With Strain Relief Patents (Class 285/114)
  • Patent number: 5868438
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a plastic pipe system to a metallic pipe system; including an elongated, plastic sleeve having a first end thereof adapted to be joined to a plastic pipe system and a second end thereof adapted to be joined to a metallic pipe system wherein said second end has a flange formed as an integral part of said plastic sleeve. A gland means is used to attach the plastic sleeve to the metallic pipe system wherein the gland means is adapted to exert longitudinal pressure on said flange. The invention provides pressure sealing and restraint against axial pull-out that would result in the loss of the pressure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Harvey E. Svetlik
  • Patent number: 5857713
    Abstract: A coupling for coupling hoses comprising a pair of coupling main bodies that are structurally identical and undiscriminable for male and female. Each of said coupling main bodies is provided at the front end surface with a sealing surface for mutual abutment and at the front end with a plurality of engaging projections and engaging recesses, each of said engaging recesses being arranged between any two adjacent engaging projections, so that the engaging projections and the engaging recesses of the two coupling main bodies can be complementarily engaged with the corresponding engaging projections and engaging recesses of the other coupling main bodies. The engaging projections are provided with respective hooked anchor sections that are peripherally engaged to restrict axial movement and consequently couple the pair of coupling main bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Sakura Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Horimoto
  • 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: 5813467
    Abstract: An end of a composite cylinder is formed about an end connection assembly having two longitudinally arranged pieces having a contour which prevents the withdrawal of the end connection assembly from the cylinder. The two pieces of the end connection assembly are relatively forced apart and a snap ring having a certain rest diameter is reduced in diameter and inserted into the end connection assembly to a position between the pieces. The snap ring then assumes its rest diameter positioned between the pieces, forcing them to maintain intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylinder, thus removing any residual gap from the assembly process and/or preloading the interface between the end of the composite cylinder and the end assembly prior to application of an axial load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Anderson, Donald A. Nance, Craig S. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 5803509
    Abstract: A line connector lock is used with intravenous (IV) or feeding tube connections to prevent inadvertent disconnections or fluid contamination. The line connector lock has a hollow body and a tensioning element attached to the body. The body fits over an insertion tube and is forced against a line connection through the tensioning element. Installation and removal of the line connector lock is possible on existing tube connections. The two ends of the line connector lock are preferably of different diameters to accommodate various types and sizes of connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Robert D. Adams
  • Patent number: 5791697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the movable connection of pipe ends, particularly of motor vehicle exhaust systems, with a flexible pipe element, such as a metal bellows, hose or the like, and with damped, spring elastic elements acting between the connection ends of the flexible pipe element. Such a device must have a simple construction, but must on the one hand compensate the relative movements acting between said connection ends and on the other ensure the necessary restoring forces for restoring the pipe element to its central position. In such a device, the invention provides for the elements to be held in expanding fastenings of supports parts, so that the linear spring characteristic of the elements is progressively modified by the expanding fastenings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: IWK Regler and Kompensatoren GmbH
    Inventors: Frank-Uwe Godel, Wieland Holzhausen, Andreas Schill
  • Patent number: 5775738
    Abstract: A connector assembly 10 for use with tubular conduits 30 is disclosed which is a male portion that is put into a female portion. The male portion makes use of the end of the conduit itself, and the female portion only requires a stepped bore. The seal 50, stabilizing bushings areas 34 and retainer 138 are carried on the male portion. The seal 50 may be retained on the male, and the connection may be either a quick connect or require a tool to assemble. The connection may seal the highest pressures and withstand very high forces on the male and female portions. Also disclosed is the use of this connection in a multiple port device. The connection may be completed in the depth and diameter that is allotted to a "thread-in" or "flare" connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Propiretary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5772258
    Abstract: A conduit clamp assembly having a band and first and second jaws, the jaws connected one to each of the opposite ends of the band and the jaws having interfitting teeth configured to permit insertion of one jaw into the other and to oppose separation of the jaws once engaged. The band includes a beam connected to the interior the band, the beam extending along and spaced from a length of the interior of the band and the beam being movable toward and away from the band and engaging the conduit before the band. An elongated strap is connected at one end to the band and extends from the band. A tab is attached to the strap in an area spaced from the connection of the strap to the band, the tab being connectable to an element so that the clamp is attachable to a conduit with a bushing and the strap is attachable to the element to maintain attachment of the element to the conduit when the element is separated from the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Tyton-Hellermann Corp.
