Pipe, Conduit, Or Cable Patents (Class 277/314)
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Publication number: 20130000920Abstract: A casing hanger seal assembly is lowered into a pocket between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing while in a run-in position. The seal assembly has a metal-to-metal upper seal ring and an elastomeric and metal lower seal ring carried by and below the upper seal ring. The upper and lower seal rings are movable from a run-in position to a set position sealing between the sidewalls of the casing hanger and the wellhead housing by applying a downward force. The downward force required to move the lower seal ring to the set position is less than the downward force required to move the upper seal ring to the set position. A downward force applied to the upper seal ring after the lower seal ring has landed in the pocket transfers to the lower seal ring to cause the lower seal ring to move to the set position before the upper seal ring moves to the set position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Khanh Anh Duong
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Patent number: 8333387Abstract: A high pressure fluid system includes a sealing mechanism, which provides a fluid seal for a cylindrical bore via pressing contact between a first convex, curved surface at an end of the cylindrical bore and a second convex, curved surface at a containment element that is coupled relative to the end of the cylindrical bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Jet Edge, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Wheeler
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Publication number: 20120299246Abstract: A method and assembly for reducing a radial gap between radially proximate components including a setting member having a first dimension that partially defines the radial gap, the setting member including a circumferential groove extending radially from the first dimension, and a first toroid having a second dimension, the setting member operatively arranged to engage with the first toroid, wherein increasingly engaging the setting member with the first toroid enables a boundary dimension of the assembly to be extended toward the radial gap for reducing the radial gap, the circumferential groove operatively arranged to catch the first toroid when the setting member is fully engaged with the first toroid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Amy L. Farrar, Edward T. Wood, Gregory C. Badke, Robert O. Castillo, Anthony P. Foster
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Publication number: 20120285676Abstract: A seal assembly for use between wellbore tubulars employs an inner seal ring partially circumscribed by an outer seal ring. The seal rings are axially slidable with respect to one another and can be made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or a fluoropolymer. The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards. The bulging seal rings come into contact with opposing sides of the wellbore tubulars to define a sealing surface. Axial supports at opposing lateral ends of the seal rings maintain the seal between the tubulars.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: VETCO GRAY INC.Inventor: Michael Shaw
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Publication number: 20120280497Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
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Publication number: 20120255759Abstract: A sealant-filled enclosure assembly for environmentally protecting a connection between cables includes a housing and a mass of sealant. The housing is selectively configurable between an open position to receive the connection and a closed position wherein the housing defines an enclosure cavity to contain the connection. The housing includes at least one sealant cavity and a port control system. The port control system includes a gate member that is selectively deflectable from a closed position, wherein the gate member blocks a cable port, to an open position, wherein the cable port is open to permit a cable to extend into the enclosure cavity through the cable port. The gate member is rigid or semi-rigid. The mass of sealant is disposed in the at least one sealant cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: George W. Pullium, III, Jimmy E. Marks
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Publication number: 20120204990Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a sealed communication between conduits or conduit subassemblies, each of which has a wall with an exterior surface, and at least one of the walls includes an electrically conductive portion. The exterior surfaces may be brought into a facing relationship, and each conductive portion is heated sufficiently to sterilize the exterior surfaces of the walls by generating electrical current in the conductive portion, such as by application of a voltage or by induction. An aperture is then provided, as by an aperture-forming member, through the facing walls to provide communication between the conduits or conduit subassemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, William H. Cork
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Publication number: 20120193874Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) seal and method are provided. The seal includes a tubular body comprising a plurality of segments that form a continuous loop. The tubular body has a plurality of inner projections extending from opposite sides of a first end thereof and a plurality of outer projections extending from opposite sides of a second end thereof. Each of the plurality of projections tapers away from the tubular body. A cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the plurality of segments is varied whereby the plurality of segments are selectively reinforced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Melancon, James Allen Douty
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Publication number: 20120193106Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Travis W. Cavender, Robert L. Pipkin, David J. Steele
