With Leakage Or Drip Disposal Patents (Class 285/13)
  • Patent number: 6145890
    Abstract: In a device (1) for supplying a pressurized medium from a fixed component (2) into a rotating component (3, 3'), with an axially aligned annular groove (14) and radially aligned sealing gaps (15, 16) provided between the two components, a circumferential pressure chamber (29, 30) is worked into each of the end surfaces (21, 22) which limit the radially aligned sealing gaps (15, 16), with radially aligned control slots (37, 38) connecting the pressure chambers (29, 30) to the annular groove (14). Furthermore, the end surfaces (21, 22) which are provided with pressure chambers (29, 30) are configured with equal areas.This embodiment prevents the two components (2, 3, 3') making contact under pressure and, instead, both components (2, 3, 3') level out in a central position. As a result, trouble free operation is assured over a long period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Karl Hiestand
  • Patent number: 6129107
    Abstract: A fluid-containment hose assembly for connecting a fluid supply to a device using the fluid (such as a washing machine), the hose assembly having a first connector with a nipple; a second connector with a nipple; an inner hose sealingly attached to the nipple of the first connector at one end of the inner hose and to the nipple of the second connector at another end of the inner hose; an outer hose covering the inner hose defining a space therebetween as a relief passageway, the outer hose sealingly attached at the nipple of the first connector and at the nipple of the second connector; a relief hose attached to the outer hose, the relief hose having a relief port in communication with the relief passageway and further having an exit port through which fluid may be discharged; and a signal device on the relief hose which, when fluid enters the relief hose due to a rupture of the inner hose, generates an audible signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Robert W. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6109659
    Abstract: A hydrostatic rotary union has a shaft with an axial passage therethrough received within a housing having a radial passage in fluid communication with the axial passage. The shaft and housing have a radial clearance between them which establishes a squeeze film bearing and seal, when in use. End annuluses receive the oil establishing a squeeze film bearing and provide a return path to a supply source. The inner circumferential portion of the housing interfacing with the shaft is preferably of an anti-seizure material, such as bronze. Moreover, the housing and shaft are of materials of different coefficients of thermal expansion, such that excessive heat generated at the interface between the housing and shaft will cause the housing to expand away from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Heidenreich, Marcus H. Collins
  • Patent number: 6073777
    Abstract: A fluid swivel of the type that includes a transfer chamber (56) formed between inner and outer main parts (52, 54), is constructed so sand and other particles settling out of the fluid, does not find its way into the lower gap passage (86) and quickly wear out a seal. A second of the main parts has a lower wall with a raised barrier (110) close to the top (122) of the lower gap passage. The first main part lower wall forms a first barrier (112) in the form of a projection that lies closely over the second barrier. The two barriers are closely spaced to form an entrance region (120) leading to the lower gap passage, with the entrance region including an upstream entrance part (132) that extends vertically or at an upward incline to discourage the migration of sand therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Imodco Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Jansen
  • Patent number: 6073970
    Abstract: A rotary joint for the transfer of pressurized working fluid between a stationary machine part and a rotating machine part, comprising a housing associated with the stationary machine part and a shaft associated with the rotating machine part. The shaft extends into the housing and is tightly surrounded by at least one bush accommodated in the housing. The inner surface of the bush and the circumferential surface of the shaft are provided with sealing faces which slide against each other. The bush comprises at least one radial fluid feed bore which is connected, via an annular channel encircling the shaft, with at least one radial bore in the shaft for conveying pressurized working fluid through the bush to a fluid duct extending axially in the shaft. The fluid feed bore is also connected with the radial bore in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: GAT Gesellschaft fur Antriebstechnik mbH
    Inventors: Stephan Ott, Georg Gernand
  • Patent number: 6065756
    Abstract: An expansion joint seal between a gas turbine exhaust duct and an axially adjacent exhaust ductwork comprising plural layers of axially adjacent layers of flexible seal plates, each layer comprising a plurality of arcuate segments which together form a 360.degree. annulus; and further wherein the plural layers of flexible seal plates are secured at one end to the gas turbine exhaust duct, with opposite ends of the seal plates slidably engaged with at least one surface of the exhaust ductwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: James Giles Eignor, Nicholas Philip Poccia, Leroy Omar Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6062605
    Abstract: In a weldless joint 13, screwing a fastening member 13 into a joint body allows two pipes to move closer to each other in an axial direction without rotating. The two pipes can be thus connected without welded. Packings and disposed in the joint body prevent the leakage of gas through the contact surfaces of the pipes and, further, the leakage of gas from the inside of the joint body to the outside thereof. Accordingly, no packing or sealing element is needed on the periphery of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Goshima, Hiroshi Itafuji, Shigenobu Nishida