    Inventors: Edward P. Dyer, Kenneth A. Christian
  • Patent number: 5771975
    Abstract: An end of a composite cylinder is formed about a multipiece end assembly having a contour which prevents the withdrawal of the end assembly from the cylinder. The pieces of the end assembly are relatively forced apart and a spacer is positioned between the parts to maintain the pieces in intimate contact with the inner surface of the cylinder thus preloading the end prior to application of an axial load or removing any residual gap from the manufacturing process. The cylinder may have end assemblies at both ends and to which may be coupled external connectors such as flange members, for construction of a marine riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Anderson, Donald A. Nance, Craig S. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 5763832
    Abstract: A junction box connector and resulting assembly are disclosed that facilitate the inclusion of a strain wire. The strain wire relieves the load placed upon the cable or flexible conduit and cable combination that extends between the junction box and another similar connection. In a preferred embodiment, a connector that has a section extending inside the junction box is provided with a longitudinal slit, and the strain wire is placed within this slit. A locking device such as a threaded nut presses the wire down against the side of the junction box, creating a mechanical clamping effect, thereby providing an appropriate connection able to resist loads placed upon the structure. Preferably, the present invention is used with flexible conduit and the flexible conduit encapsulates an integral strain wire. In certain embodiments, the flexible conduit is filled with fire resistant material and marked with standard units of length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony C. Anselm
  • Patent number: 5741029
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for fluidically interconnecting first and second piping runs and includes a body with first and second end sections each forming a respective receiver for receiving a piping run end. A body transition section is provided for interconnecting the first and second sections. A retainer assembly includes a retainer strap which can mount annular clamps on one or both of its ends for attaching the piping runs to the adapter. The body sections include notches or crimps which facilitate effective connections between the piping ends and the body sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5738384
    Abstract: In a tube connection, an axial end region of a first tube is inserted into an axial end region of a second tube having an internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the first tube. Elastic sealing elements are disposed between the outside of the inserted end region and the inside of the receiving end region. A safety clip which holds the tubes in place in the axial direction is at the same time so formed that misalignment of the tubes in the region of the tube connection is prevented. The safety clip has first and second contact regions, in the form of clamps, which are provided for preferably area contact with the outsides of the end regions of the tubes to be connected. The contact regions each extend over an axial length such that when the safety clip is in the clamped position the tubes are held in the region of the tube connection non-tiltably in a mutually axially aligned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dietmar Boehme
  • Patent number: 5660419
    Abstract: A connecting means for an exhaust pipe of a vehicle includes a bellows member made of metallic material and cylindrically corrugated for absorbing the deformation force due to the expansion and contraction of the exhaust pipe, an interlock member spirally formed on the inside of the bellows member and having spiral grooves for absorbing the deformation force due to the expansion and contraction of the exhaust pipe, a braid member for surrounding the outside of the bellows member, a cap for pressing an end part of the braid member, and a fixing member for combining the end parts of the bellows member and the interlock member. The fixing member includes a ring-shaped intermediate member one end part of which is welded under one end part of the bellows member, and the other end part of which is extended to be overlapped with the end part of the interlock member and provided with spiral protuberances to be fitted into the spiral grooves of the interlock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Sung Jin Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 5568948
    Abstract: A hose coupling for use with flexible hose comprises a biconical fitting which is inserted into a hose end and a frusto-conical locking sleeve located about the hose portion which grips the rearward conical section of the fitting. Sealing arrangements for specific embodiments of hose are disclosed. The double included angle of the conical portion of the sleeve and fitting, which engages the hose, is between one degree but less than ten degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5558371