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Publication number: 20120187632Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventor: Max White
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Publication number: 20120175846Abstract: A device including a metal to metal seal. The device includes a first section having a first threaded portion. A second section having a second threaded portion threadably engageable with the first threaded portion. A metal bump seal protruding radially from the first section and spaced from the first threaded portion, wherein a radially directed seal is formed with the second section. Also included is a method for sealing a device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Marcelle H. Hedrick
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Publication number: 20120175845Abstract: A shape memory polymer is initially fabricated to a size where its peripheral dimension will be at least as large as the borehole wall in which it is to be deployed. After the initial manufacturing the material temperature is elevated above the transition temperature and the material is stretched on a mandrel to retain its inside dimension as its outside dimension is reduced to size that will allow running the seal to a desired subterranean location without failing the material during the stretching. The material is allowed to cool below the transition temperature to hold the new shape. The material on the mandrel is then secured to a tubular string and delivered to the desired location. Wellbore fluid at given temperature raises the material again above the transition temperature, which causes the material to revert to its originally manufactured shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventors: Ping Duan, Steve Rosenblatt
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Publication number: 20120161398Abstract: Method and system of a flange seal ring. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a metallic ring and a plurality of cogs. The metallic ring comprises a central bore that defines an internal diameter, a first sealing face that defines a first plane, a second sealing face that defines a second plane, a first groove in the first sealing face, and a second groove in the second sealing face. The plurality of cogs couple to the metallic ring, each cog extends through the first plane, and the plurality of cogs positioned one each at a plurality of radial positions around the metallic ring. At least one of the plurality of cogs configured to have an adjustable position relative to the central bore, and the cogs configured to align the central bore to a corresponding bore of a flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: DANIEL MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL, INC.Inventor: Charles R. ALLEN
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Patent number: 8205333Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a seal ring. The method includes positioning a mount assembly adjacent to at least one of an inner diameter and an outer diameter of an annular seal ring, and securing the annular seal ring to the mounting assembly. The method also includes forming at least one of an admission side hook and a steam joint side hook in the annular seal ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jason Paul Mortzheim, William Edward Adis, Edward Arthur Dewhurst, Reni Boisvert
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Publication number: 20120139183Abstract: A kit, apparatus, and method for sealing a junction between a manhole and a pipe within a sewer system are provided. In a first embodiment, the end of a pipe adjacent a manhole is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material. The tubular sleeve is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a pipe liner is installed or otherwise placed through the tubular sleeve and against the wall of the pipe. In a second embodiment, a majority of the area surrounding a junction of a pipe and a manhole is sealed by the use of a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material including a flange portion, a mechanical fastener, a pipe liner, and a manhole liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: LMK ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: LARRY W. KIEST, JR.
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Publication number: 20120133098Abstract: An antiextrusion backup system includes an inner expandable backup ring having a first set of slots. An outer expandable backup ring having a second set of slots wherein the outer expandable back up ring is rotationally locked to the inner expandable backup ring to prevent an extrusion gap in an expanded condition of the backup rings. A method for operating within a tubular is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATEDInventor: Graham E. Farquhar
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Patent number: 8186202Abstract: An apparatus for sealing tubing to a device, the apparatus including: a first seal configured to seal the tubing to the device, the first seal having a device side in contact with the device and an interior side opposite the device side; a test sleeve configured to surround the first seal and to seal to the device using a second seal; a third seal disposed at the test sleeve and configured to seal the tubing to the test sleeve wherein the test sleeve, the second seal, and the third seal form a pressure boundary about the first seal; a test port disposed at the test sleeve, the test port being in communication with seals, wherein the test port is configured to connect to a seal test device to test the integrity of the seals in communication with the test port; and a plug configured to seal the test port.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Louis F. Lafleur, Ralph Joseph Robert, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120119445Abstract: Sealing devices such as packers comprise a sealing element having one or more non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers formed by a plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers may comprise one or more of natural material, metallic material, plastic material, or other non-elastomeric sealing material. The non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers may be formed by weaving the plurality of fibers, braiding the plurality of fibers, or forming a fibrous mass of the plurality of fibers. During operation, the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers are radially expanded causing compression of the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers. As a result, at least a portion of the air volume within the non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material layers is displaced by non-elastomeric fibrous sealing material causing the sealing element to engage a sealing surface, thereby forming a seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Robert O. Castillo, Amy L Farar, Edward T. Wood, Jeffrey C. Williams