  • Patent number: 6039066
    Abstract: A safety hose system for use in delivering water from a water supply source to an inlet connector of a washing machine. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first connector engageable with the inlet connector of the washer machine and a second connector engageable with the water supply source. The system further comprises first hose having a first and seconds end connected to first and second connector, respectively. The system further comprises a second hose concentrically and sealed about the first hose and extending from said first connector to said second connector. The system further comprises an over-spill portion formed by said second hose being disposed within said first hose. The over-spill comprises a water reactive material which will change the color of any water entering into the over-spill portion, The system further comprises a third hose engaged with the second hose and in communication with the over-spill space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: William J. Selby
  • Patent number: 6029505
    Abstract: A device for providing access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially define the region. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe and a small end snugly fitting on the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe. The boot has an access port communicating with the interior of the chamber to provide access to the interstitial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5957503
    Abstract: A safety shield, suitable for use in a marine environment, which can be quickly and easily removed from around the end flange of a pipeline or hose. It is used to aid in the containment of any leaking fluid from the end flange, such escaping fluid being collected in a drip barrel or the like. The shield incorporates a housing, open at the bottom, with a notch in the front wall for a pipeline to pass through. The housing is fastened to the pipeline by selectively engaging or disengaging the outer circumference of the end flange with an adjustable open annular ring or strap. A window may be included in the top wall of the housing of this shield so that the user can view the end flange prior to installation and/or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: William E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5931184
    Abstract: A safety hose apparatus is provided for delivering water from a standard threaded hose bib to an appliance. The apparatus includes a first end fitting that has a first pipe. A first threaded connector is rotatably attached to the first pipe for communicably connecting the first pipe to the hose bib. A second end fitting includes a second pipe and a second threaded connector is rotatably connected to the second pipe for communicably connecting the second pipe to a standard threaded appliance inlet. An elongate outer hose segment extends continuously between the first and second fittings and includes a first end interengaged with the first end fitting and spaced apart from the first connector to fully expose the first connector. A second end is interengaged with the second end fitting and spaced apart from the second connector to fully expose the second connector. An elongate inner hose segment extends through the outer hose segment and communicably interconnects the first and second pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: John G. Armenia, Alfred L. Calciano
  • Patent number: 5918911
    Abstract: For nozzle replacement, repair and initial installation in ASME pressure vessels, disclosed are nozzles, nozzle assemblies and nozzle repair assemblies, all of which are mechanically attached and mechanically sealed to the vessel, i.e., without any welding to the vessel, and in most embodiments without any welding at all. For nozzle replacement, a part or the entire existing nozzle is removed and a partial or full replacement nozzle or nozzle assembly is mechanically attached and mechanically sealed to the vessel. For nozzle repair, the existing nozzle within the bore is not removed, and a mechanical seal is provided for the existing nozzle which may also be welded or mechanically attached to the repair assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
    Inventor: William Sims
  • Patent number: 5911155
    Abstract: A monitoring device for use with a coaxial pipe or double wall pipe device which provides access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially defines the interstitial region, each pipe having two terminal ends. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe, and a small end snugly fitting onto the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5884657
    Abstract: A reclamation apparatus for capturing leaking hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system having a higher pressure system end and a lower pressure system end and for delivering the captured fluid back into the system includes an inner fluid line, for carrying hydraulic fluid between two points in the hydraulic system, having a higher pressure first line end and a lower pressure second line end, a reinforcing sleeve containing the inner fluid line and having an inside diameter larger than the inner fluid line outside diameter, an outer fluid line containing the inner fluid line and the reinforcing sleeve and having a first line end, a second line end and an inside diameter larger than the reinforcing sleeve outside diameter so that a containment space is provided between the reinforcing sleeve and the outer fluid line, a line coupling structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line first ends, a manifold structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line second ends and including a manifold body connected t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan J. Srock
