Tangential Screw Patents (Class 24/279)
  • Patent number: 6405437
    Abstract: An encasement machine (10) is provided to clamp a case (32) around an object (28) having a contour. The machine (10) includes a spacer mount (20), an actuator (14, 16), and a spacer (22). The spacer mount (20) defines an encasement region (26) and is adapted to receive the object (28) and case (32) in the encasement region (26). The actuator is coupled to the spacer mount (20) to move the spacer mount (20) between first and second positions. The spacer (22) is coupled to the spacer mount (20) to move with the spacer mount (20) between the first and second positions. The spacer (22) has a first surface (54) coupled to the spacer mount (20) and a second surface (52) that is adapted to face toward the object (28) and case (32). The second surface (52) has a contour that is substantially identical to the contour of the object (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilfried Sussmilch, Mick Wadsworth, Lei Boure
  • Patent number: 6398267
    Abstract: A device for coupling together in leaktight manner two smooth tubes disposed end-to-end, the device comprising a sleeve which diameter can be reduced by a tightening action, and a sealing ring (24) suitable for being disposed inside the sleeve so as to surround the ends of the two tubes. The ring is constituted by a looped flat strip (26) having two longitudinal ends (26a, 26b) suitable for coming into contact with each other when the sleeve is tightened around the tubes (20, 22). The first longitudinal end of the ring is provided with a notch (28), while the second longitudinal end of the ring is in the form of a tongue (30) suitable for being inserted into the notch. Both the width of the tongue and also the width of the notch taper in the direction going along the strip from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Pascal Detable, Michel Andre
  • Patent number: 6389654
    Abstract: A clamp assembly (8) in accordance with the present invention includes a tightening mechanism (10) connected to an elongated, flat metal band (12). The metal band is configured to encircle a conduit. The tightening mechanism (10) includes a saddle (14) securely attached to the band (12). A housing (16) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle (14). The housing (16) defines a recess (17) housing a locking worm (18). The locking, worm (18) is rotatable in the housing and defines spiral threads (20) adapted to cooperate with slots (26) defined in the band. The housing (16) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle (14) so that the housing is pivotable relative to the saddle and movable in an axial direction substantially parallel to the saddle to further engage and lock with the saddle in a closed position of the tightening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Breeze Industrial Products Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Tunno, Richard A. Lovgren, John A. Schreckengost
  • Publication number: 20020038495
    Abstract: A steel band for a hose clamp has a main body and at least one pair of end portions, wherein each one of the end portions has at least one slotted hole receiving a clamping screw with a screw head. The end portions are bent to form loops. Each loop has first and second legs. First and second clamping members are inserted into the loops, respectively. The first and second clamping members have a substantially cylindrical periphery. The first clamping member has a transverse bore without thread receiving a threaded shaft of the clamping screw allowing free movement of the threaded shaft. The second clamping member has a transverse threaded bore engaging the threaded shaft of the clamping screw. The first and second legs are connected to one another near the free end of the first leg by a positive-locking connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventors: Steffen Anthes, Willi Stichel, Gerhard Wachter, Stephan Mann
  • Patent number: 6361082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling for connection to a pipe end of a pipe made of polymer material and intended preferably for tap water or heating installations. The pipe coupling includes an inner sleeve intended for insertion into the pipe end and for abutment with the inner surface of said pipe end. The coupling further includes an outer sleeve intended for abutment with the outer surface of said pipe end. The outer sleeve is provided with a slot-like opening and means for adjusting the width of said opening. When the outer sleeve is in a tightened, adjusted state, the sleeve will be internally and externally cylindrical. A center axis through the outer cylindrical surface of the outer sleeve is spaced at a distance from a center axis through the inner cylindrical surface of the outer sleeve. In the tightened, adjusted state of the outer sleeve, the internal radius of said sleeve is smaller than the external radius of said pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Wirsbo Bruks AB
    Inventors: Peter Hauki, Yngve Lundequist, Rauno Asplund
  • Publication number: 20010047572