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Patent number: 8178197Abstract: An application for an arced sealing tape has a bottom, an inner wall and an outer wall. The surfaces of the inner wall and the outer wall that are closest to a center point of the arc have an adhesive. Likewise, a bottom surface of the bottom also has an adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: David G. Segur
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Patent number: 8173235Abstract: An application for an arced sealing tape has a bottom, an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall has an outward flare extending outwardly from the center. The surfaces of the inner wall and the outer wall that are closest to a center point of the arc have an adhesive and a bottom surface of the bottom also has an adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: David G. Segur
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Publication number: 20120104007Abstract: An assembly of at least one pair of longitudinal plug segments for forming in an assembled condition at least a part of a rubber sealing plug for a round tubular opening such that each of the at least one pair of plug segments encloses at least one cylindrical recess for sealing occupation of at least one tube, duct or cable which extends through the opening in a longitudinal direction thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: Beele Engineering B.V.Inventor: Johannes Alfred Beele
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Publication number: 20120086171Abstract: A fluidic processor includes a first sealing member having a first sealing face, a first compressive face and at least one first sealing member fluid conduit; a second sealing member having a second sealing face, a second compressive face and at least one second sealing member fluid conduit; the second sealing face of the second sealing member being sealingly and slidingly engaged in a substantially fluid tight manner with the first sealing face of the first sealing member; and at least one actuator mechanically engaging at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member, or an XY stage, or mechanism that provides motion in two axes on one sealing member onlyType: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: Neil R. Picha, Bruce D. Black, Jonathan D. Thompson
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Publication number: 20120080849Abstract: A seal for a perpendicular plug feed-through is disclosed for electrically contacting a control device which is arranged within a housing. The seal includes a sealing piece which has at least one sealing lip and which is surrounded by a guiding piece. The sealing piece has at least one sealing lip, which is designed in a circumferential manner or in alternating segmentation and which has a slope declining in the radial direction towards the outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Peter Zweigle, Franco Zeleny
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Publication number: 20120074652Abstract: A nitrile rubber based sealant system including seals a made from a unique delayed curing nitrite rubber composition. The composition has excellent storage ability in dry form which can be cured (vulcanized) as needed under and with the aid of varying field conditions. The seals provide superior leak seal suitable for sealing leaks in pipes, fittings, flanges and other structures and are made by heating delayed self curing nitrile rubber formulation comprised of a critically selected combination of components including specially preconditioned nitrile rubber, sulfur, accelerants, activators, fillers, plasticizers, flame retardant, antidegradant, metallic filaments and optionally, nanophase rare earth material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Inventors: Jinrong Wang, Zhi Fang Zhao
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Publication number: 20120074694Abstract: Systems for joining pipes used in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries are disclosed. For example, connections of fluid handling pipes and improved flange-type joints are disclosed. Some disclosed joints comprise a pair of flanges each defining a circumferentially extending channel recessed from an end face A radially extending end wall is positioned radially outward of the end face. Said end faces are retained in axially opposed relationship to each other such that a circumferential groove configured to receive a gasket is defined when the joint is assembled. The groove has a first portion open to the flow passage and a second portion extending radially outward from the first portion. A polymeric gasket can comprise a generally toroidal member axially compressed in the first portion of the groove when the joint is assembled. The radial end walls radially compress the gasket, and the gasket can expand radially outward.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: HYGIENIC DESIGN GROUP LLCInventor: Jeffrey C. Butte
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Patent number: 8141879Abstract: A side seal for sealing the side edges of adjacent combustors of a turbine engine include extended ends. The extended ends of the side seal abut and seal against inner and outer circumferential seals to prevent leakage of combustion gases.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Krishna Kumar Venkataraman, Kevin Weston McMahan, Timur R. Repikov, Kara Edwards