  • Patent number: 5851033
    Abstract: A corrosion limiting device for use with a fluid-carrying piping system having a connection formed from first and second components. A seal is carried by the components for forming a fluid-tight seal between the components. The components form a groove external of the seal. The corrosion limiting device includes an elongate member having first and second end portions and a length sufficient to extend around the groove. At least a portion of the elongate member is adapted to seat within the groove for aligning the elongate member on the components. The first and second end portions of the elongate member are fastened together. The elongate member serves to inhibit corrosion of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Stephen Hunt, John M. Jenco
  • Patent number: 5831149
    Abstract: In a pipeline system having a plurality of pipe segments joining a fluid supply tank to a fluid dispenser, the invention includes a pipe coupling assembly for use on at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe, where the transfer pipe has an inner tubular member for transferring fluid and an outer tubular member and an interstitial space therebetween. The coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe segment to provide a first path for the fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the interstitial space. The coupling assembly further comprises a transition fitting for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate paths for the transfer fluid and the interstitial space, where the interstitial space provides a means for performing leak detection or fitting integrity tests during application of either a vacuum condition or pressurized gas input via such selective access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5819708
    Abstract: The structure has a number of sleeves fitted about the conduits of a supply circuit supplying fuel to the injectors of an engine. Each sleeve is tubular, and has a bellows type main body, two opposite end portions, and an outlet fitting extending from one of the end portions. The sleeves are fitted to the conduits by fitting the end portions in fluidtight manner to fittings at opposite ends of the conduits. The outlet fitting of each sleeve is then connected to a catch header by a respective connecting line, which connects the inner cavity of the main body to the catch header to enable any fuel leakage from the conduits to flow into the catch header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Riccardo Buratti, Giovanni Maria Rossi Sebastiano
  • Patent number: 5788287
    Abstract: The present invention is an outlet connector configuration for an oxygenator that prevents excessively high positive or negative pressure from forming in the oxygenator and helps to minimize the possibility of misidentifying the outlet connector. The outlet connector is hollow and substantially cylindrically tubular in shape so that a hollow inner conduit is formed. The outlet connector is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold of an oxygenator through the inner conduit. In one embodiment, the outlet connector has an elongated hole extending through the tubular material of the outlet connector into the hollow inner conduit formed therein. The elongated hole is preferable large enough to be felt by the fingers of the person connecting tubing to the outlet connector. The elongated hole is preferably arrow shaped with the arrow pointing in the direction of fluid flow out of the outlet manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Gremel
  • Patent number: 5713387
    Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a block located within the containment chamber defined by the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the fluid structurally alters the block and the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: John G. Armenia, Alfred L. Calciano
  • Patent number: 5678864
    Abstract: A safety shield, suitable for use in a marine environment, which can be quickly and easily removed from around a coupling or the like that is used to secure a pipeline or hose together. This safety shield can also be used to cover or surround an end fitting or plug in the pipeline or hose. It is used to aid in the containment of any leaking fluid from the coupling or fitting, such escaping fluid being collected in a drip barrel or the like. The shield has an inverted U-shaped housing, open at the bottom, with aligned notches in the front and rear walls for a pipeline with joint to pass through. The housing is fastened to the pipeline by chains or ropes, passing under the pipeline and secured to the front and rear walls of the housing, respectively. A window is included in the top wall of the housing of this shield so that the user can view the fitting or coupling prior to installation and/or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: William E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5647612
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a male and female couplings which are fitted with each other. A fixing device includes a first and second fixing member of a substantially semicircular cylindrical shape. A hinge device is provided for rotating the first and second fixing members between an opened condition and a closed condition. At the closed condition, the first and second fixing members cooperate to form a recess of a shape corresponding to that of the fitted part of the couplings thereby axially holding the couplings. A releasable lock is constructed by a catch member on the first fixing members and a latch member on the second fixing member. The releasable lock allows the fixing members to be easily engaged and disengaged, thereby increasing productivity during the pipe fitting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satohisa Yoshida, Akihito Namikawa, Kenji Ogura, Masayoshi Enomoto
  • Patent number: 5538292