    Abstract: A band clamp for pipe joints is disclosed comprising a band with confronting sidewalls when wrapped around pipes to be coupled. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of force bars outboard of the sidewalls and a spline with concave surfaces on opposite sides, the spline being disposed between the end flanges. A bolt extends through bolt holes and draws the flanges against the spline to stretch the band around the pipes when the bolt is tightened against the force bars. The sidewalls have lateral flanges which overhang the spline to arrest movement of the sidewalls relative to the spline to obtain alignment of the bolt holes when the clamp is tightened. In some embodiments, the band is folded back on itself to form a double thickness which extends from the upper end of each sidewall to a point beyond the lower end of the sidewall and provides an inverted flap sandwiched between the clamp band and the pipe. The inverted flap may be secured to the band by mechanical interlock between the layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas R. Cassel, Michael E. Amedure
  • Patent number: 6305054
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a clamp for sealing a lap joint formed by a first pipe inserted within a second pipe. The clamp includes a strap having a concave inner curvature that curves about a central axis. The strap includes a first axial end positioned opposite from a second axial end. A first axial portion of the strap is positioned at the first axial end, and a second axial portion of the strap is positioned at the second axial end. The first axial portion has a cylindrical inner surface adapted to provide a seal about the first pipe, and the second axial portion has a cylindrical inner surface adapted to form a seal about the second pipe. A radial in-step connects the first and second axial portions. The radial in-step provides a diameter transition between an inner diameter D1 of the first axial portion and an inner diameter D2 of the second axial portion such that the inner diameter D1 is larger than the inner diameter D2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian A. Imes, John T. Herman, Wayne M. Wagner, James P. Shields
  • Patent number: 6282756
    Abstract: A pipe clip comprising an annular clip body which is made from metal and has adjacent clip-body ends which, between them, form an opening for positioning a pipe around which the pipe clip is to be placed and which can be joined together, which pipe clip furthermore comprises a female fastening element which is fixed to the metal clip body and has an axial bore provided with an internal screw thread for a male fastening element which is provided with an external screw thread and connects the pipe clip to a wall, ceiling or other support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: J. Van Walraven B.V.
    Inventor: Jan van Walraven
  • Patent number: 6269524
    Abstract: A band clamp for pipe joints is disclosed comprising a band with confronting sidewalls when wrapped around pipes to be coupled. The clamping mechanism includes a pair of force bars outboard of the sidewalls and a spline with concave surfaces on opposite sides, the spline being disposed between the end flanges. A bolt extends through bolt holes and draws the flanges against the spline to stretch the band around the pipes when the bolt is tightened against the force bars. The sidewalls have lateral flanges which overhang the spline to arrest movement of the sidewalls relative to the spline to obtain alignment of the bolt holes when the clamp is tightened. In some embodiments, the band is folded back on itself to form a double thickness which extends from the upper end of each sidewall to a point beyond the lower end of the sidewall and provides an inverted flap sandwiched between the clamp band and the pipe. The inverted flap may be secured to the band by mechanical interlock between the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas R. Cassel
  • Patent number: 6158094
    Abstract: A mechanical clamp used to secure hoses includes an elongated band. The band surrounds a central region and has a sequence of slots along its length. An adjustment screw has a hexagonal head that rotates about a longitudinal axis and has a thread that extends into the slots. Rotation of the screw adjusts the area of the central region. The head of the screw allows a driver to transfer torque to the head of the screw at an angle from the axis of rotation. The head is either curved or angled to allow a driver to efficiently engage the head of the screw during rotation when placed at an angle to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: William Rene Clanin
  • Patent number: 6145896
    Abstract: A coupler (10) for pipes is designed for end-to-end assembly of pipe elements (2,4). It contains a waterproof tubular elastomer gasket (14), an exterior collar (12) which contains a collar that is cut longitudinally and at least partially covers the gasket, and means (16) for tightening the collar to bring together its extremities and to compress the waterproofing gasket. The means for tightening contains two matched flanges (18, 20) attached to each extremity of the collar, and means (22) for fastening the two flanges one to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Pont-A-Mousson
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Vitel, Pierre Louis Barbe, Jean-Paul Gaillot, Bernard Coche
  • Patent number: 6131859
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an improved pipe clamping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Z.C.M. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marcucci Giuliano
  • Patent number: 6122870
