Hollow, Fluid-filled, Or Inflatable Patents (Class 277/605)
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Patent number: 11168575Abstract: A seal ring for a non-contact seal may comprise an annular body comprising a first side surface, a second side surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface, and a plurality of window openings disposed in the annular body. The plurality of window openings may be configured to provide access to the seal for installation of a melting member to secure the seal shoes in an outboard direction during installation.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Conway Chuong, Joey Wong
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Patent number: 10738919Abstract: A first projection is formed on the outer periphery of a bulb part, a second projection is formed on the socket rear end of the bulb part, a tapered part is formed with a decreasing diameter from the inner periphery of a heel part to the inner periphery of the second projection, and a third projection is formed on the tapered part. A first dimension B from the first projection to the third projection in an inclination direction opposite to an inclination direction G of the tapered part is smaller than a second dimension C from the first projection to the second projection in a radial direction A.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Shozo Kishi, Takaaki Kagawa, Keita Oda
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Patent number: 10739225Abstract: Techniques for implementing and operating a system that includes a pipe segment, which has tubing that defines a bore and a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the tubing, and a test head. The test head includes a shell, which defines an annulus cavity, and an inflatable bladder implemented in the annulus cavity, in which the system maintains the inflatable securing bladder in a less inflated state while pipe segment tubing is not present in the annulus cavity and increases inflation of the inflatable bladder to a more inflated state when the tubing is present in the annulus cavity to facilitate securing and sealing an open end of the pipe segment in the test head to enable integrity of the tubing to be tested at least in part by flowing a test fluid into the annulus of the tubing via a testing port on the shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holding, LLCInventors: Kirk Spencer Francis, David Michael Gregory, Jonathan Guerrero, Alexander Lee Winn
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Patent number: 10646085Abstract: A flexible vacuum attachment and method of use is provided for attaching a vacuum section to a vacuum to collect debris from a surface. The vacuum attachment comprises a flexible vacuum nozzle and nozzle opening, An end of the nozzle is attachable to a connector, which is then attachable to a vacuum. The nozzle forms a tube made of flexible material with a suction end. The suction end of the nozzle has a flexible tapered opening that is radially collapsible and foldable in one or more axial directions that can conform to various shapes. The tapered opening may include a rim that extends coplanar to a vacuumable surface. The suction end is capable of beating up and down on a vacuumable surface when operated with a vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Inventor: Nicholas Vatalaro
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Patent number: 10619763Abstract: The method of providing a connector suited for quickly connecting and testing joints of pipe for a subsea pipeline and similar applications by concurrently locking, preloading, sealing and testing of the connection to eliminate the usual sequential time requirements for each of these operations. Additionally, time for coating and X-Ray inspection of the welded connection in critical path time are eliminated as the welding and coating operations are able to be done on shore in non-critical path time.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
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Patent number: 10600520Abstract: A riser cone has a lower end sized to engage a cylindrical lower riser section of a nuclear reactor and an upper end sized to engage a cylindrical upper riser section of the nuclear reactor. The riser cone defines a compression sealing ring that is compressed between the lower riser section and the upper riser section in the assembled nuclear reactor. In some embodiments the riser cone comprises: a lower element defining the lower end of the riser cone; an upper element defining the upper end of the riser cone; and a compliance spring compressed between the lower element and the upper element. In some embodiments the riser cone comprises a frustoconical compression sealing ring accommodating a reduced diameter of the upper riser section as compared with the diameter of the lower riser section.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.Inventors: Tyler A. Edwards, Scott J. Shargots
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Patent number: 10544884Abstract: A system for sealing an annular space between an inner wall of a tubular opening and one tube, cable or duct which extends through the tubular opening in the axial direction thereof, wherein the system comprises at least two segmental parts for forming a sealing plug in the annular space, each segmental part is made of an elastic material, each segmental part being provided with a small-diameter-end for facilitating insertion of the plug in the annular space and a large-diameter-end for positioning at the end of the tubular opening from which the segmental parts are inserted into the annular space, each segmental part further having a number of outer ribs spaced apart in a longitudinal direction for realizing, in use, circumferentially extending outer contact surfaces between the sealing plug and the inner wall of the opening, each segmental part further being provided with a number of inner ribs spaced apart in the longitudinal direction for realizing, in use, circumferentially extending inner contact surfacType: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Beele Engineering B.V.Inventor: Johannes Alfred Beele
