Repair Patents (Class 285/15)
  • Patent number: 6675836
    Abstract: A clamp attachable to a vehicle for remotely stopping gas leaks in a gas line is provided. The clamp includes a first boom having a first end, a second end and a pipe engaging portion adjacent the second end. The first boom is provided with a mounting portion adjacent the first end operable to couple the clamp to a mounting structure for manipulating the clamp. The clamp also includes a second boom having a first end, a second end and a pipe engaging portion adjacent the second end. The first and second booms are coupled such that the pipe engaging portions of the first and second booms are positioned to cooperate about a leak portion of a pipe. The clamp has an actuator to selectively engage the first and second pipe engaging portions about the leak portion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wade Gaston, Lance Richard Andrews
  • Patent number: 6619697
    Abstract: An existing protective duct contains a bundle of guide tubes through which fiber optic cables are run to customers at existing service locations. In order to run a cable to a new customer at a different service location, the duct is cut at a branch point and a short section of the duct is removed to expose the guide tubes. An unused guide tube is cut and serially connected to a branch guide tube leading to the new service location. The protective duct sidewall is restored at the branch point by a splittable Y-branch connector that includes complementary housing sections, an inlet opening, an outlet opening and at least one branch opening. Splittable coupling collars seal the branch connector housing sections around the respective cut end portions of the existing duct. The Y-branch connector also includes a branch stub that is sealed around the branch guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: NKF Kabel B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Griffioen, Arie Van Wingerden, Cornelis Van 'T Hul, Pieter Lock, Willem Greven, Frans Robbert Bakker, David F. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20030141716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a water main break are provided. The apparatus includes opposed clamping members actuated by a handle and fastening mechanism. The apparatus may be temporarily positioned at least partially around a break in a water main to thereby contain water gushing out of the break, until a permanent repair band may be positioned over the break.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Samuel K. Azar
  • Patent number: 6569493
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of repairing a moisture barrier separating a paper machine dryer drum from the dryer journal. Such processes of this type, generally, involve filling the cavity between the dryer drum steam intake pipe and the dryer journal with a flowable moisture barrier material. The flowable moisture barrier seals leaks in the dryer journal moisture barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Mead Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Lokant
  • Patent number: 6556924
    Abstract: A method of determining optimal repair options for cast iron and ductile iron water or wastewater pipe sections having a number of pipe-lengths is provided. The method includes the computer-implemented steps of inputting measured pipe-length wall dimensional data, determining pipe failure rates for current and future times based on the input data, defining one or more repair scenarios for the pipe, and determining the pipe failure rates for the defined repair scenarios. The pipe failure rate determinations are provided to the user as an output. The calculation of failure rates includes determining probability of pipe-length failure due to corrosion and determining probability of pipe-length failure due to transverse bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hydroscope Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Shahani N. Kariyawasam, Maher A. Nessim, Yuwu Yu, Lawrence B. Staples
  • Publication number: 20030067160
    Abstract: A first tube (1) is axially slitted (2) in order to be elastically compressible. The end portion of the first tube (1) has exterior convexly curved engagement formations (3) on the tube tubs formed by the slit (2). The tube tubs (11) can be elastically compressed in order to be introduced through a fitting mantle opening (8) in a second tube element (7). The opening (8) has a width, which is less than the inner diameter of the second tube element (7), and thereby defines internal engagement formations which cooperate with the external engagement formations (3) on the first tube element (1). The tube elements (1, 7) can simply be connected and detached by elastic compression of the tube tubs (11) and axial displacement of the first tube element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Vincent Wenck
  • Publication number: 20030056370
    Abstract: There is provided a method for repairing a leak in a pipe joint. At the joint of the two pipes there is a gasket. The method requires a passage to be formed through the wall of the first pipe. A space is then formed in the gasket communicating with the passage. After this, a sealant is injected through the passage into the space thus allowing the fluid to repair the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael David Wild