    Abstract: A rotary union includes a housing which encases a rotor having a first sealing surface and a stator having a second sealing surface. The sealing surfaces are biased against each other due to a load exerted by a biasing member. An inlet chamber is in communication with the fluid being transposed by the union and operates to urge the stator against the rotor due to the pressurized fluid in the chamber reacting against the stator. The stator and the housing define a reaction chamber. Pressurized fluid supplied to the reaction chamber operates to urge the stator away from the rotor thus enabling the disengagement of the sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Midwest Brake Bond Company
    Inventor: Gordon M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5527157
    Abstract: Evaporative cooler apparatus includes two pumps, a primary pump which pumps water to an evaporative medium and a secondary pump for pumping water from the bottom of the cooler to drain the cooler. The secondary, or drain pump includes a timer so that it is only on to drain water from the bottom of the cooler for a predetermined time, and after a predetermined number of hours of operation of the primary pump. That is, there is a direct relationship between the operation of the cooler apparatus as evidenced by the primary pump, and the draining of the water at the bottom of the cooler by the secondary, or drain pump. The efficiency of the pumps is increased to allow them to pump with a very low water level without cavitation problems by virtue of an impeller design which includes vanes on the bottom of the impeller disk and vanes on top of an impeller disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold O. Collins, James J. Hennessy, Gilbert Mancillas
  • Patent number: 5470110
    Abstract: A shielding device provides an area of protection to mechanics during initial unbolting of flanged pipe connections, to block and redirect any unexpected discharge of product away from the mechanic to the opposite side of the flange. This device has an elongated body wrapped around a pipe flange positioned in the gap area between the flanges. The body is made from an elastic material such as rubber or plastic, or a pliable material such as rubber, plastic or teflon, and is secured to the flange by fasteners on each end of the device. The device provides an area of protection greater than half the circumference of the flange, by having the elongated body securely seated in the gap of the flange over this area. The remaining area of the flange gap remains unobstructed to discharge product leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Hupe
  • Patent number: 5365907
    Abstract: In a cylinder head for a fuel injected internal combustion engine in which a nozzle holder with a fuel injection nozzle is mounted and engaged by a pressure tube disposed in a cylindrical recess, the pressure tube is axially forced into firm engagement with the nozzle holder by a hollow compression screw through which the pressure tube extends so that its free end projects outwardly and an injection pipe is mounted onto the free end of the pressure tube by means of a union nut for sealing the injection pipe to the pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Markus Dietrich, Walter Aupperle
  • Patent number: 5362446
    Abstract: A method of increasing rainout from a liquid jet of an aerosolable corrosive and toxic substance, e.g. hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, ammonia or chlorine, exiting from a pressurized source, such as a vessel, conduit, pump. The method includes spacing an impact plate from the pressurized source for deflecting the liquid jet to dissipate forward velocity and energy of the liquid jet. The impact plate is positioned a distance from the pressurized source to impact the liquid jet before the liquid is capable of expanding to form a substantial aerosol of vaporized substance. A mesh pad abuts the impact plate and faces the pressurized source for initially reducing the velocity and energy of the liquid jet, and for preventing back and radial splash of the liquid jet deflecting off the impact plate to coalesce droplets of the substance and thereby produce a collectable run-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 5286456
    Abstract: System for increasing rainout from a liquid jet of an aerosolable corrosive and toxic substance, e.g. hydrogen fluoride, hydrofluoric acid, ammonia or chlorine, exiting from a pressurized source such as a vessel, conduit, pump. The system includes an impact plate spaced from the pressurized source for deflecting the liquid jet to dissipate forward velocity and energy of the liquid jet. The impact plate is positioned a distance from the pressurized source to impact the liquid jet before the liquid is capable of expanding to form a substantial aerosol of vaporized substance. A mesh pad abuts the impact plate and faces the pressurized source for initially reducing the velocity and energy of the liquid jet, and for preventing back and radial splash of the liquid jet deflecting off the impact plate to coalesce droplets of the substance and thereby produce a collectable run-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 5279112
    Abstract: To connect an external fuel line to an internal fuel line feeding an internal fuel manifold in a combustor of a gas turbine engine, a fitting includes a first joint half terminating the internal fuel line and a second joint half terminating the external fuel line; the joint halves being united to provide a threaded fluid joint. The first joint half is integrally formed with a cup-shaped reservoir containing the fluid joint and having an outwardly turned brim which is affixed to a combustor casing in surrounding relation to a casing hole. The reservoir thus serves to shunt mechanical loadings from the fluid joint and to collect any fuel leakage therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ely E. Halila
  • Patent number: 5263312