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Patent number: 10415726Abstract: Provided is a pipe connecting sealing member including a projection part includes a body part that is provided between the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the connector to which the pipe is inserted, and is formed to extend in a ring shape along a circumferential direction; and the projection part that is formed in a spiral shape forming an unlimited orbit and projects along the outer surface of the body part.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: JUNGWOO METAL IND. CO., LTD.Inventor: Kwang Won Lee
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Patent number: 10247334Abstract: A method of welding a gasket to a spigot portion of a pipe section is described. The method includes supporting the gasket in a recess on the spigot portion of the pipe section. The gasket includes a seating portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion includes a first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion. A first bonding portion extends from the first shoulder portion and a second bonding portion extends from the second shoulder portion. The first bonding portion and the second bonding portion are provided to bond the gasket to the spigot portion. The method further includes heating a portion of the gasket and an adjacent surface of the spigot portion and applying a force onto the portion of the gasket following the application of heat to fuse the gasket onto the spigot portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Babcanec, Bill R. Vanhoose, Nicholas J. Piazza
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Patent number: 10233608Abstract: A sealing system for sealing a joint of a structure, including a first section having an inner wall, an outer wall and a contact surface extending therebetween, a second section having an inner surface, an outer surface and a contact extending therebetween, the contact surfaces of the first and second sections being in contact with each other, thereby forming a joint. A void is defined by a portion of the contact surface of the first section and a portion of the contact surface of the second section, a port extends from one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the first section to the annular void, and liquid grout disposed in the void and the port.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Gulf Coast Underground, LLCInventor: Spencer A. Tuell
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Patent number: 10227145Abstract: A spacecraft includes a 3-D closed truss structure including at least four coupling nodes and at least six strut elements, attached together by a plurality of joints, each coupling node including at least two legs, each strut element disposed between and attached with a respective pair of the plurality of coupling nodes. Each coupling node is attached, at respective ones of the plurality of joints, with at least two strut elements. Each strut element is attached at a first end with a first leg of a first coupling node and is attached at a second end with a second leg of a second coupling node, the first leg being substantially longer than the second leg.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, LLCInventors: Carey Graham Hijmans, Michael Paul Freestone
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Patent number: 10070599Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes a cultivation unit including a cultivation bed that includes a recess having a recessed cross-sectional shape and being configured to receive cultivation liquid injected into the recess, and a cultivation plate on the cultivation bed. The cultivation plate is supported on the recess of the cultivation bed, and includes an air supply path defined inside the cultivation plate, an air intake port through which air is supplied to the air supply path, and an air discharge port connecting with the air supply path and defined on an upper surface side of the cultivation plate where a cultivation plant is disposed. The cultivation bed includes an air intake port through which air is introduced and guided to the air supply path of the cultivation plate, and an air discharge port connectable with the air intake port of the cultivation plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Fumio Hanzawa, Masahiko Kaide, Hiroshi Kageyama
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Patent number: 10046516Abstract: A method and an annular integral gasket are provided for forming a sealing connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The integral gasket comprises at least one flexible sealing portion adapted to form a sealing connection between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The integral gasket further comprises a bonding layer adapted to be fixedly attached to a tubular member by a joining process. The integral gasket also comprises a body region adapted for supporting the flexible sealing portion and the bonding layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Springseal, Inc.Inventor: Mark Knapp