  • Publication number: 20030047650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device set for aligning and clamping two pipe ends, with clamping plates (1) which are arranged axially distanced, with clamping wedges (2) which extend in axial direction and which on a first side (21, 23) are mounted movable in radial direction on the clamping plates, and on a second side (22) have a contact surface for acting on the pipe ends (91, 92), with a guide for guiding the clamping wedges (2) on the clamping plates (1) and with an actuation means (3) for moving the clamping wedges (2), wherein the guide (4) is provided with an elastic holding means for holding the clamping wedges (2) on the clamping plates (1). The invention extends further to a clamping device set with several sets of exchangeable clamping wedges (2) which have differing distances from the inner to the outer side (21, 22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Walter schnorrer
    Inventor: Walter Schnorrer
  • Patent number: 6513838
    Abstract: A double-walled pipe connection for an aircraft fuel line includes a first outer pipe surrounding a first inner pipe, a second outer pipe surrounding a second inner pipe, a pipe coupling joining the inner pipes together, a securing fixture on the first inner pipe, a sleeve-shaped outer pipe bushing bolted to the securing fixture by bolts oriented parallel to a radial direction, and an outer pipe sleeve that is axially slidable over the second outer pipe and onto the outer pipe bushing. The first outer pipe is plugged into the outer pipe bushing, which is plugged into the outer pipe sleeve, which seals onto the second outer pipe. The inner pipe coupling is covered or exposed by axially moving the outer pipe sleeve, while the outer pipe bushing remains bolted to the first inner pipe, and mechanically secured and electrically grounded to a metal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Poehler
  • Patent number: 6494493
    Abstract: The device and method for coupling pipes includes an elongated housing having a first end and a second end, such that the housing define an elongated cylindrical bore therein. A stop is located on an inner diameter of the housing between the first end and the second end of the housing, and a distance from the stop to the first end of the housing is greater than a distance from the stop to the second end. The device provides a low cost, easy to use and cost-effective way to repair or connect pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Bradford G. Baruh
  • Publication number: 20020185863
    Abstract: In the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wristwatch case having a pipe joined and fixed thereto, the wristwatch case and the pipe having substantially no junction interface A method of fixing a pipe to a wristwatch case for obtaining this structure comprises the steps of providing a wristwatch case with a through-hole; press fitting a pipe exhibiting a through-hole/pipe press-fit overlap width (namely, outside diameter of the pipe minus diameter of the through-hole) of greater than 0 mm in the through-hole; and heating the wristwatch case after the press fitting. In the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wristwatch case having a pipe, the wristwatch case and the pipe joined and fixed to each other through a diffusion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Hitoshi Uchida, Kouji Fujii, Junji Satoh
  • Patent number: 6467811
    Abstract: The present invention is a flanged connection repair device and method for flanged pipe joints and the like that produces axial compression against the flanges of the joint so that the flange bolts may be removed and replaced, while simultaneously producing radial pressure on the sealant between the flanges, mechanically and radially compressing the sealant into the joint, directing the sealant around the full perimeter of the flanged joint. By providing both axial and/or radial compression the invention stops leaks in the pipe without interrupting the use of the pipe, duct work, and the like, and can be used permanently or temporarily, repeatedly, and under a variety of conditions including moderate to high internal pressures, vacuums, and temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Omega Multi National
    Inventor: Jessie Q. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20020121777
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a leak in a plastic pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a body and an electrofusion element. The body is constructed of a substantially rigid material and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is adapted to be positionable about at least a leak portion of a plastic pipe. The electrofusion element is disposed about the lower surface of the body and operable to sealably couple with the plastic pipe to encapsulate the leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Krout, Mitchell D. Giannola
  • Patent number: 6440510