    Abstract: A resuscitator apparatus including a resilient, self-inflating squeeze bag having a single combined inlet/outlet which is preferably removably connected to a first manifold. The first manifold includes an outlet coupling adapted for connection to a first end of a tubular connector. The tubular connector is desirably formed as a short, kink-resistant, flexible hinge member. The flexible member is desirably fabricated as a one-piece article and may be formed of any suitable flexible material, with a preferred material being injection molded polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The flexible member includes two socket portions at each end of the flexible member for receiving first and second tubular fluid carrying conduits, a deflection resistant intermediate region and deflection sites possessing lower moments of inertia than that of the intermediate region. The intermediate region is preferably in the form of at least one crush-resistant, radially outwardly projecting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Lordo
  • Patent number: 5507533
    Abstract: A tethering apparatus for use with garden hoses to prevent the sprinkling nozzle from becoming lost or misplaced after having been disconnected from the hose connector. The apparatus includes a hub-like member which can be connected to the sprinkling nozzle and a securement ring which is adapted to be connected to the garden hose. A connector cable securely interconnects the hub-like member with the securement ring so as to prevent accidental loss of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Donald Mumma
  • Patent number: 5482088
    Abstract: A double-containment piping assembly has two anchor supports, and at least one elbow fitting with an outer elbow section and an inner elbow section received within the inner elbow section. A first leg having a first inner pipe received within a first outer pipe is coupled between an anchor support and the elbow fitting. A second leg having a second inner pipe received within a second outer pipe is coupled between the other anchor support and the other side of the elbow fitting. First flexibility supports are mounted on either side of the elbow fitting, and permit axial and lateral movement of the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe in the areas of the elbow. First axial-guiding supports, which permit axial movement of the inner pipe relative to the outer pipe, but prevent lateral movement of the inner pipe, are each mounted a minimum distance from the elbow fitting between the inner and outer pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Christopher G. Ziu
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 5468025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to clamps which frictionally and releasibly engage two axially aligned pipes to prevent forced separation of the pipes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sewer line vent clamp assembly having a novel double circumferential ribbing for effectively gripping thin-walled polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing, and releasibly fixing a thin-walled PVC pipe to a standard, flanged sewer trap. The present invention effectively connects a PVC vent pipe to a sewer trap without piercing or distorting the thin wall of the PVC vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventors: Nicholas Adinolfe, Joseph P. Adinolfe
  • Patent number: 5460415
    Abstract: Apparatus for suspending and connecting a pair of tubular members, particularly a pair of radiant heater tubes, wherein each tubular member has an expanded end and a straight end so that successive tubular members are connected by slip joints. The suspending and connecting apparatus of the preferred embodiment includes a pair of brackets fixedly secured to the body of one tubular member generally adjacent to the straight end thereof, and a pair of semi-circular clamping members forming a ring about the adjoining tubular member and engaging the expanded end thereof. Holes formed in the clamping members and brackets are alignable so that a pair of screws may be inserted therein to operatively engage a pair of nuts retained by the brackets. The brackets include holes for attachment to conventional suspension systems, so that one bracket for each tubular member may be employed to suspend the assembly from a ceiling or other overhead support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Lengauer, Kenneth Rowe, Warner Specht
  • Patent number: 5447339
    Abstract: The invention describes a pipe for carrying fluid, including thermally insulated steel pipe sections of a type including an outer tubular shell, an inner cylindrical shell of smaller diameter, in the inner shell being sealingly welded to the outer shell at each of the ends of the pipe sections. It is characterized in that at each joint, the ends of the two inner shells are welded to each other, and a sleeve links to the ends of the outer shells so that when traction, compression or bending forces are exerted on the pipe, the said sleeve transmits these forces to the outer shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Philippe Marchal
    Inventors: Philippe Marchal, Claude Jullien, deceased
  • Patent number: 5439323
    Abstract: A riser section for an oil or other fossil fuel floating platform is described having a high strength-to-weight ratio. The riser section includes a composite tubular shell for conveying the drilling mud, production oil, etc. and resisting its radial pressure. Such section also includes, though, a plurality of rods which extend along its length and act as tensile load carrying members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Nance
  • Patent number: 5433486