    Abstract: A stack ban for sealing a pipe and boot extending from a roof of a building is disclosed. The stack ban includes a band of flexible material having a smooth inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface has a circumference substantially equal to a circumference of the pipe and forms a seal between the pipe and boot. The stack ban is preferably secured in a place by a clamp threaded inside of the band and tightened during the installation process. The band is preferably made of neoprene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Roger Marcum
  • Patent number: 6105216
    Abstract: The clamp assembly secures a tubular member to a support structure. A first embodiment of the clamp assembly includes a base for attachment to the support structure. A saddle, supported on the base, has an axial pocket extending laterally between a pair of spaced parallel sides for receiving the tubular member. A U-shaped clamp member having first and second legs straddles the saddle to clamp the tubular member in the pocket of the saddle. The assembly is characterized by a snap together connection for connecting the U-shaped clamp member and the saddle. A second embodiment of the clamp assembly includes a U-shaped clamp member having a first pair of spaced apart legs and a second pair of spaced apart legs forming an axial pocket therebetween for receiving a tubular member. A base is attached to the U-shaped clamp member with a living hinge for pivoting from an opened position to a closed position enclosing the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hydra-Zorb Co.
    Inventor: Orval A. Opperthauser
  • Patent number: 6088886
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping a hose fast on a pipe clamp that includes a clamp band and a spring ring that is fixed with a first portion thereof to the clamp band. The spring ring elastically clamps the hose when the clamp is initially fitted on the hose, but is not yet clamped fast to the hose At least a second portion of the spring ring is at least predominantly disposed within the clamp band. The spring ring is made of spring steel sheet so that the clamp can be made compact to save material. The spring ring provides a firmer locking of the initially fitted clamp on the hose and ensures that the clamping force of the clamp is more uniformly distributed over the periphery of the hose because the clamp can slide on the outer circumferential surface of the spring ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Gyongyosi
  • Patent number: 6073977
    Abstract: A device for coupling two pipe sections comprises a clamping band of U-shaped cross-section with two inwardly directed flanges for encompassing end beads of the pipe sections which are to be coupled. The ends of the clamping band have cylindrical pockets each accommodating a cylindrical element which is rotatable about its own axis in the pocket. The clamping band is clamped by means of a threaded screw which is passed through an unthreaded hole in one cylindrical element and unthreaded holes in the ends of the clamping band, whereupon the screw is in threaded engagement with the other cylindrical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Lindab AB
    Inventors: Hans Schmidt-Hansen, Werner J. Andresen
  • Patent number: 6035495
    Abstract: A hose clamp having a self-threading hardened screw extending through outwardly extending tabs on the generally circular clamp, the head end of the screw fitting through a clearance opening in the first tab, and the screw threadably engaged with the second tab, the first tab being reinforced against bending by a deformation dimple at the juncture to the circular band, and the second tab being bendable upon screw tightening to cause the screw angle to change sufficiently for the screw threads to cut slots in the band, forming a worm-type drive engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Builder's Best, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 6030006
    Abstract: A clamp device for joining a flanged connection. The clamp device has a plurality of arcuate segments, wherein each of the arcuate segments has two ends. A pivot couples at least one end of each arcuate segment to another of the arcuate segments to produce a chain of arcuate segments that extend from a first end to a second end. The chain of arcuate segments is configurable into an annular structure when the first end is brought into abutment with the second end. A torsion spring is disposed around each pivot. Each torsion spring acts to bias the arcuate segments into the configuration that produces the annular structure. A rocking bolt is coupled to the second end of the chain of arcuate segments. The rocking bolt is joined to the second end by a second pivot and is positionable throughout a predetermined range. A biasing element is provided for biasing the rocking bolt into one position within the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6000104