    Abstract: An irrigation hose splice and method of making the same that permits used irrigation hose to be reinstalled and retrieved in the same manner as new irrigation hose. The method of splicing includes providing two segments of unjoined irrigation hose. Inserting a heat shield into a first segment to prevent its inner circumferential surface from fusing together when the first hose segment is later fused with a second hose segment. Inserting the first hose segment into the second hose segment, creating an area where the two segments overlap. Appyling heat and compression simultaneously at the overlapping area to fuse together the first and second hose segments, creating an irrigation hose splice which is composed of material from the first hose segment and the second hose segment that have been fused together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel W. C. Delmer
  • Patent number: 6435563
    Abstract: A plastic mounting ring comprises two plastic arcuate members each having a flat upper profile, a flat lower profile and a predetermined thickness. Each plastic arcuate member has a lip extending radially inwardly with an inside diameter that allows it to engage the sides of the channel formed by the flange on the water closet coupling on which it is to be mounted. A corresponding first end of each arcuate member has a notch out of the lower level of its thickness. A second corresponding end of each arcuate member has an extension, coplanar with its flat lower profile, which engages the lower surface of the base of the opposite end of the other arcuate member. The members are fitted together to form a mounting ring having a flat upper profile and a flat lower profile. The mounting ring can be used to replace a flange formation of an installed water closet coupling without removing the total water closet coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: GPJ Limited
    Inventor: Paul E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6409176
    Abstract: A tubular connection, an example of which is a subsea wellhead having a primary and secondary seal areas allows the use of a backup or contingency gasket for engagement with the secondary seal area in the wellhead should a failure occur in the primary seal area. In the preferred embodiment, the primary and secondary seal areas are sufficiently separated such that the erosion damage which occurs from leakage with the original gasket adjacent the primary seal area, which can spread below the primary seal area, leaves the secondary seal area unaffected. A backup or contingency gasket can be inserted for sealable contact with the secondary sealing area for further well operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Allen
  • Patent number: 6390509
    Abstract: A shroud connection device for replacement core spray piping systems in a boiling water reactor includes replacement pipe, first and second coupling devices, and a rod. The pipe has a spherically shaped end, and includes a penetration extending through it from an inside portion to an outside portion. The first coupling device has first and second ends, the first end being dimensioned so as to receive the spherically shaped end of the pipe, and the second end abutting an outside portion of the shroud. The second coupling device has third and fourth ends, the third end abutting an inside portion of the shroud. The rod extends between the second coupling device and the penetration in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Peter Wivagg
  • Patent number: 6378549
    Abstract: In the case of a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, a filling pipe (2), which is welded to a tank chamber (1), has a section (3) provided for the separation. The section (3) provided for the separation is adjoined by regions for the attachment of a connecting part. This enables the tank chamber (1) to be taken out of the motor vehicle and to be subsequently refitted without removing the entire filling pipe (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Thomas Zapp
  • Patent number: 6375230
    Abstract: A clamp assembly prevents separation of a thermal sleeve penetrating a nuclear reactor pressure vessel wall and a jet pump riser elbow welded one to the other and lying within an annular space between the pressure vessel wall and core shroud. The clamp assembly includes a pair of heads having semi-cylindrical recesses. Pins project inwardly from each of the heads in the semi-cylindrical recesses and have axes which lie parallel to one another. By using actuators mounting multiple electrodes, holes may be formed in situ in the adjoining ends of the thermal sleeve and elbow. Once the holes are formed, the heads can be applied in situ with the pins being received through the holes and the heads clamped to one another. Thug, the pins in each of the sleeve and elbow prevent separating movement of the sleeve and elbow in the event of failure of the welded joint therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grant C. Jensen, Siamak Bourbour, Jeffrey L. Thompson, Arunachalam Mahadevan
  • Publication number: 20020021004