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Publication number: 20120061919Abstract: A seal includes a housing with an exterior surface. The housing forms a cavity extending from the exterior surface into the housing and defines at least one slanted interior surface. The at least one slanted interior surface extends from the exterior surface of the housing and is in a substantially non-perpendicular and angled relation to the exterior surface of the housing. The seal also includes at least one electrical lead that extends through the housing and has a portion exposed across the cavity therein. The at least one electrical lead extends from the housing and is configured to be in electrical contact with at least one electrical component encased within the electronic control housing. The seal also includes an adhesive material that substantially fills the cavity and surrounds the exposed portion of the at least one electrical lead within the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: TEMIC AUTOMOTIVE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Jinbao Jiao
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Publication number: 20120057992Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) jet pump slip joint internal seal in the interface between an inlet mixer and a diffuser of a jet pump assembly. The internal seal provides an effective means of mitigating leakage and slip joint flow induced vibration (FIV) between the inlet mixer and diffuser to reduce damage to many of the jet pump assembly components that may otherwise be damaged by FIV. A metallic seal of the slip joint internal seal flares out to conform the internal seal to a range of gap sizes, and may be compressed or spring back to nominal dimensions as thermal expansion and contraction occurs. The internal seal is also self-expanding/self-tightening, as the internal seal flares further outward as a result of the internal pressure caused by flowing fluids in an operating jet pump assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Robin D. Sprague, Lee J. Andre
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Publication number: 20120049463Abstract: Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventors: William W. Holmes, IV, William H. Owen
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Publication number: 20120049462Abstract: A connector seal (10) is adapted to be provided on a connector (24, 26) between first and second components (16, 18). The connector seal comprises particles of a swellable material (12) configured to swell upon exposure to a swelling activator to provide improved sealing integrity at or within the connector (24, 26). In one disclosed embodiment the connector seal (10) is configured for use on a threaded connector (24, 26) between two oilfield tubulars (16, 18).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Malcolm Pitman
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Publication number: 20120025471Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a self adjusting gasket to prevent leakage at a joint between an associated first pipe and an associated second pipe including a wedge shaped body made of a generally compressible, leak proof material. The wedge shaped body having a profile that includes a tapered front portion, a planar rear portion, a first contact surface, an inclined second contact surface, including a first fin having a trailing edge oriented generally normal to the first contact surface and a second fin spaced from the first fin. A generally continuous annular cavity is located in the wedge shaped body wherein the cavity is not symmetrically shaped and a fluid disposed in the cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: William C. Andrick, Ronald M. Mayfield, James A. Westhoff
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Publication number: 20120018996Abstract: A seal arrangement for a liquid-tight connection of a connection opening of a liquid-conducting component to a connection piece of a liquid flow device includes a sealing element which is provided in a ring gap that separates the connection piece from an edge of the connection opening. The sealing element has a radially inner sealing point in sealing contact with the connection piece and a radially outer sealing point in sealing contact with the edge of the connection opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBHInventor: Hermann Stempfle
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Publication number: 20120018955Abstract: An exemplary embodiment disclosed herein relates to an articulatable sealing device. The device includes a plurality of seal elements each of which is urgable against a seal-surface, a fixing member tightenable about a perimeter of the seal elements, and a retractor in operable communication with the plurality of seal elements and able to move the plurality of seal elements in a desired direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Wilson Solarpower CorporationInventors: David Gordon Wilson, Jon M. Ballou
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Publication number: 20120007315Abstract: An expansion ring assembly seals a gasket with respect to an annular wall of a rigid structure. The expansion ring assembly includes two arcuate expansion ring bands that cooperate to define a generally circular profile. At one side of the expansion ring assembly, a first pair of ends of the expansion ring bands overlap and include a ratcheting mechanism which allows the ring to incrementally expand but not to contract. At another location of the expansion ring assembly, a second pair of ends are joined by a drive mechanism for engaging and driving apart the opposing ends of an expansion ring to thereby non-incrementally expand the ring. The ratchet mechanism may be used to initially set and hold the expansion ring against a gasket in a desired position and to provide an initial expansion pressure, i.e., for a coarse adjustment. The drive mechanism may then be used to provide a final expansion pressure of the gasket, i.e., for a fine adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: PRESS-SEAL GASKET CORPORATIONInventor: Myron S. Worley