    Abstract: A clip for clamping an article, such as a hose, includes an annular clip band and a plurality of annular insert bands. Each of the insert bands has a first end section and a second end section. The end sections extend in the circumferential direction and overlap one another. One of the insert bands selectively surrounds a radial inside surface of the clip band. Each of the insert bands has a resistance to a relative displacement occurring in the circumferential direction of their mutually overlapping end sections. The resistances for each of the insert bands differs in such a manner that, when a predetermined clamping force is exerted on the clip band in the circumferential direction, a different predetermined radial clamping force on the clamped article results with the use of each respective insert band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Rasmussern GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Mann
  • Patent number: 5987713
    Abstract: Improvements to the construction of metal brackets with screw for the clamping or tightening thereof, the vertices of the extremities of the two arms of the front cross-bar at the body-tunnel entrance are enlarged, and a space is provided for the housing thereof into the screw body, with concentric bearing flange and double clamping tailpiece of the two ends of the metal strip coiled from the tunnel base being substituted by a transverse monotailpiece which is rabated to the opposite side, with a threaded tongue for clasping purposes, and one of the extremities of the strip having two juxtaposed drawn pieces, one in the upper surface and the other one in the lower surface of crimping with the edge of the transverse monotailpiece, the upper one impeding the excessive elevation of the proper extremity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Mikalor, S.A.
    Inventor: Ramon Palau Dominguez
  • Patent number: 5979476
    Abstract: A folding walker includes a pair of side frames each of which includes front and rear legs spaced from each other and held together by upper and lower connecting members. At least one lateral cross bar connects the front legs of the side frames, and the connections between the cross bar and the side frames is pivotable to permit the side frames to be pivoted from open positions in which the side frames are substantially perpendicular to the lateral brace and collapsed positions in which the side frames are substantially parallel to the cross bar. Latches hold the side frames in the open positions or in an intermediate position, between the open and collapsed positions, in which the side frames are at an acute angle to the cross bar so that the side frames and the cross bar form a generally triangular configuration to facilitate use of the walker on stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Charles J. Cranny
  • Patent number: 5967564
    Abstract: The connection or coupling between two equipments such as pipes (1 and 2) by a clamp (17) involves the use of a second clamp (8), tightened around the fixed pipe (1) and carrying a cradle (9) for supporting the clamp (17). This arrangement makes it possible to place the coupling parts in succession and to release them immediately afterwards. The cradle (9) also prevents the clamp (17) from tilting when its clamping screw (22) is turned. Finally, a sleeve (27) maintains the extension position of the pipes (1, 2), while also centering the sealing joint (32). All these advantages make it possible to correctly and easily assemble the parts with a single remote manipulator in the hot cells of nuclear installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventor: Jacques Gaucherot
  • Patent number: 5961161
    Abstract: A pipe connector clamp 10 for connecting two pipes having smooth ends has a metal jacket 11 comprising a tightening angle 15, 16 at a separation line of the metal jacket 11 disposed along its girth. The tightening angles 15, 16 are supported from below by reinforcement angles 17, 18. A press rivet nut 20 or a press rivet ring 19 hold the tightening angle 15, 16 and the reinforcement angle 17, 18 together by riveting the tightening angle 15, 16 and the reinforcement angle 17, 18 to the press rivet nut 20 or the press rivet ring 19. The riveted mounting of the press rivet nut 20 or the press rivet ring 19 facilitates simplified manufacture of the pipe connector clamp 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Mage AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Sponer
  • Patent number: 5956817
    Abstract: A tube clamp includes a binding strap having a lead end reinforced with a reinforcing plate, a tail end, and a plurality of mounting holes at the lead end, a screw holder having a plurality of clamping plates respectively fastened to the mounting holes at the lead end of the binding strap for joining the lead end and tail end of the binding strap, and a screw mounted in the screw holder and turned to move the tail end of the binding strap relative to the lead end in tightening up the tube clamp, wherein the binding strap has plurality of transverse teeth raised from an outside wall thereof between its lead end and tail end for engagement with threads of the screw for permitting the lead end to be moved relative to the tail end upon rotation of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Dian-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 5943743