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process and an arrangement to connect and seal tubes (2, 4) made of glass, metal or ceramic materials, that are joined to form flue-gas pipes. The sealing system according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that it can be used for exhaust gas pipes as well as for diminished cross-sections for chimneys, for example, since the sealing material is used in such a way that the overlapping pipes (2, 4) are connected in gas-tight manner even in the case of varying pressure conditions, and that the sealing material (8) is sufficiently resistant to acid, water and temperature to be used in the removal of hot, acid gases. In a preferred form of construction, the pipes (2, 4) are fixed together before applying the anorganic sealing material (8). The pipes are either fixed by punctually applied, quick-setting adhesive (6) or secured together by a pipe clamp (14) attached at the circumference of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Schott-Rohrglas GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Mannl, Herbert Jung
  • Patent number: 5407237
    Abstract: A flexible coupling is provided for two relatively movable pipes, which coupling hasa) a bellows tube having transversely corrugated sidewalls which bellows terminates in two rounded nozzles, which nozzles insert into connecting pipes, (e.g. in the air bypass duct of a gas turbine engine) andb) means to seal each nozzle in each respective pipe such that upon relative axial and lateral displacement between connecting pipes, the bellows tube flexes to maintain the sealed juncture between it and the connecting pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Matthew M. Smolowitz
  • Patent number: 5405170
    Abstract: A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a prepositioning carrier for mounting a connector assembly upon a first fluid conduit segment, a hose clamp portion attached to the prepositioning carrier for maintaining the hose clamp in position for engagement with a second fluid conduit segment, and an axially directed activation member for maintaining the hose clamp portion in a retracted configuration prior to engagement of the hose clamp portion with the second fluid conduit segment. The hose clamp portion is movable to a non-retracted configuration when the activation member is slidingly withdrawn in an axial direction from the hose clamp portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Daniel A. Roulinson, Algis Zaparackas
  • Patent number: 5403044
    Abstract: The invention proposes a simple and inexpensive apparatus for the articulated connection of pipes of an exhaust system, such as of a motor vehicle, which has pipe sections connected by a flexible line part, such as a bellows, in which resilient elements engaging round the line part are provided having casing parts axially interengaging with projections and in each case connected to a pipe section and with at least one ring part, coaxial to the bellows, connecting both casing parts over their circumference in the vicinity of their projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: IWK Regler und Kompensatoren GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Holl
  • Patent number: 5402831
    Abstract: A restraint coupling assembly is provided for a double containment pipe system having an inner carrier pipe formed from a first thermoplastic material and an outer containment pipe formed from a second thermoplastic material. The restraint coupling assembly includes a carrier component formed from the first thermoplastic material and having a carrier cylinder conforming to the diameter of the carrier pipe, and having a carrier flange extending rigidly outwardly from the carrier cylinder. The restraint coupling assembly further includes a pair of containment components formed from the second thermoplastic material. Each containment component includes a containment cylinder conforming to the diameter of the containment pipe. Each containment component further includes an inwardly extending containment flange having an aperture therein with the diameter of the aperture greater than the outer diameter of the carrier pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Asahi/America, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Hollis
  • Patent number: 5393102
    Abstract: An arrangement for fastening of a steam joint to a paper machine frame or similar in alignment with the shaft of a steam cylinder is provided. The arrangement utilizes existing fixing points for the support of the old steam joint to the machine frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Partio Engineering Ky
    Inventor: Martti E. O. Partio
  • Patent number: 5368337
    Abstract: An adjustable stabilizer clamp for securing a connection between a push-on pipe fitting and a pipe used in fluid lines. The clamp has a stainless steel stabilizer bar that has a fitted groove for receiving a donut or a cage of a pipe. The stabilizer bar has two circle clamps located at each arm of the stabilizer bar for support. The circle clamps are radially secured onto the pipe. Thus, the clamp prevents pipe movement, pipe vibrations, or high line pressures from causing the push-on pipe fitting from failing and leaking dangerous CFC's into the ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Santos Torres
  • Patent number: 5358285