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Patent number: 8077823Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a thermal sleeve and an elbow in a pipe assembly in a nuclear reactor. The clamp assembly comprises a sleeve clamp adapted to be arranged surrounding the elbow at a first joint between the elbow and a thermal sleeve, and comprising a sleeve support adapted to extend across the first joint. The clamp assembly comprises at least one clamp arm with a first end arranged to rest against at least one of a core shroud and a core plate support ring, to provide support for the positioning of the sleeve clamp.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Sweden ABInventors: Bengt BÃ¥versten, Arto Suoniemi
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Patent number: 8074996Abstract: An sealing gasket is shown for use in forming joints of plastic pipe. The gasket has a bulbous region which is bisected by a planar region which forms a pair of oppositely extending wing-like flaps. These features of the gasket allow it to be more reliably seated on the working mandrel used to bell a female, thermoplastic pipe end. The wing-like flap portions of the gasket form wiper surfaces for a subsequently installed male, spigot pipe end as the joint is formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: S & B Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Gerardo Darce, Randall Chinchilla
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Publication number: 20110278839Abstract: A gasket loop includes a gasket shape with a first portion characterized by a cross-sectional view. The first portion in the cross-sectional view includes a substantially elongated body characterized by a height, a first end characterized by a height, a tip, a width enlarged relative to the body, and a tapered backside. The tapered backside is integral with the body. The first portion in the cross-sectional view additionally includes a distal second end connected to the body. A fluid-pressure joint assembly and a method of sealing such a joint via the gasket loop are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Curt R. Danielewicz, Manmeet S. Pannu, James B. Hicks
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Publication number: 20110272888Abstract: The present invention provides an improved slip joint pipe coupling, which is reinforced by the mechanical compression of a split collar and sealing ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Armando Irizzary, John C. Vincenzi
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Publication number: 20110268416Abstract: A sealing gland system having an upper half, a lower half, and a sealing material positioned between the upper and lower halves. Each of the upper and lower halves and the sealing material has at least one opening extending therethrough, and wherein the sealing material forms a seal around at least one cable extending through the sealing material upon compression thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Channell Commercial CorporationInventors: Gerald L. Shimirak, Derec Sheals
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Patent number: 8006983Abstract: A method for assembling a seal assembly is provided. The method includes coupling a first ring within a vessel, coupling a second ring within the vessel, and coupling a first seal layer between the first ring and the second ring such that the first seal layer contacts at least the first ring.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Craig Russell, Nicholas Simon Graham, Kelsey Elizabeth Beach, James Michael Storey
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Publication number: 20110203790Abstract: For oil production systems, an interior two-part seal ring of resilient material is disposed within a coupling sleeve which receives threaded tubing ends in its opposite ends. The seal is asymmetric, with tapered ends of different lengths and taper angles. A length for mill end engagement is shorter than the length for field end engagement which may be made up and disconnected repeatedly. The seal configuration includes a principal body with a inwardly directed ridge between its tapered ends and a reinforcing ring of different, less permeable material, abutting the ridge and closing off one or more radial ports in the wall of the body. The central body also includes a circumferential gas groove about is periphery, which together with the radial ports, facilitates collection and release of gases permeating the seal body under high down-hole pressures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
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Publication number: 20110198812Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus comprising one or more sealing elements (20) to be transported along a duct (24) by the flow of fluid therein at an internal pressure and to be drawn to a leak (22) by the pressure differential resulting from a reduced pressure associated with the locality of that leak. Each sealing element comprises a body formed from an elastic material to have one or more impermeable bubbles filled with gas so that the sealing element has a volume which varies resiliently according to the change in volume of the bubble (s) in response to externally applied pressure. The product of the volume of the bubble (s) and the pressure of the gas therein is selected to provide a sealing element having a transport volume at said internal pressure which is appropriate to enter a leak and which, in response to the reduced pressure associated with the locality of that leak, is capable of increasing in volume from said transport volume sufficiently to seal that leak.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Nicholas John Ryan, Andrew James Cochran, Terrence Francis Stebbings
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Publication number: 20110193291Abstract: An expandable downhole seal includes a sealing portion and a deflecting portion adapted to move axially relative to each other to effect radial displacement of the sealing portion, wherein at least one of the sealing portion and the deflecting portion includes a swelling material. In use, radial expansion of the downhole seal may be achieved by the radial displacement of the sealing portion in combination with swelling of the swellable material. A support member is provided to support the sealing portion and deflecting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2009Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventors: Paul Schilte, John Dewar, Arie Vliegenthart