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Patent number: 9989252Abstract: An exhaust adapter secures an exhaust tube relative to an exhaust pipe. The exhaust adapter is formed to have an annular shape enclosing a through hole, and is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube and on the inner peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe by inserting the exhaust tube into the through hole. When the exhaust adapter is being fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube, the inner peripheral surface of the exhaust adapter presses the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust tube, and when the exhaust adapter is being fitted on the inner peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe, the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust adapter presses the inner peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Noritz CorporationInventors: Takanori Nagano, Koji Shimomura
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Patent number: 9945506Abstract: A seismic slip joint may include a fixed sealing surface, a moveable sealing surface, and a solenoid device. The moveable sealing surface is configured to engage the fixed sealing surface to form a sealing interface during a deactivated state. The sealing interface may be a juncture that precludes passage of a fluid therethrough. The solenoid device is configured to switch between the deactivated state and an activated state. The solenoid device may include a piston and a spring structure. The piston is connected to the moveable sealing surface. The spring structure exerts a force on the piston so as to press the moveable sealing surface against the fixed sealing surface to form the sealing interface during the deactivated state. The piston may be configured to compress the spring structure and retract during the activated state so as to separate the moveable sealing surface from the fixed sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: GE—Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Eric P. Loewen, Scott Pfeffer, Maria E. Pfeffer
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Patent number: 9935445Abstract: The disclosure concerns a compression unit, in the form of wedge, of a transition for cables, pipes or wires. The wedge is to be placed inside a frame together with a number of compressible modules, which modules are to receive cables etc. The wedge comprises a number of wedge elements. The wedge is moved between non activated and activated positions by means of a screw, received in a through opening of a first wedge element, and a sleeve, received in an opening of a second wedge element. The wedge further comprises at least one clip, of an electrically conductive material, placed inside the wedge. The at least one clip is placed to connect the screw with the frame to connect the screw to earth.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Roxtec ABInventor: Joakim Petersson
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Patent number: 9856710Abstract: An well assembly having a housing with an inner surface, the assembly including a tubular member inserted in the housing and having an outer surface. The assembly further includes a plurality of protrusions extending from one of the inner or outer surfaces, the protrusions separated by gaps defined between adjacent protrusions. In addition, the well assembly includes a metal to metal seal pressed against and deformed by the protrusions. A plurality of hollow tubes are provided for insertion in the gaps between the protrusions, the tubes being collapsible upon engagement with the metal to metal seal.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Baozhi Zhu, Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Nicholas Peter Gette
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Patent number: 9829133Abstract: A gap sub comprises at least one electrically isolating threaded joint in a conductive tubular collar. The threads of the joints are isolated by a non-conductive coating. The shoulders of the joints are separated by an isolating ring. Annular faces on the ring make contact with the shoulders in the joints. The ring is made of conductive material with a non-conductive coating deployed on (1) at least one of the ring's annular faces, and (2) the interior surface of the ring. An annular recess in the collar prevents electrical contact between collar sections nearby the ring on either side of at least one threaded joint.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: GE Energy Oil Field Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Miller, Craig MacDonald, Michael Doan
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Patent number: 9676503Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus. In order to achieve efficient sealing, the apparatus includes a sealing with a plurality of sealing elements arranged generally in a ring configuration around a center opening. Each sealing element includes a sealing surface facing the center opening. At least one chamber is included for receiving sections of the sealing elements. An inlet to a fluid source provides the at least one chamber with fluid in order to generate an overpressure acting on the sections of the sealing elements received in the at least one chamber, and for pressing and moving the sealing surfaces of the sealing elements towards the center opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: NEXTROM OYInventors: Jukka Nummela, Risto Widerholm, Tatu Kutvonen