    Abstract: A hose clamp having a self-threading hardened screw extending through tabs on the clamp, the head end of the screw fitting through a clearance opening in the first tab, and the screw threadably engaged with the second tab, the second tab being bendable upon screw tightening to cause the screw angle to change sufficiently for the screw threads to cut slots in the band, forming a worm-type drive engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Builder's Best, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 5909852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose clamp with a U-shaped lower housing, wherein an end section of a tightening strap is secured to the bottom of the lower housing, and with an upper housing which is pivotally supported in the lower housing for engaging or disengaging a worm drive with the other end region of the tightening strap, wherein the worm drive is supported in the upper housing such as to permit rotation, but no substantial axial movement, and wherein the upper housing comprises mounting tabs formed as one piece which engage or are capable of engaging, respectively, from the inside of the lower housing with recesses in side walls forming the legs of the U-shaped lower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen-Und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Kurt Allert
  • Patent number: 5878465
    Abstract: The flexible cladding for encasing cable harnesses or other tubular objects has a track-type casing (10) having longitudinal connecting parts (11, 12). Longitudinal concertina-type formations (24), designed as rounded waves, are positioned between the connecting parts thereby making the flexible cladding highly expansible and ductile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Zipper-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Jenner
  • Patent number: 5873611
    Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed for coupling peripheral flanges of a pair of tubular members together. The clamping device has a retaining member for coupling the peripheral flanges of the tubular member together, with first and second coupling ends being releasably coupled together by a latch assembly from an open position to a closed position. The latch assembly has a connecting member with a pivoting end and an anchoring end. The pivoting end of the connecting member is pivotally coupled to the first coupling end about a pivot axis between an unengaged position where the anchoring end is spaced from the second coupling end and an engaged position where the anchoring end is removably coupled to the second coupling end. The latch assembly further has a retention member coupled to the pivoting end of the connecting member for retaining the connecting member to the first coupling end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: EG&G Pressure Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Munley, Jeffrey E. Swensen, H. Steve Graham
  • Patent number: 5870804
    Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a generally cylindrical workpiece includes a band clamp and a clamp compressor. The band clamp is generally C-shaped and includes first and second ends. A sleeve is attached to the first end and receives a threaded shaft of a bolt. A head of the bolt is retained by the second end of the clamp end. A nut engages the threaded shaft of the bolt. The clamp compressor includes a main body portion and a locating portion extending from the main body portion which is adapted to releasably engage the first end of the band clamp. The locating portion is further operative to establish a fixed vertical position of the clamp compressor relative to the band clamp. The clamp compressor further includes a drive element interconnected to the main body portion which is adapted to releasably engage the second end of the band clamp. The drive element is adjustable so as to urge the first and second ends of the band clamp together when rotated in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Wylin
  • Patent number: 5867852
    Abstract: The invention provides a back support for supporting a mattress on a bed having a bed base. The back support comprising a generally rectangular frame, a plurality of strap fittings and a corresponding plurality of individually adjustable straps. The generally rectangular frame have side members. The plurality of strap fittings are arrangable along the side members of said frame. The corresponding plurality of individually adjustable straps are attachable to said strap fittings to extend laterally between said side members (i.e. extending laterally of the mattress in use) for supporting the mattress. The back support is adapted to be placed onto the bed base to lie between the bed base and the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald Malcolm Knight
  • Patent number: 5865476
    Abstract: A duct connector (32) with a flow channel through its center and an increased diameter seal (35) on its end. A compression ring (38) is designed to fit tightly over the duct connector (32) and has an inwardly directed flange (68) on one of its edges which reduces the diameter of the end and thereby prevents the compression ring (38) from sliding past the end of the duct connector (32). A retaining clamp (53) includes two arcs (77, 80) that are pivotally attached and that may be rotated between a circular, closed configuration and an open configuration. The second end of each arc includes a number of open loops (137, 140, and 152) that align when the arcs are in the closed configuration. A sliding locking mechanism (161) is affixed to the arc (77) proximate to the loops (137, 140). The locking mechanism (161) has a prong (170) that passes through the aligned loops (137, 140, and 152) on each arc (77, 80), thereby preventing the arcs (77, 80) from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: RCF Seals & Couplings, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Melvin Kramer