    Abstract: A joint of drill pipe is disclosed that has a tube section with upset ends to increase the wall thickness of the tube at its ends and tool joints connected to each end of the tube. Each tool joint has a cylindrical section connected to a weld neck of diameter by a tapered section. The connection between the tapered section and the weld neck has a radius of curvature and the weld neck has a wall thickness equal to that of the upset end of the tube that is welded to the weld neck. An external, stress relief groove is located in the weld neck to increase the fatigue life of the tube section of the drill pipe when the drill pipe is subjected to varying stresses produced by rotating the drill pipe while bent. One end of the relief groove is arcuate and is an extension of the radius of curvature between the tapered section and the weld neck. The groove may be arcuate in cross-section or it may have arcuate end sections with a cylindrical section between the end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Prideco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5358288
    Abstract: For producing a tube connection for a capillary tube, the connecting end is provided with an engaged connecting cap, then on the tube end is produced a funnel-shaped widening adapted to an extension and finally it is frontally fixed with a welded joint to the connecting cap. The thus formed mouthpiece can then be so connected with a connecting unit, e.g. a diaphragm capsule, a temperature sensor, etc., that the connection, completely covered to the outside, is located in the fluid space of the duct system. All the working steps can be carried out completely automatically, e.g. on a transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Gerate Blanc u. Fischer
    Inventors: Hajo Lindner, Josef Zwickl
  • Patent number: 5355968
    Abstract: A pipe body is provided having an upset portion and connecting to a tool joint to form a relatively rigid region. A stress relief groove is provided in this relatively rigid region of the tubular member to limit stress applied in the pipe body adjacent the upset portion by rotation of the pipe while the pipe is in an arcuate portion of a well bore. The stress relief groove is designed to increase flexibility of this relatively rigid region while providing that the anticipated stress to be applied in the relatively rigid section is less than the endurance limit in the locus of the stress relief groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Grant TFW, Inc.
    Inventor: Jackie E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5318329
    Abstract: A flexible joint has a bellows, a first support cover connected with one end of the bellows, a second support cover connected with another end of the bellows, a pin fixed to the first support cover, a cap fixed to the second support cover, and a buffer member constructed of wire mesh and disposed between the first support cover in combination with the pin and the second support cover in combination with the cap. The buffer member includes two portions different in modulus of elasticity. Due to the structure, gap generation between the first support cover combined with the pin and the second support cover combined with the cap is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Suzuki, Sumio Ogawa, Sunao Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5312205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsea pipeline and method utilizing the pipeline wherein the loss of pipeline contents resulting from a break in the pipeline is reduced. The loss of pipeline contents is reduced by providing a plurality of traps in the pipeline. The traps each comprise at least two elevation changes in alternating directions. Any water entering the pipeline through a breach will only displace pipeline contents from the breach to the adjacent lower trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Moye Wicks, III
  • Patent number: 5299837
    Abstract: Device for articulately interconnecting members of an exhaust line, in particular of an automobile vehicle wherein the device comprises at least one flexible conduit element (1) interposed between the members (2,3) of the exhaust line, and damping means (4,5) for damping the relative displacement of the ends of the flexible conduit element and therefore of the members of the line, evenly arranged about the flexible conduit element (1) and interposed between fastening elements (6,7) fixed on each side of the flexible conduit element, and is characterized in that each damping means (4,5) comprises at least one coil of metallic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: ECIA-Equipements et Composants Pour L'Industrie Automobile
    Inventor: Jean Lagier
  • Patent number: 5299840
    Abstract: An in-line, pressure balanced universal expansion joint for a piping system has a central bellows and opposite first and second end bellows secured to the opposite first and second ends of the central bellows. A first gimbal assembly pivotally links the outer end of the first end bellows to the second end of the central bellows. A second gimbal assembly links the outer end of the second end bellows to the first end of the central bellows. Each gimbal assembly has a gimbal ring pivotally linked to the outer end of the respective end bellows via a first linkage and to the respective end of the central bellows via a second linkage for pivotal movement about two perpendicular pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hyspan Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Heye
  • Patent number: 5292155