    Abstract: A tube fitting for use with a flammable fluid is disposed in an auto-ignition zone of a gas turbine engine. The tube fitting has a pair of separable casings defining a passage to accommodate flow therethrough of the flammable fluid, and the casings have a pair of seals associated in sealing engagement with each other to seal about the passage. A restriction is arranged in one of the casings for limiting at least to a preselected flow rate any leakage flow of the flammable fluid from the passage past the seals upon an interruption in the sealing engagement thereof in the event of the occurrence of the separation of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alan Walker, Christopher C. Glynn, Jeffrey Glover
  • Patent number: 5242198
    Abstract: A fluid swivel, of the type that carries oil, natural gas, or other fluid between an undersea well or pipeline and a weathervaning ship, wherein the seal arrangement that prevents leakage of fluid is constructed to increase the seal lifetime and reduce the cost of the fluid swivel. The seal arrangement includes a recess (44, FIG. 2) in a first of the swivel parts and a seal assembly (46) therein which includes a pressure seal (50) and a backup ring (56). The backup ring has a dynamic side (64) lying adjacent to the portion (54) of the second swivel part that is sealed against, and has an opposite distal edge portion (72). The dynamic side of the backup ring has a tapered downstream portion (80) that is tapered at an angle A of no more than 30.degree. to the axis of rotation (16) of the fluid swivel, with the downstream edge (82) of the tapered portion lying on a downstream wall (86) of the first swivel part rather than overhanging it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Imodco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Pollack
  • Patent number: 5174610
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing bleed air to exit an air outlet fitting where an air hose is connected to a turbine housing to cool the turbine and outlet fitting. The bleed air is directed through longitudinal channels outside the air hose and to an air diffuser collar where it is deflected to exit the apparatus radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Svendsen, John J. Anderley, Peter L. Frank
  • Patent number: 5169181
    Abstract: A rotary joint for rotating heat exchangers of the drum or roll type having a journal wherein damage to the rotary joint by radial impact forces is minimized by mounting the joint housing upon the rotating journal, the joint nipple is stationary and mounted upon the fluid receiving head and spherical roller bearings are interposed between the housing and nipple. The primary fluid seal is located adjacent the heat exchanger journal and impact forces between the seal components and nipple, and their surrounding structure, is absorbed by the use of annular elastic glide rings which also function as fluid seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: The Johnson Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald L. Timm, James A. Medsker
  • Patent number: 5149141
    Abstract: A motor-generator set, which has a rotatable central shaft, AC and DC rotors tandemly-arranged along the shaft for rotation therewith and a liquid coolant flow path defined through the shaft and rotors, includes rotating unions mounted internally of the shaft within first and second axial bores defined in opposite ends thereof. Liquid coolant enters the axial bore at one end of the shaft and exits the axial bore at the opposite end of the shaft via the internally-located rotating unions. The rotating unions each includes features for collecting leakage of residual amounts of fluid from the bores past the unions, and fluid transmission coupling features being mounted respectively to the rotating unions for attachment to transmission lines for supplying and discharging fluid to and from the unions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Brian L. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 5141256
    Abstract: An access housing is provided between segments of an outer containment pipe of a double containment pipe assembly through which the flanged ends of a primary pipe may be accessed with the ability to readily assemble and disassemble the inner piping system in modular sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Double Containment Systems
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 5125691
    Abstract: High pressure gas pipeline is intended for economic transportation of fluids in gaseous or liquid condition. The pipes are coaxially disposed, so that the first axial pipe 1 and the second axial pipe 2 are supported by the first ring 6 forming the first shell, while the third axial pipe 3 and the fourth axial pipe 4 are supported by the second ring 7 forming the second shell. Outer shell is the pipe shell 5 and it is retained on the second shell by the second supports 9, while the second shell is retained on the first shell by the first supports 8. The pipeline is secured from explosion in the way that the first shell is secured by the first discharge pipe 10, and the second shell is secured by the second discharge pipe 11, both of which are connected with the atmosphere. The discharge pipe passages through the shells are reinforced by discharge pipe reinforcement 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Lazarevic Bogdan
  • Patent number: 5044816
    Abstract: A clamping collar includes a clamping collar body extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least two clamping collar shells with side walls. At least one clamping receiving space is defined by the side walls of the collar shells for receiving and retaining a pipe in the space along the longitudinal axis. At least one recess in the side walls opens radially inwardly into the receiving space and extends axially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The recess is open to an atmosphere exteriorly of the collar body at at least one axial end of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Hydac Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Peter E. Junkes