    Abstract: The present invention is a flanged connection repair device and method for flanged pipe joints and the like that produces axial compression against the flanges of the joint so that the flange bolts may be removed and replaced, while simultaneously producing radial pressure on the sealant between the flanges, mechanically and radially compressing the sealant into the joint, directing the sealant around the full perimeter of the flanged joint. By providing both axial and/or radial compression the invention stops leaks in the pipe without interrupting the use of the pipe, duct work, and the like, and can be used permanently or temporarily, repeatedly, and under a variety of conditions including moderate to high internal pressures, vacuums, and temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jessie Q. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6305719
    Abstract: A clamp for repairing a damaged pipe member. Shell members are matingly engaged around the damaged pipe member. Segmented inserts are received in a complementary annular channel formed in an inside face of the shell members to form a ring assembly supporting annular seals between the ring assembly and the damaged pipe member. A shell-sealing annular channel is formed between the ring assembly and the shell members to receive a liquid sealant to form an annular seal between the ring assembly and the shell members. A longitudinal channel is formed in longitudinal faces of the shell member to form longitudinal seals in the shell assembly when a ring assembly is disposed at either end of the shell members. The ring assemblies support seals against the damaged pipe member, including a pipe-sealing annular channel formed between each ring and the damaged pipe member between inner and outer annular seals for receiving a liquid sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Laurence S. Smith, Jr., Burl William Dowden
  • Patent number: 6293593
    Abstract: A collar clamp assembly is disclosed for repairing and providing a temporary seal around leaking pipe coupling areas of an internal core spray system of a nuclear reactor. The clamp assembly includes first and second housings having respective first and second ends and a pair of longitudinal edges between the ends. The housings have a tongue and groove mating configuration along the longitudinal edges to seal and accommodate variations in the outside diameter of the core spray piping. A plurality of threaded fasteners are used to secure the first and second housings together to form a closed conduit shaped to receive a length of the core spray piping, including the leaking pipe coupling. First and second seals are located at first and second longitudinally spaced positions, respectively, on each of the first and second housings and extend around the closed conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Peter Wivagg
  • Patent number: 6276726
    Abstract: A pipeline repair clamp partially or completely embracing the outer wall circumference of a pipe having a damaged area; a single or complementary semi-cylindrical clamp bodies having diametral engagement, the bodies having a semi-cylindrical bore contiguous to the pipe wall and with continuous seal grooves at its ends and sides, there being a metallic liner or dielectric coating said bore and terminating at the bottom of said grooves, a continuous gasket-compression seal carried in said grooves adapted to embrace said damaged area and seal with the pipe wall and at said liner-coating termination precluding electrolysis, and means forcefully drawing the clamp bodies onto the pipe wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald A. Daspit
  • Patent number: 6270124
    Abstract: A band adapter is provided for adapting a front derailleur of a bicycle to smaller sized frame tube. The front derailleur has a fixed member or tubular clamping member that is adapted to be coupled to the seat tube of the bicycle, a chain guide for shifting the chain of the bicycle and a linkage assembly coupled between the tubular clamping member and the chain guide. The band adapter is coupled to the tubular clamping member to decrease the effective clamping diameter of the tubular clamping member. In the preferred embodiment, the band adapter includes an adapting member and a band retaining member which are coupled to the tubular clamping member of the front derailleur for easy installation. The adapting member includes a first adapter with a first curved portion and a second adapter with a second curved portion. The band retaining member includes a first retainer with the first adapter coupled thereto and a second retainer with the second adapter coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Nanko
  • Patent number: 6264203
    Abstract: A method for repairing cracked jet pump riser assemblies in a boiling water reactor utilizes a spacer clamp and a seal collar. The spacer clamp is secured to the riser assembly to limit horizontal displacement of the riser assembly, and the seal collar is secured around the weld joining the riser elbow and the thermal sleeve to limit leakage from the weld over a predetermined range of horizontal displacement defined by the spacer clamp. A method for repairing a circumferential weld connecting an elbow of a jet pump riser assembly with a thermal sleeve involves positioning the weld within a seal collar and securing the seal collar on the jet pump riser assembly so that seals of the seal collar sealingly contact the elbow and the thermal sleeve, respectively, circumferentially on opposite sides of the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: MPR Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Sterling J. Weems, William E. Sylvester