  • Patent number: 5851038
    Abstract: A sealing ring for an electric watthour meter apparatus has first and second housings mounted on opposed ends of an annular band. A fastener extends through a threaded aperture in an end wall of one housing into threaded engagement with an aperture in an end wall of the opposed housing to fixedly engage the ends of the sealing ring. A plurality of radially intersecting slots in one end of the fastener are alignable with apertures in one of a plurality of side walls of one of the housings for receiving a security device. Screwdriver receiving slots are formed in each of the first and second ends of the fasteners. An axial slot is formed in the second end of the fastener and alignable with apertures in the side walls of the other housing for receiving a security device. An enlarged head end on the fastener enables finger rotation of the fastener. The end walls have an elongated upper end forming a finger grip surface to facilitate movement of the first and second housings toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Ekstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Robinson, Allen V. Pruehs
  • Patent number: 5842725
    Abstract: The invention concerns a clamp having a band-shaped clamping section and a clamping device used to connect the end areas of the clamping sections, which each have a mounting flange extending at an angle to the respective clamping section end, whereby a clamping component acts on the two mounting flanges. It is provided that a reinforcing corner connection (14, 15) proceeds from each of the two lateral edges (12, 13) of each mounting flange (11), the reinforcing corner connection being connected with the respective lateral edge (16, 17) of the end area of the adjacent clamping section (18). Furthermore, the invention concerns a pipe connection having clamps of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Kurt Allert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Kurt Allert
  • Patent number: 5829107
    Abstract: A clamp assembly having two side-by-side loops with inner peripheries for engaging the exterior of a part to be clamped, a body part, a tightening member, and means for releasably locking the tightening member at each of a plurality of longitudinal positions relative to a channel or shoulder of the body part or of the tightening member is disclosed. The body part is structurally integral with first adjacent ends of the two loops, while the tightening member is structurally integral with second adjacent ends of the two loops which are opposed to the first adjacent ends. One of the tightening member and the body part has a portion which is slidably received in a longitudinally extending channel which extends through the other. The relationships among the channel, the slidably received portion of the body part or of the tightening member, the tightening member and the loops are such that the size of the loops depends upon the relative longitudinal positions of the central part and of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ottawa Products, Co.
    Inventors: Michael J. Wimmenauer, Bruce C. Miller
  • Patent number: 5809619
    Abstract: An improved hose clamp is described with an improved clamp insertion feature that enhances the insertion of the clamp band into the screw housing. The improved hose clamp comprises a screw housing having a ramp extending out from the housing wall, a rotatable screw mounted within the screw housing and having a tip or end piece. The hose clamp also has a clamp band with spaced apart slots along the length of the band. As the clamp band is inserted into the housing, the screw tip slides up on the ramp, thereby lifting the screw relative to the screw housing and significantly improving the ease of inserting the clamp band into the screw housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Stant Corporation
    Inventor: Erwin Schaub
  • Patent number: 5787555
    Abstract: A tube clamp including a transversely grooved binding strap having a first end terminating in a head and a second end terminating in a tail, a screw holder having hinged clamping plates and being fastened to an opening of the head of the binding strap by its clamping plates and adapted for joining the head and tail of the binding strap, and a screw mounted in the screw holder and turned to move the tail of the binding strap relative to its head in tightening up the tube clamp, wherein the head of the binding strap has two longitudinal bridging elements longitudinally disposed at two opposite sides of its opening, four rounded convex portions disposed in four corners of the opening at a top side of the binding strap for supporting the tail of the binding strap, four rounded concave portions respectively disposed between two opposite ends of the bridging elements and the rounded convex portions at the top side of the binding strap and adapted for buffering the pressure of the hinged clamping plates of the screw
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Dian-Tai Chen
  • Patent number: 5784764