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Patent number: 9400071Abstract: A gasket for preventing separation of interconnected pipes including a compressible body having a plurality of multi-sectioned metal segments partially embedded therein. The multi-sectioned metal segments are arranged in groups of two or more or as a continuous ring of segments. The multi-sectioned anti-slip segments are free to articulate according to the curvature of the outer surface of the spigot in a pipe joint. The presence of the multi-sectioned or articulating anti-slip segments increases the resultant segment density on large diameter pipes.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: McWane, Inc.Inventor: Daniel A. Copeland
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Patent number: 9217522Abstract: A coupling device for interconnecting external tubing to a port of a device. The coupling device includes a port stud, linking tube, collar, tube cap and stud nut. The port stud includes a tube opening from a top section to a bottom section of the port stud. The linking tube is sized to fit inside the tube opening of the port stud and attach to the external tubing. The collar is attached to an outside of the linking tube. The tube cap is threaded onto the top section of the port stud. The stud nut threads onto the bottom section of the port stud.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventor: John W. Best
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Patent number: 9140002Abstract: A weather barrier for a building penetration. The building penetration has an opening in a wall of the building and a utility in the opening. The weather barrier has a sheet of material that is flexible and water resistant and having an outer perimeter and a resilient seal attached to the sheet of material within the outer perimeter. The sheet of material extends out around the resilient seal. The resilient seal is sized to resiliently clamp about the utility such that the resilient seal seals against and is supported by the utility when installed.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
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Publication number: 20150148434Abstract: A system includes a syngas cooler and a compatible seal gas system. The syngas cooler may be configured to cool a syngas. The compatible seal gas system may be configured to supply a compatible seal gas to a seal of the syngas cooler. The seal may be configured to block the syngas from a passage between an outer wall of the syngas cooler and a tube cage of the syngas cooler.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Anindra Mazumdar, Jay Christopher Schleicher, Atul Kumar Vij, Uma Chinnadurai, Paromita Bhattacharya, Rajeshwar Sripada
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Patent number: 8960683Abstract: A pipe coupling seal including a cylindrical elastomeric seal (10) including annular pad portions (14, 16) axially spaced apart from one another and extending from a bridge portion (18), each of the pad portions (14, 16) being thicker than the bridge portion (18) and adapted to seal against an outer diameter of a pipe, wherein at least one of the pad portions (14, 16) includes a removable section that includes a continuously enclosed annular hollow void (34).Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Eliezer Krausz Industrial Development Ltd.Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
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Patent number: 8915020Abstract: A device (100) for closing an opening in a room has a frame (102) in the reveal of the room opening and at least one leaf (104) which is arranged movably with respect to the frame (102) and is movable with respect to the frame into a closure position in which there is, between the frame (102) and the leaf (104), a gap (112) which can be sealed by means of a deformable and/or movable sealing member (114). A sealing member actuating device (120), by means of which the sealing member (114) can be deformed and/or moved, is arranged in the frame (102) and/or in the leaf (104) in order to seal the gap (112).Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: air-lux technik agInventor: Heinz Sauter
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Patent number: 8878060Abstract: An electronic device may include housing structures, electronic components, and other structures. A gap may be formed between the structures. A membrane structure may be used to bridge the gap to form and environmental seal and electrical pathway between the structures. The membrane structure may be deployed using a temporary biasing member or may be installed by forming an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure may include an elastomeric balloon that may be pressurized. Adhesive such as conductive adhesive may be used in attaching the membrane structure to the structures in the electronic device. An inflatable structure may be depressurized following installation in an electronic device to minimize residual forces.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Derek Wright, Erik A. Uttermann, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
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Patent number: 8807209Abstract: A swellable material seal includes a quantity of swellable material disposed in a geometric configuration; and a plurality of openings in the material to enhance wettability thereof by a swelling fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: James G. King
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Publication number: 20140216462Abstract: A foam cushion assembly for a patient interface, the foam cushion assembly being adapted to couple with a patient interface frame, the cushion assembly comprising a substantially above the nose seal portion and a mouth seal portion, wherein the cushion assembly comprises a foam cushion arranged to form with the frame a common plenum chamber for sealing about the nose and mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Kam Man Law, Matthew Robin Wells