  • Patent number: 6244630
    Abstract: A pressurized leaking flange joint is sealed with a ¼ circle load support structure, a jacking bolt extending therethrough and applying a radial load to a sealing plug between the flange gap. The sealing plug is a graphite packing ring placed into the flange gap on either side of a gasket centering ring, and a carbon steel compression ring (two ⅛ circles placed end-to-end) placed on top of the packing ring on either side of the gasket centering ring. The load support structure is installed such that the jacking bolt is centered over the flange gap. The jacking bolt is torqued and subsequently applies a radial load to the compression ring, which radial load is transferred to the load support structure and then to two flange bolts against which the load support structure bares. The radial load on the compression rings compresses the packing material into the pathway of the leak, thereby sealing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny D. Baucom, Michael D. Sullivan, Michael K. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6236700
    Abstract: Downcommer coupling apparatus and methods for replacing a core spray line downcommer pipe coupled to a shroud T-box are described. In one embodiment, the coupling apparatus includes a wedge flange, a wedge, a wedge housing, a pipe seal, a cylindrical pipe, an elbow, a lower flange, and a shroud seal. The downcommer pipe is connected to the coupling apparatus by extending the pipe through the wedge flange, the wedge, and the wedge housing. The wedge has a plurality of flexible thinned segments that extend into the wedge housing to secure the downcommer pipe to the wedge housing. Wedge flange bolts extend through the wedge flange, the wedge, and the wedge housing to rigidly secure the downcommer pipe to the coupling apparatus. Dowel bolts extend through the wedge housing and the downcommer pipe to provide vertical and torsional load transfer from the downcommer pipe to the coupling apparatus. The lower flange is configured to receive the shroud T-box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John G. Erbes, David L. Rousar, Michael R. Schrag
  • Patent number: 6217688
    Abstract: A method of repairing a flanged pipe joint includes selecting a flexible sheet of material and mounting a tube through the selected material to form a passageway therethrough. One end of the mounted tube is positioned against a flanged pipe joint and the flexible sheet of material is wrapped around the pipe flange joint and attached thereto. A coating, such as an epoxy polymer, is coated over the wrapped flexible material extending over the flanged pipe joint and adjacent pipe, which coating is cured while any liquid leaking from the flanged pipe joint escapes through the tube. Once the coating is cured, the tube can be plugged by either removing the capped tube or injecting a material to seal the tube. The tube also has an end member shaped to fit over a flanged joint for positioning the pipe for drainage of material leaking from the flanged joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Phillip G. Landers
  • Patent number: 6206048
    Abstract: The steps include cutting an old ferrule and hose from a bead lock fitting, inserting axially a new ferrule having an oval or irregular opening over the bead lock fitting and wedging an edge of the oval opening between two annular flanges on the bead lock fitting. Thereafter, a new hose is inserted axially between the ferrule and bead lock fitting and the ferrule is crimped to the hose to permanently lock it into position over the bead lock fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Larry F. Bobenhausen
  • Patent number: 6079613
    Abstract: A heat suppressing wrap is provided for suppressing the transfer of thermal energy along a pipe during a thermal joining operation, such as a high temperature, open flame welding, brazing or soldering operation. The heat suppressing wrap is a blended fabric cloth made of at least 50% cotton that is saturated with a liquid solution of a heat, fire and smoke inhibiting agent, and preferably, a fire fighting agent. The fire fighting agent is preferably a fire fighting foam, and most preferably, is PYROCAP B-136.TM. fire fighting foam manufactured by PYROCAP International, Inc. of Woodbridge, Va. Short lengths of the wrap are rolled and placed in a container with the liquid solution so that the cloth wraps remain saturated with the fire fighting agent. The wraps are then positioned, and preferably wrapped, over the pipe adjacent a pipe joint to greatly reduce the transfer of thermal energy along the pipe generated by the thermal joining operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Plumber's Guardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sisskind, Frank Darryl Brooks
  • Patent number: 6070910