    Abstract: A quick engagement and release device for adjustably coupling the two flanges of a C-shaped bracket. The device incorporates a bolt and a first nut for fixing the bolt to one of the flanges while a thumb nut adjustably couples the other flange to the bolt. The device provides for a quick and convenient device for one-handed coupling and uncoupling of the device to the flanges of the C-shaped bracket without requiring tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Alexander S. Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 5761774
    Abstract: A band clamp tightening tool comprising a cylindrical body, having at one end an internal bore adapted to pressfit the tool over the hex shaped head of a hose clamp adjustment screw, to which a combination crank/thumbscrew element has been affixed, said element being formed by passing a metal rod through a transverse aperture in the tool body, bending said rod to form a crank arm and a crank handle on one side of the body, and, on the opposite side of the tool body bending said rod to form a semicircular loop or thumbscrew element in the plane of the crank handle. In the use of this tool when attached to a hose clamp, the crank handle is rotated between the thumb and index finger to take up any slack in the band of the clamp, and to tighten the clamp the index finger is moved across the tool body to the thumbscrew loop, and the tool is turned as a large thumbscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Kenneth Champi
  • Patent number: 5752296
    Abstract: A positive release bracket (16) for an object such as an electrical connector part (12) includes first and second semicylindrical shells (18,20) which are releasably held together by plates (36,38). On a separation force applied to the connector exceeding some predetermined maximum, one or both plates (36,38) are withdrawn from engagement with the shells (18,20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: G & H Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Chaput, Tom Hughes, Larry L. McCormick
  • Patent number: 5720086
    Abstract: A clamping collar for sealing by perimetrically connecting the axially aligned ends of two parts which are circular in external transverse cross-sectional shape. The collar includes a strip formed into an open loop, V-shaped in longitudinal section, having two circumferentially opposite ends, and a tightener for extending force on the ends for circumferentially tightening the collar on the ends of the two parts. The tightener includes a separator for separating the two ends when the collar is loosened, for facilitating the opening and removal of the collar from the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: ABA of Sweden AB
    Inventors: Roger Eliasson, Morgan Ryhman, Philippe Bechler
  • Patent number: 5706558
    Abstract: A hose clamp having an elastically flexible clamp band, which is made of metal. A clamping head joins the ends of the clamp band. The clamp band has a slit that extends in the circumferential direction. The slit divides the band into a first edge section and a second edge section. One of the two edge sections includes a spring device (e.g., a corrugation), which creates a spring force in the circumferential direction of the hose clamp over an entire operating temperature range. Thus, the hose clamp sealingly locks a hose in place on a pipe, regardless of any thermally caused expansion or contraction of the hose material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Sauer
  • Patent number: 5689862
    Abstract: A safety device is provided for a high-pressure flow line that is formed from sections of pipe that are coupled together. The safety device is formed from a pipe clamp having two halves that are coupled together about one of the pipe sections so that the pipe section is securely held between the two halves of the clamp. A cable is positioned generally along the length of the flow line. A cable engagement portion is joined to one of the two halves of the clamp and has a slot for receiving the cable. A removable slot closure retains the cable within the slot. In one embodiment, a resilient insert can be releasably coupled to the clamp to bear against the exterior of the pipe sections when the clamp is secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: SPM, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn P. Hayes, Mark D. Matzner
  • Patent number: 5675873
    Abstract: Two components such as pipes having radial end flanges with conical flange clamping surfaces are clamped together by a clamping ring having at least two ring sections with conical ring clamping surfaces engaging said conical flange clamping surfaces when clamping screws passing through section ends are tightened. The ring sections have an inner ring radius (RR) slightly larger than a respective flange radius (FR) for providing a positive but gradual engagement between said conical surfaces when said ring sections are clamped together for example by threaded bolts or screws at ring section ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Muenchen GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Groess
  • Patent number: 5653481
    Abstract: A clamp with a live loading clamp nut assembly is provided for pipe joints and the like. The nut assembly includes a body member movable within a cage. A plurality of springs, such as spring washers, are employed in the cage to provide a stored spring energy to maintain the clamping pressure in a desired range. The clamping arrangement preferably includes a pair of jaws, hinged together at one end so that the other ends of the jaws are moved toward and away from one another. The nut assembly presses the free ends of the jaws together to maintain a desired tightness in the pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darold S. Alderman