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Patent number: 8794637Abstract: An annular sealing element to seal between metal surfaces for use in flanges, joints, packers and the like, located in oil and gas exploration and production equipment. The sealing element has inner and outer metal deformable surfaces joined at ends, defining an interior volume which is entirely filled with a plastic deformable material. The surfaces are arranged such that on compression of the element from the ends, the element will deform in a controlled manner on a cantilever principle. The volume of filler and the interior volume remain substantially equal during compression so that delamination does not occur. Thus the sealing element provides a seal combining the flexibility of elastomer seals with the integrity of a metal to metal seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Freudenberg Oil & Gas UK LimitedInventors: David Martin, Ewan Sinclair
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Patent number: 8794639Abstract: A sealing assembly for a liquid conveying system includes a first structure defining an aperture, such as a pipe receiving aperture. A second structure, such as a pipe is received in the aperture. And an annular seal is disposed within the aperture for radially sealing between the first structure and the second structure. The seal includes an outer radial portion embedded in the first structure and an inner radial portion in sealing engagement with the second structure. The inner radial portion defines an internal cavity containing a substantially incompressible fluid or gel that is movable within the cavity to provide a dynamic seal with the second structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: A-LOK Products, Inc.Inventors: James A. Westhoff, James A. Kelly, Christopher Handago
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Patent number: 8757629Abstract: A thermal bulb seal has a bulb portion and a tab portion that is configured to allow welding or other attachment of the bulb seal to the end surface of an insulating structure. Most preferably, the tab portion comprises an angled portion so allow welding of the bulb seal to another insulating structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Thermal Structures, Inc.Inventor: Vaughn V. Barnes
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Patent number: 8746654Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
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Patent number: 8733762Abstract: A thermal bulb seal has a bulb portion and a tab portion that is configured to allow welding or other attachment of the bulb seal to the end surface of an insulating structure. Most preferably, the tab portion comprises an angled portion so allow welding of the bulb seal to another insulating structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Thermal Structures, Inc.Inventor: Vaughn Barnes
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Patent number: 8720857Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
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Patent number: 8714273Abstract: A seal system for forming a fluid seal from an inner tubular member outwardly against an outer tubular member. The seal system includes a packer element that is radially expandable from a reduced diameter, unset condition to an enlarged diameter, set condition; and a radially expandable seal element surrounding the packer element and creating a fluid sealing engagement outwardly against the outer tubular member.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
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Patent number: 8708306Abstract: A tunable valve assembly reduces valve-generated vibration. One embodiment comprises a valve body and valve seat having substantially collinear longitudinal axes. A rebound characteristic frequency is associated with rebound of the elastic valve body base plate from forceful contact with the valve seat. A central cavity in the valve body encloses a spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid and having a damper resonant frequency approximating a pump housing resonance. A lateral support assembly adjustably secured to the valve seat has a support resonant frequency designed in conjunction with the rebound characteristic frequency and the damper resonant frequency. Combined hysteresis heat loss associated with the above three vibration frequencies is reflected in lower closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of associated vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventors: Barbara C. Gilstad, Dennis W. Gilstad
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Patent number: 8607815Abstract: A butterfly valve with an undulating sealing surface, which has an inflatable annular seal mounted in a housing. A disk is pivotally mounted in the housing and has an edge with an undulating sealing surface and a peripheral sealing edge. The undulating sealing surface of the disk and a sealing face of the annular seal have non-mating profiles when the valve is in an unsealed condition. Pressure in a chamber proximate the annular seal causes the face of the annular seal to expand and deform and the face forms a high-pressure seal between the sealing ridge and the annular seal. Also includes a method for stopping delivery, of a conduit transportable material through a butterfly valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Dynamic Air Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Hansen, Daniel Sabelko