  • Patent number: 4991879
    Abstract: This invention relates to flexible coupling devices and to a method of utilizing such a device. The invention encompasses an article of manufacture which is an inflatable member characterized by a gas permeability factor sufficient to accommodate the flow of gas through the member while the member remains inflated. This article can be used as a flexible coupling to retard the accumulation of solid particulate matter in the space between two spaced apart structures and also may be used to control heat buildup between two structures. The inventive method contemplates reducing dust accumulation between two structures by providing an inflatable gas permeable member which is inflated and then allowed to lose gas through at least one wall while additional gas is continually supplied so as to maintain inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Dale L. Miller
  • Patent number: 4989630
    Abstract: A first coupling (51) and a second coupling (52) composing a quick-acting coupling (26) are respectively provided with check valve bodies (54)(154) and non-spill valve bodies (55)(155). When both the couplings (51)(52) are manipulated for the disconnection thereof, a leak of liquid is adapted to be prevented by means of the respective check valve bodies (54)(154) as well as a spill of liquid is adapted to be prevented by means of the non-spill valve bodies (55)(155). The respective non-spill valve bodies (55)(155) are fitted slidably inside respective non-spill valve port surfaces (71)(171) so as to carry out a liquid sealing respectively. Further, at the time of disconnecting manipulation of the coupling (26), a volume of the liquid phase portion within a non-spill valve casing chamber (63) is adapted to be increased by the movement of a non-spill valve casing (56) in which the first non-spill valve body (55) is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha KOSMEK
    Inventor: Keitaro Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 4930549
    Abstract: An attachment for an appliance such as a washing machine that is connected to a water or other fluid inlet source that surrounds the hose connections from the fluid source to the appliance in a manner that prevents any leakage from the connector hoses from escaping into the vicinity around the appliance and flooding that area. Any excess fluid is instead directed via a drainage hose into an appropriate drainage site. The hose protector device has sleeves that cover and surround each individual hose connected to the appliance. The sleeves are interconnected to each other by a bridging conduit positioned between the sleeves. A drainage hose is attached to one of the interconnecting means and the sleeves so that any fluid accumulating in the sleeves is transported out of the sleeves through the drainage hose and into the appropriate drainage site, such as a floor drain or standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Brian K. Renner
  • Patent number: 4928997
    Abstract: A multiple passage rotating union includes a housing assembly having a housing with an elongated cylindrical sleeve bearing of carbon graphite located in the axial bore of the housing and heat shrunk to the inner surface of the housing bore, the sleeve bearing defining the bearing surface for the rotor assembly of the rotating union and providing sealing between the fluid passageways through the rotating union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Deublin Company
    Inventors: Delbert C. Reisener, Dennis G. Pearson
  • Patent number: 4813713
    Abstract: A fluid coupling accommodates misalignments of ducts to be connected in any one or any combination of three basic directions, these being axial, angular and radial. The coupling also provides for duct flexibility while minimizing the number of necessary sealing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Bertram A. Peaster
  • Patent number: 4804206
    Abstract: A swivel construction and method of making the same are provided, the construction comprising a body member and an adaptor member, each member having opposed ends and having a passage passing through the ends thereof, one end of the body member and one end of the adaptor member being disposed in telescoped relation, the construction having a retainer disposed between the telescoped ends and tending to hold the members in the telescoped relation while permitting swivel movement therebetween, the construction having a seal disposed between the telescoped ends and tending to seal the telescoped ends together while permitting swivel movement therebetween, the construction having a bearing disposed between the telescoped ends and intermediate the retainer and the seal, the construction having structure for causing the seal to leak a certain amount after the retainer has worn away the bearing a certain amount but is still maintaining the one ends in the telescoped relation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventors: Chester W. Wood, Frank G. Lamping
  • Patent number: 4738476
    Abstract: A fluid coupling accommodates misalignments of ducts to be connected in any one or any combination of three basic directions, these being axial, angular and radial. The coupling also provides for duct flexibility while minimizing the number of necessary sealing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Bertram A. Peaster
  • Patent number: 4708371