    Abstract: A stabilized connector assembly (24) for connecting an instrument manifold (26) to an orifice fitting assembly (16) for a main flow passage (10) comprising a pair of generally identical stabilized connector subassemblies (30, 32). Each subassembly (30, 32) includes an elongate connector body (34) having an externally threaded inner end (38) for threaded engagement with an internally threaded outlet port (24) of the orifice assembly (16) and a flanged outer end (40). Bolts (58), jack nuts (68), and collar (78) form stabilizing components connected between the outer flange (40) and the orifice assembly (16) for resisting radial loads from a manifold (26) thereby minimizing any deflection of connector body (34) and resulting stress at inner threaded end (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Keystone International Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: J. David Bell, Alan F. Chou, Randall J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5286069
    Abstract: The fatigue life of the tube section of a joint of drill pipe is increased by locating a stress relief groove in the weld necks of the tool joints adjacent the welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Prideco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5286068
    Abstract: A coupling for a flexible soft hose for example for a foam supply duct of a car wash includes a helical spring wrapped around the end of the hose with a spring on the end of the hose inserted into a sleeve member and abutting a shoulder within the sleeve member. A threaded insert member is then engaged through the sleeve member to the inside of the hose thus squeezing the hose outwardly to engage the inside surface of the spring. A swivel coupling can be provided on the male insert member using a replaceable O-ring and clip ring mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Jacob Wiebe
  • Patent number: 5273321
    Abstract: A pre-assembled flexible connector for resiliently connecting spaced fluid conduits without making on-site adjustments in the flexible connector. The flexible connector is formed of a flexible body member having at each end an annualar support member in the form of a coupling flange for making a mating engagement with one of the spaced fluid conduits. The coupling flanges have at equally spaced points of attachment adjacent its periphery at least two flexible control elements resistant to elongation which interconnect the coupling flanges and limit the axial extension of the body member. Each of the flexible control elements has its ends fixedly enclosed in an externally threaded sleeve which forms a permanent threaded engagement with an internally threaded passage formed in the coupling flanges at the equally spaced points of attachment in facing surfaces of the coupling flanges without the ends of the sleeves protruding beyond the outer surfaces of the coupling flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: James R. Richter
  • Patent number: 5269570
    Abstract: Tubulars for casing a well borehole which are drilled by high angle or horizontal drilling techniques. The tubulars contain an annularly disposed upset whose cross sectional shape is omega-like. This omega-like upset enables the tubulars to be set around the curved section of the borehole without detrimental buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Dwight S. Nunley
  • Patent number: 5261705
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a connecting pipe to a main pipe. The coupling comprises a coupling member and a nut screwed into the coupling member. A projection having an arc-shaped cross-section and extending in the circumferential direction of the outer wall of the main pipe is formed on the outer wall of the main pipe, and the coupling member is rotatably fitted onto the projection. A conical shape groove connected to the high pressure fluid passage in the main pipe is formed on the outer wall of the main pipe, and the tip portion of the connecting pipe is pressed against the conical shape groove by tightening down the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Takahashi, Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5248170
    Abstract: An expansion joint assembly for use in a piping system has a central tubular bellows and opposite first and second end bellows secured to respective opposite first and second ends of the central bellows. Outer tubular ends of the respective first and second end bellows are linked to the second and first ends, respectively, of the central bellows via first and second elongate link members. The first link member is pivotally connected to the outer end of the first end bellows at one end and secured to the second end of the central bellows at its opposite end. The second link member is pivotally connected to the outer end of the second end bellows at one end and secured to the first end of the central bellows at its opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Hyspan Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark St. J. Francis
  • Patent number: 5246254
    Abstract: An anti-kinking device used in conjunction with a garden variety water hose, wherein the device includes a housing defined by a tubular body having a coupling member rotatably mounted to the tubular body so as to be connected to a water faucet, wherein the opposite end of the tubular body is threaded so as to connect to a garden-type hose, and further includes an elongated flexible nylon cable that is fixedly secured to a boss member formed in the internal wall of the tubular body, whereby the cable is formed with a length so as to be readily positioned within the full length of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Francis X. LoJacono, Sr.
