom
    Inventors: Young-Sug Kang, Geu-Bok Kim, Yong-Kun Noh, Myung-Woo Seo, Jeong-Kwen Park
  • Patent number: 6391414
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article of manufacture comprising a partial or complete tubular primary part defining a tube axis and having an at least partially curved circumferential wall at least partially encircling the axis; said wall comprising a joint edge, defining a) a joint line along said edge on said wall, b) a joint plane drawn to contain said joint line, c) a joining direction having at least a direction component perpendicular to said joint line and said joint plane, d) a locking plane at least partially at the surface or within a section through said wall in which both said joint line and said joining direction lies and e) a normal direction being perpendicular to said joint plane; and at least one locking structure, the improvement comprising that the locking structure includes at least one positive or negative hook structure in said locking plane, extending in the joining direction away from the joint line and having an undercut in the locking plane and that the hook structure is exposed from a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Birger Hjertman, Rudolf Cseke
  • Patent number: 6360783
    Abstract: Thermal insulating panels for application to HVAC rectangular ductwork each comprise a first layer of solid insulation with a second layer of solid insulation laminated to the first layer. An outer metal layer of embossed aluminum is laminated to the second layer of each panel. These panels are secured to the outside of the rectangular ductwork with at least four interlocking panels, one on each side thereof joined together at the four corners of the ductwork. The outside metal layer of embossed aluminum of at least some of the panels includes right angle flanges along the sides thereof for attachment to an adjacent panel. A number of panels are arranged end-to-end in a series along each side of the rectangular duct, and an overlapping joint is provided between adjacent panels in the series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: P.T.M. Manufacturing L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louis P. Faverio, IV, Timothy C. Shelton, Michael R. Zimny
  • Patent number: 6345730
    Abstract: A first strand of interconnected hollow polymeric chambers is connected to a second strand of interconnected hollow polymeric chambers. A connecting portion of the first strand has an outer surface contour conforming to a portion of the inner surface of a chamber. A partial chamber is formed on the end of the second strand, the partial chamber having an inner surface that conforms to the outer surface of the connecting portion. The connecting portion is inserted into the partial chamber and the two strands are held together by adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: John I. Izuchukwu, Stan A. Sanders, Darrell Dearing
  • Publication number: 20020005222
    Abstract: A pipe bend for a pipeline for transporting abrasive materials, includes a pair of coupling collars having an outer ring, which has an outer circumferential anchoring groove, and an inner ring secured in the outer ring against axial displacement and made of a more wear-resistant material than the outer ring. Extending between the coupling collars is an arcuate outer pipe portion which is welded at both its ends to the outer rings of the coupling collars, and has a greater inner diameter than the outer rings. Extending at a radial distance to the outer pipe portion between the inner rings of the coupling collars is an arcuate inner pipe portion made of more wear-resistant material than the outer pipe portion and having opposite ends of an inner cross section in coaxial alignment to an inner cross section of the inner rings, for radial support upon the outer pipe portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Esser
  • Patent number: 6325106
    Abstract: A transport pipe for solid materials has a single layer pipe section having a threaded first end and a thread second end. The pipe section has a hardened inner mantle. A first coupling collar having a first threaded collar is threaded onto the threaded first end. A second coupling collar having a second threaded collar portion is threaded onto the threaded second end. Wear-resistant layers are located in the region of the first and second coupling collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Esser-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Esser