    Abstract: A closet flange with a body portion having a tapered end and a plurality of grooves circumferentially disposed about the tapered end. The grooves increase in diameter in the upstream direction and are configured to receive an elastic O-ring. As the closet flange is inserted into a drain pipe the O-ring travels from groove to groove providing an increasingly tighter fit. The flange is installed without tools by pushing the flange into the end of the pipe until the desired tightness is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: James Bruno
    Inventor: B. Eugene Hodges
  • Patent number: 6070912
    Abstract: A dual seal is provided for establishing fluid tight engagement between conduits subjected to both internal and external pressure. The dual seal comprises four seal portions disposed between an inner and an outer cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Reflange, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Latham
  • Patent number: 6026521
    Abstract: A two-piece water closet ring for receiving a water closet drain fitting extending upwardly through a floor and anchoring a water closet to the floor in fluid communication with the drain fitting. In a preferred embodiment the two-piece water closet ring has substantially coplanar bottom flange surfaces when assembled and is characterized by substantially semicircular first and second bottom flanged ring segments, each end of each ring segment terminating in a slotted flange. The channel-shaped ring segments are fitted around the extending end of the drain fitting to form a circular water closet ring, with the raised slotted flange on one end of each ring segment overlying the straight slotted flange on the corresponding end of the other ring segment. Ring mount screws secure the ring segments to the floor and against the water closet drain fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Gary B. Atkins
  • Patent number: 5975587
    Abstract: A repair fitting is provided for sealably connecting ends of a pipeline, when a damaged section of the pipeline has been removed. In a preferred embodiment, the pipeline ends are connected using the repair fitting with two stab fittings. The repair fitting includes a first and second piston and a first and second cylinder, wherein the first piston is slidable in the first cylinder and the second piston is slidable in the second cylinder. In an alternate embodiment, two fusion joints are used with the repair fitting to sealably connect the ends of the pipeline. A method is provided for making a repair fitting and a method is also provided for repairing a damaged section of a pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Continental Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy F. Wood, David E. Bentley, Donald W. Wartluft
  • Patent number: 5971035
    Abstract: A method for installing a ducting system with branches, wherein at the point of a branch in an existing duct of the system a tubular branch element with an inlet opening, an outlet opening and at least one branch opening is arranged by removing a duct portion from the existing duct at the point of the branch, by sliding the branch element on one of the free ends of the existing duct resulting from the interruption, re-placing the removed duct portion or a portion identical in shape in the interruption and moving and securing the branch element in such a manner that the inlet opening and the outlet opening engage in sealing manner over the respective ends of the existing duct. In the duct with branches, over the entire length thereof, a bundle of subducts can be arranged, which subducts can then be branched off in a simple manner at the location of a branch. In a duct thus branched-off, for instance a continuous fiber optic cable can be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Koninklijke KPN N.V.
    Inventor: William Griffioen
  • Patent number: 5961153
    Abstract: An exhaust repair kit, including methods of manufacture and use thereof, in mounting a damaged pipe end to a flanged pipe end in a vehicle exhaust system comprising a length of tubing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being sized for engagement with the damaged pipe end. A replacement flange engages the second portion through a replacement flange aperture. The replacement flange aperture is of a sufficient diameter to allow the replacement flange to be freely movable axially and circumferentially about the second portion and enables the replacement flange to universally engage a variety of flanged pipe ends. Securing means for securing the first portion to the damaged pipe end. Locating means for locating the replacement flange about the second portion, said replacement flange being freely movable thereabout the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: David S. Foster
  • Patent number: 5955020
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting corrosion control compound into a crevice or void such as pipe flanges featuring a corrosion control kit comprising a syringe injector having a detachable nozzle, a corrosion control compound, pipe tape and a mantle for heating the compound. Other optional items may be included in the kit. The method of the subject invention utilizes the apparatus, is cost efficient and easy to perform. The resulting seal formed between the flanges is easy to inspect and requires no maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Global Corrosion