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Publication number: 20110187057Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for sheathing an electrical conductor with an elastic sealing element. In the method, first a through-opening is produced in the sealing element with a first equivalent diameter. Next the through-opening which has been produced with a first equivalent diameter is expanded to a second equivalent diameter, in order to be able to introduce an electrical conductor into it. Then contraction of the through-opening which has been expanded to the second equivalent diameter is brought about, in order thus to obtain sealing off of the electrical conductor from the elastic sealing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Andreas Urbaniak, Rudolf Maron
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Publication number: 20110187056Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing the condition of a duct along which a gas is flowing. The method comprises producing one or more sensor carrying elements, wherein the elements are formed to have selected parameters; introducing the sensor carrying elements into the flowing gas; and selecting the parameters of the sensor carrying elements such that the elements are transported along the duct by saltation. The present invention also relates to a method of reducing leakage through a leak in the duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Brinker Technology LimitedInventors: Nicholas John Ryan, Andrew James Cochran, Matthew David Meredith
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Publication number: 20110169224Abstract: A system and method is provided for setting a metal-to-metal seal (e.g., in an annular space between wellhead components) using a temporary elastomer seal. For example, the annular space may be sealed with one or more elastomer seals before hydraulically setting the metal-to-metal seal. A seal assembly may include the elastomer seals and the metal-to-metal seal. Positioning the seal assembly in the annular space between the wellhead components may isolate pressure in the annular space below the seal such that the metal-to-metal seal may be set. In an exemplary embodiment, a hydraulic mechanism axially compresses the metal-to-metal seal between two members of the seal assembly, thereby radially expanding and setting the metal-to-metal seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2009Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Dennis P. Nguyen
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Publication number: 20110156354Abstract: The invention relates to a conduit duct (11) having a sequence of layers, wherein adjacent layers belong to different elastomer body parts (12a, b) being integral respectively and, on the other hand, a plurality of layers belongs to the same elastomer body part (12a, b).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventors: Senol Egritepe, Martin Heck, Michael Seibold
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Publication number: 20110156386Abstract: A shimmed joint between two components includes a first component having a first surface and a first passage extending to the first surface, and a second component having a second surface and second passage extending to the second surface. A shim is also provided. A fastener is arranged to fasten the first component relative to the second component with the shim disposed between the first surface and the second surface such that an opening in the shim aligns with and permits flow communication between the first passage and the second passage. A gasket is provided and includes a tubular portion received in at least one of the first passage and the second passage and a flange portion extending outwardly from the tubular portion and contacting the first surface and the second surface. A method of forming a shimmed joint is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Mack Trucks, Inc.Inventors: Donald Malinowski, Matthew Elliott, Mark Winders
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Publication number: 20110140364Abstract: A seal assembly (10?; 30?) comprises a plurality of deformable annular seals (10; 30), each having an annular recess (17) at one end, which are inserted one by one in a relaxed condition in coaxial stacked relation into an annular bore (54) and then compressed axially one by one so that an insert body (16; 32) enters into the recess in each seal, radially energising it. The insert body may comprise an opposite end (16) of the adjacent seal, or a body (32) of fluid or gel. The inner wall of each seal comprises a sealing surface and at least one sealing bead protruding radially inwardly from the sealing surface; the sealing surface limits the depth to which the bead can penetrate the casing of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: ARTIFICIAL LIFT COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Philip Head
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Publication number: 20110127045Abstract: A method of sealing annular space between an upright outer tube and an upright inner tube extending within the outer tube along an axial direction thereof involves pouring a liquid seal material into the annular space onto a support member fitted within the annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube in a manner substantially closing around the inner tube. The liquid seal material is poured in an amount sufficient to fill radial space between the inner tube and the outer tube fully around the inner tube, the liquid seal material is then cured to form an annular seal between the inner tube and the outer tube. The method is useful in sealing of the annular spacing between the surface and production casing of a gas well and installing a venting system to facilitate controlled venting of the annular space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Dean Spence, Gord Blomgren, Randy Riske