  • Patent number: 5645303
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes together, including a pair of retainers with gripping grooves therein for receiving portions of the peripheral flanges of the pipes. The gripping grooves of the retainers have a unique inner surface with a pair of slanted gripping surfaces and a pair of non-gripping surfaces that are located within the outer envelope of the peripheral flanges. This provides for lightweight, compact retainers. The retainers are pivotally coupled at one of their ends by a hinge assembly and releasably coupled at their opposite ends by a latch mechanism. The hinge assembly has at least two links pivotally coupled at one of their ends to one of the retainers by a first pivot pin being received in a pivot slot formed in the retainer and pivotally coupled at their other end to the other retainer by a second pivot pin being received in a pivot slot formed in the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: EG&G Pressure Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Warehime, Daniel T. Munley, Thomas S. Oh, Jeffrey E. Swensen
  • Patent number: 5630255
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved hose clamp consisting of an outer annular tightening band (1) which is provided with a tightening device (3, 4), and of a resilient band (2) which extends along the inner face of the tightening band (1). The resilient band is provided with two axially spaced, inwardly directed peripheral beads (6) which extend around the resilient band (2). Intermediate the beads (6) the resilient band (2) is formed with an outwardly directed ridge (7) in abutment against the inner face of the tightening band (1). By means of a number of openings (8), the ridge (7) is divided into a number of bridges (9) which interconnect the beads (6) with one another around the resilient band (2). These bridges (9) are arranged to allow bead movability in the radial as well as axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: ABA of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Roger Eliasson
  • Patent number: 5609369
    Abstract: A clamp for securing adjacent lengths of pipe. The clamp incorporates a seal designed to incorporate a temperature or pressure probe. The clamp is circular and has upstanding end portions and a threaded rod member passing through apertures in the upstanding end portions to secure flange ends of the adjacent lengths of pipe together. The rod member has an opening through which the temperature or pressure probe passes so that temperature pressure can be measured within the adjacent lengths of pipe. Furthermore, seal components held by a support member can be provided to seal the support member to adjacent lengths of pipe. The temperature or pressure probe passes radially through such support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Anthony J. Wilder, Mark C. Hope
  • Patent number: 5570499
    Abstract: A bolt-tightened type coupling includes a pair of semi-circular arc-shaped coupling halves having base ends which are pivotably connected to one another, so that the coupling halves can be moved toward each other to a closed position and moved away from each other to an open position. The coupling halves have opposite, free ends providing with flanges, respectively, having bolt inserting holes, respectively. One of the bolt inserting holes has such a shape that a bolt fits tightly with the inner edges of the bolt inserting hole, so that the bolt can be held by the bolt inserting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignees: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd, Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Rakuzo Katayama, Michio Kyoya, Tokushi Koumaru
  • Patent number: 5560087
    Abstract: The laterally secure clamp assembly for use with clamps that cannot be force fit according to the present invention comprises a flexible band containing a cut-out proximate one end, and a series of elongated notches at the opposite end, a worm screw and a housing adapted to be secured to the band. The housing comprises a pair of planar tabs enclosing the band. Each tab comprises at least one abbreviated finger, extending from each tab and oriented at an angle in the direction of the screw. The fingers are oriented prior to assembly so that when the tabs are bent over to secure the band, the angled fingers abut the cut-out, preventing lateral force deformation of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Stant Corporation
    Inventor: A. J. Marques
  • Patent number: 5522625
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for coupling peripheral flanges of first and second pipes. The device comprises first and second arcuate retaining members, coupling structure and a latching mechanism. The coupling device is capable of being initially set via the latching mechanism so as to permit the coupling device to securely couple two pipe flanges of a given diameter. After being initially set, the device is capable of being easily and quickly disassembled and reassembled about the peripheral flanges of the two pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Flick, Perry J. Parkhurst, Lauren W. Burnett