    Inventors: Francis X. LoJacono, Jr., Robert M. Hooper
  • Patent number: 5224741
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an internal expansion coupling system offering improved thrust restraint when joined to a pair of tubular members, preferably plastic, aligned in end-to-end relationship. The system comprises an elongated open ended tubular joint member formed from at least one, relatively rigid, rectangular sheet-like member, where each sheet-like member is defined by a pair of opposing sheet ends and a pair of opposing sheet sides, and a pair of sheet ends overlap such that the end portions thereof lie in close proximity to each other. The joint member is provided with a continuous circumferential gasket sealing sleeve formed of an elastomeric material and overlapping each said sheet side about the open end of the tubular joint member, where said gasket sealing sleeve is adapted to lie adjacent to and be compressed against the inside wall of said tubular member. Further, a member accessible externally thereof, as known in the art, is provided for expanding the tubular joint member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Valco Technology Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Burkit, Milton P. Chernack, James H. Sandler
  • Patent number: 5211602
    Abstract: An external middle joint for an extraction arm has one first half and a second half, an inner tube and an outer tube, the inner tube being connected to a fan mounted on a wall, the outer tube having an extraction hood. The first half is connected to the outer end of the inner tube and the second half is connected to the inner end of the outer tube. Each half has a connecting piece connecting the first half to the outer end of the inner tube and connecting the second half to the inner end of the outer tube. A length of hose interconnects the outer end of the inner tube and the inner end of the outer tube, so that a continuous channel is formed from the fan to the extraction hood. Each half has two legs extending on either side of the hose, each leg being articulated to the corresponding leg of the opposite joint half by means of bolt connections. The latter have a bolt which is non-rotationally mounted in one of the legs of the other joint half and which support a knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: J H Plymoth AB
    Inventor: Ambjorn Holmgren
  • Patent number: 5209524
    Abstract: A pipe coupling member comprising a collar member, flanges disposed on the collar member for connecting the collar member a support member, the collar member and the support member being adapted cooperatively to substantially encircle a first pipe member, lugs disposed on the collar member for connecting the collar member to a collar assembly substantially encircling a second pipe member, and elongated protrusions extending inwardly from an inside surface of the collar member and adapted to engage an external surface of the first pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: M&FC Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Corwon, Edwin A. Bird, Kirby L. Shaddix
  • Patent number: 5161828
    Abstract: A break-away flowline fitting for protecting a subsea Christmas tree to which the flowlines are connected when the flowlines are subjected to an externally applied axial load and/or bending moment. The fitting comprises a tubular member having a reduced wall thickness section integrally formed in the member and designed to part or separate axially at an externally applied load less than what would be necessary to harm the tree. A clamp closely surrounds the reduced wall thickness section and limits the pressure induced hoop membrane stress in the reduced wall thickness section to about the same value as in the adjacent normally configured fitting portions, thereby maintaining the pressure integrity of the fitting. A frame having supports disposed on the normally configured fitting portions and axially beyond each end of the reduced wall thickness section has removable reinforcing members which span the reduced wall thickness section prior to placing the fitting in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Hynes, James H. Owens, III
  • Patent number: 5143409
    Abstract: A dynamic stress relief device for a hose having an end fitting with an end collar that receives, circumferentially surrounds, and secures the hose to the fitting. The stress relief device has a mechanism which changes the combined spring moment density of the hose over the length of the device. The length of the device is in the range of three to twenty times the diameter of the hose. The design is specifically for use on hoses subject to high frequency, high cycle, reversing linear or rotary flexing which may lead to fatigue and hysteresis loss. While the invention may find use in many dynamic environments, it is especially useful in the hydraulic brake line of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Titeflex Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony J. Lalikos
  • Patent number: 5123679
    Abstract: A fluid conduit composed of: two pipe sections each having a longitudinal axis and a connecting end, each pipe section including a cylindrical main portion, an annular flange located at the connecting end and extending radially outwardly from the main portion, and a thin annular disk located at the connecting end, extending radially outwardly from the flange and having an outer periphery, the pipe sections being assembled together at the connecting ends with the disks in contact with one another; and a mass of welding metal sealing the outer peripheries of the disks together.Such a connection can be broken by cutting off outer peripheral regions of the disks along a circular cutting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 5123591
    Abstract: An improvement in devices for the thermostatic control of engine coolant comprises a radiator hose with an internally mounted thermostatic valve. In one embodiment of the improved device, a flexible hose has a radially inwardly projecting annular flange on which the radially outwardly projecting annular flange of a conventional thermostatic valve may seat. In another embodiment, the annular flange of a thermostatic valve is modified to permit it to be clamped onto a coil of a helical spring held coaxially within a flexible radiator hose. The improved thermostatic coolant control devices eliminate the requirement for gaskets, gasket cement, and unbolting and bolting metal parts together heretofore, required for the replacement of thermostats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: William J. Reynolds