    Abstract: A manifold is provided surrounding the casing of a combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine, and the manifold is mounted in spaced aligned segments with couplings between the segments. Each coupling includes a removable tube connector extending between passageways forming the fuel line in the manifold. The tube connector is provided with a radial collar thereon, and a sleeve which is adapted to enclose the space between ends of respective manifold segments is also provided with a mating collar adapted to receive the radial collar on the tube connector. The sleeve is retractable over the ends of the manifold segments, and movement of the sleeve in one direction or the other will also move the tube connector by virtue of the interlocking collars. The manifold segments are provided with a second passageway for draining leaked fuel. The space defined by the sleeve is sealed, and fuel can communicate through to the second passageway for drainage outboard of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Elsworth, Ali Nownahal, Kevin Wilson
  • Patent number: 4706997
    Abstract: Precision makeup at high speed of the most used forms of pipe and casing for production wells is assured by a novel coupling system. A pipe collar is provided with an internal precision makeup ring whose length along the pipe axis assures precise positioning and engagement. When the nose of the pipe is engaged with metal-to-metal contact against a reference shoulder on the precision ring a side surface on the nose end of the pipe engages a center seal ring disposed in the side wall of the collar between the reference shoulder and the threaded portion. This seal constitutes an effective barrier against the leakage of high internal pressures into the thread engagement region. End seals are mounted in grooves in the end recess portions of the collar, outside the threaded engagement region, to provide seals against external pressure, which can also vent internal pressures that are in excess of a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
  • Patent number: 4635711
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger employing double wall tubing comprising concentric inner and outer tubes, the inner and outer tubes are disposed within apertures of spaced tube sheets and connected thereto by roller expansion of the tubes. To maintain venting of the air space between the tubes, a split wall ferrule is located over the inner tube and within the outer tube in the region of the tube sheet to which the outer tube is connected. The ferrule, which has a length sufficient to traverse the thickness of the tube sheet, transmits expansion forces exerted on the interior of the inner tube to the outer tube so as to expand the outer tube to connect it to the tube sheet. The split in the ferrule wall forms a passageway that connects the air space between the tubes to the space between the tube sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Clark, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4633938
    Abstract: A gear drive has an enclosed housing that acts as a lubricant reservoir. Hollow, finned heat exchanger tubes are mounted in the housing at a level where they are submerged beneath the surface of the pool of lubricant in the housing. The tubes extend outward of the housing and connections are made external of the housing between the tubes and a source of a cooling liquid, such as water, and a drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: The Falk Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Schunck, Richard W. Holzman
  • Patent number: 4632431
    Abstract: A rotary joint or union characterized by its ease of assembly, disassembly and maintenance wherein a mounted internal condiut supports a rotary anti-friction bearing housing to which a seal housing is removably attached by bolts. A conduit port defined in the seal housing communicates with the interior of the conduit. A bearing retainer mounted upon the end of the conduit includes a seal having a radial face engaging the radial face of a seal mounted on the seal housing in a self-aligning manner. A compression spring maintains engagement of the seal faces through a seal assembly, and the seal housing seal is mounted within a retainer loosely keyed to the seal housing to facilitate self-alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Donald G. McCracken
  • Patent number: 4558890
    Abstract: A multi-port hydraulic swivel joint (10) in which a high pressure flow channel (34) is located adjacent an enclosed end (15a) of the swivel joint, the pressure in the return line is maintained at a low level to provide low pressure fluid which is transmitted through a flow channel (37) adjacent to an open end of the swivel joint, and the return flow channel (36) is located between the other two. A passageway (43) communicates fluid which has seeped to a cavity between the high pressure flow channel and the enclosed end to the return flow channel (36), a raceway (44) with steel balls (46) resist forces tending to separate the stator (30) and rotor (40) of the swivel joint, and a lip seal (49) with grease packing seals the low pressure flow channel (37) from the open end (15) of the swivel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Pickle Creek Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Charles O. Schartz
  • Patent number: 4493497
    Abstract: A pipe connection assembly for connecting pipes transmitting a fluid as provided. A feature of this invention is the fact that it prevents any fluid escaping from the connection from traveling along the pipes and damaging any machinery that may be located along the pipes. The pipe connection assembly is comprised of first (or upper) and second (or lower) packing assemblies that radially surround the pipes. In certain embodiments, each of the packing assemblies is comprised of a top packing ring, a packing and a packing base ring, each packing being encased by the two complementary packing rings and the pipes when the packing assemblies are properly assembled. An opening is formed between the second top packing ring and the first packing base ring. The pipe assemblies are located with respect to the pipe interface such that any escaping fluid will contact the first packing assembly and the opening before contacting the second packing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventors: Bobby E. Smith, Benjamin V. Smith