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Patent number: 8607812Abstract: A butterfly valve for handling materials where the temperature of the materials flowing through the butterfly valve can exceed the breakdown temperature of the sealing member with the butterfly valve inhibiting contact of hot transportable materials with the sealing member to isolate the hot transportable materials from the sealing member. Cooling conduits maintain at least portions of the valve that contacts the sealing member at a temperature below the breakdown temperature of the sealing member to prevent seal failure.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Dynamil Air Inc.Inventor: James R. Steele
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Patent number: 8550468Abstract: In some implementations, apparatus and methods are provided through which a dynamic cryogenic seal is manufactured. In some implementations, the seal includes a retainer and a spring-seal assembly, the assembly being comprised of a main spring housing and fluorine-containing polymer seals. In some implementations, either a radial seal, or an axial (or “piston seal”) is provided. In some implementations, methods of manufacturing the dynamic cryogenic seal are also provided. In some implementations, the methods include assembling the components while either heated or cooled, taking advantage of thermal expansion and contraction, such that there is a strong interference fit between the components at room temperature. In some implementations, this process ensures that the weaker fluorine-containing polymer seal is forced to expand and contract with the stronger retainer and spring and is under constant preload.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: James A. Richard
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Patent number: 8544465Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Redmed LimitedInventors: Ian Malcolm Smith, John Michael Snow, Perry David Lithgow, Dan Kao
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Patent number: 8443907Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole in an earth formation includes: a carrier configured to be deployed in the borehole; and a sealing device including at least one deformable element disposed at the carrier, the deformable element configured to have a first position and a second position, the first position forming a void in the sealing device configured to retain a flowable sealing material therein, the second position causing the void to be in flowable communication with leak paths formed in at least one of the sealing device and the borehole.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Clint Mickey
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Patent number: 8403337Abstract: A multifunction ring symmetrical about a longitudinal axis has an elastomeric body, first and second ends, and inner and outer surfaces. The elastomeric body totally encloses at least one pair of longitudinally-spaced circumferential tubular cavities, each pair of cavities being mutually connected via a fluid flow restrictor and substantially filled with at least one fluid medium. Each fluid flow restrictor is responsive to longitudinal compression of the elastomeric body, and the fluid medium facilitates heat conduction, vibration damping, extrusion blocking and/or fluid pressure transmission. Longitudinal compression of a multifunction ring on a pump pressure stroke increases tubular cavity fluid pressure and causes substantially symmetrical radial ring expansion. Radial ring expansion is both inward and outward, thus reducing fluid flow resistance in the fluid flow restrictor.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Inventors: Barbara C. Gilstad, Dennis W. Gilstad
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Publication number: 20130020771Abstract: The present invention relates to a gel sealing device for sealing a passage of elongate parts through an opening. Such gel sealing device is preferably arranged in a housing used in telecommunication technology. The present invention solves the problem of providing a gel sealing device having improved cable access properties. The inventive gel sealing device comprises a gel sealing block (5) which provides a sealing section (22) through which the elongate parts (13, 14) extend, wherein the gel sealing block (5) comprises an upper flange (11) and a lower flange (12) with a support section (11a, 12a, 12b) disposed therebetween. The upper and lower flanges (11, 12) sandwiches in direction of extension of the elongate parts (13, 14), a gel inner ring (7) supported by said support section (2) and a gel outer ring (6, 10a) covering the gel inner ring (7) in a radial direction extending transverse to said extension direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Robert Vanhentenrijk, Ronnie Rosa Georges Liefsoens, Pieter De Coster
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Patent number: 8292301Abstract: A multifunction ring comprises an elastomeric body which totally encloses at least one circumferential tubular cavity filled with at least one liquid medium. In various ring embodiments the liquid medium conducts heat, damps vibration, blocks extrusion and/or transmits hydraulic pressure. When one or more rings are used in a plunger packing, longitudinal compression of the ring(s) secondary to increased pumped fluid pressure occurs during a pressure stroke. Such compression, acting through the compliance of each ring, increases tubular cavity hydraulic pressure and causes radial ring expansion. Ring expansion is both inward toward a plunger and, simultaneously, outward toward its packing box. Inward expansion tends to seal the extrusion gap, while outward expansion increases coupling from plunger to packing box to increase vibration damping and/or heat scavenging. Periodic reduction of pumped fluid pressure tends to reverse radial ring expansion, thus reducing both frictional ring wear and heat generation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Inventors: Dennis W. Gilstad, Barbara C. Gilstad
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Patent number: 8282108Abstract: A water leakage-proof apparatus aims to be firmly held between a shaft and a fixed surface to maintain water leakage-proof effect of the fixed surface and the surrounding of the shaft to prevent external water from flowing along the shaft into chinks around the shaft to form water leakage. The water leakage-proof apparatus includes a casing which has an orifice and an opening at one side. The water leakage-proof apparatus is coupled on the shaft through the orifice so that the opening covers the fixed surface. The water leakage-proof apparatus holds waterproof powder inside to achieve water leakage-proof effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Unisaf Enterprise Company LimitedInventor: Chung-Hsien Teng
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Patent number: 8276918Abstract: One or more multifunction elastomeric plunger seal rings augment a plunger packing assembly within a plunger pump packing box. Each such ring comprises a totally-enclosed circumferential tubular cavity. The cavity is filled with a dilatant liquid which transmits hydraulic pressure throughout the tubular cavity and simultaneously damps pump vibration transmitted via the packing box. Pump pressure strokes increase tubular cavity hydraulic pressure, resulting in radial ring expansion forces both inwardly toward a plunger and outwardly toward its packing box. Inward ring expansion tends to close the extrusion gap, while outward expansion force improves heat transfer from plunger to packing box. Outward expansion force also increases coupling of packing box vibration to hysteresis loss in the dilatant liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Inventors: Barbara C. Gilstad, Dennis W. Gilstad
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Patent number: 8256448Abstract: A butterfly valve for handling materials where the temperature of the materials flowing through the butterfly valve can exceed the breakdown temperature of the sealing member with the butterfly valve inhibiting contact of hot transportable materials with the sealing member to isolate the hot transportable materials from the sealing member. Cooling conduits maintain at least portions of the valve that contacts the sealing member at a temperature below the breakdown temperature of the sealing member to prevent seal failure.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Dynamic Air Inc.Inventor: James R. Steele
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Patent number: 8256450Abstract: A butterfly valve with an undulating sealing surface, which has an inflatable annular seal mounted in a housing. A disk is pivotally mounted in the housing and has an edge with an undulating sealing surface and a peripheral sealing edge. The undulating sealing surface of the disk and a sealing face of the annular seal have non-mating profiles when the valve is in an unsealed condition. Pressure in a chamber proximate the annular seal causes the face of the annular seal to expand and deform and the face forms a high-pressure seal between the sealing ridge and the annular seal. Also includes a method for stopping delivery of a conduit transportable material through a butterfly valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Dynamil Air Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Hansen, Daniel Sabelko
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Patent number: 8246052Abstract: A downhole submersible pumping system includes a housing and a bag seal assembly. The bag seal assembly includes a seal bag and a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly is configured to exert a compressive force between inner and outer surfaces of a first end of the seal bag. The fastening assembly may include a first ring attached to the support tube, a second ring and a plurality of fastening members. The first ring may be configured for threaded engagement with the support tube. The second ring is configured for engagement with the first ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: GE Oil & Gas ESP, Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Marvel, III
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Patent number: RE45518Abstract: An annular sealing element to seal between metal surfaces for use in flanges, joints, packers and the like, located in oil and gas exploration and production equipment. The sealing element has inner and outer metal deformable surfaces joined at ends, defining an interior volume which is entirely filled with a plastic deformable material. The surfaces are arranged such that on compression of the element from the ends, the element will deform in a controlled manner on a cantilever principle. The volume of filler and the interior volume remain substantially equal during compression so that delamination does not occur. Thus the sealing element provides a seal combining the flexibility of elastomer seals with the integrity of a metal to metal seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Freudenberg Oil & Gas UK LimitedInventors: David Martin, Ewan Sinclair