    Inventor: Mark T. Gholson
  • Patent number: 5950683
    Abstract: A pipe repair assembly for sealing leaks in pipelines that transmit oil, chemicals, steam and the like, is disclosed. The assembly is in the form of a two-part sleeve which forms an enclosure or box over a section of leaking pipe. The sleeve includes a pre-fitted sealing jacket to provide a snug fit over the pipe contour. Optionally, the assembly may have a channel or groove transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and spaced inwardly of the ends of the sleeves for receiving a floating metal ring and a ring of sealant material. The floating ring, sealant ring and sealing jacket are all compressed when bolts connecting the two parts of the sleeve are secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Gerald Henderson, Jacques Fontaine
  • Patent number: 5947529
    Abstract: Coupling apparatus for replacing a core spray line downcomer pipe coupled to a shroud T-box are described. In one embodiment, the coupling apparatus includes a seal ring, a mating flange, a housing having at least one wedge pocket, at least one coupling bolt, at least one wedge and at least one lateral pin. After extending the downcomer pipe into the housing, the seal ring is inserted into the opposite end of the housing adjacent the downcomer pipe. The seal ring is then seated on the mating flange seat. The two seats allow the downcomer pipe to be rotational misaligned with the coupling apparatus. The coupling bolts extend through the mating flange and the housing to rigidly secure the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus. Lateral pins extend through the housing and the downcomer pipe to provide vertical and torsional load transfer from the downcomer pipe to the coupling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grant C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5924743
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device adapted to be fixed and sealed to at least one cylindrical member (1, 1'), characterized in that it includes:a first sleeve (2),a second sleeve (3) coaxial with the first sleeve (2) having a greater capacity for deformation than the first sleeve (2) and fixed and sealed to the first sleeve (2) at both ends,at least two cylindrical rings (4, 5) coaxial with the second sleeve (3), pressed against the latter and each fixed by one edge to one end of the second sleeve (3), andmeans (6, 6') for injecting a pressurized fluid between the first sleeve (2) and the second sleeve (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignees: Gec Alsthom Stein Industrie, Central Nuclearie Europeene, Electricite De France
    Inventors: Michel Bonmartin, Bruno Veyrat, Yann Wolff, Christian Bonnand
  • 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: 5896891
    Abstract: A pipe cap protective cover including at least one cover including a pair of U-shaped members having first ends hingably coupled together and second ends with a clip mechanism. Such clip mechanisms are adapted to be releasably coupled such that the U-shaped members define a central bore with a diameter similar to that of a pipe. Each U-shaped member further has a peripheral flange integrally coupled to an outer periphery thereof and extended perpendicularly with respect thereto. When the clip means are coupled, the U-shaped members and the flanges define a compartment with a circular open face and an interior space for protecting the flange and bolts of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Dane M. Dierwechter, Jeanie Clemens
  • Patent number: 5876146
    Abstract: Repair assemblies and methods for a jet pump diffuser in a nuclear reactor are described. In one particular embodiment, the diffuser has a substantially conical shape, and the larger diameter end of the diffuser is engaged to a shroud support plate of the reactor. The diffuser further has at least a first portion and a second portion welded together at a weld joint. The assembly, in one embodiment, includes a first c-ring having a first frusto-conical portion and a second substantially planar portion, and a second c-ring having a first frusto-conical portion and a second substantially planar portion. The first and second c-rings are configured, in the one embodiment, so that when the first and second c-rings are operatively positioned, first and second openings in the first c-ring are substantially aligned with first and second openings in the second c-ring, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gerald Alan Deaver, James Walton Pyron, Anh Ngoc Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5868434
    Abstract: A tubular metal shell (10) with mutually overlapping ends serving to line the insides of damaged sewer pipes (22) possesses an intermediate portion (18) located between two end portions (16), the intermediate portion (18) having, as a result of a plurality of axial slots, a lower resistance to distortion than the end portions (16). When such a shell (10) is installed in a sewer pipe with offset connecting sleeves in such a way that the intermediate portion (18) of the shell (10) where the material has been weakened reaches the region of radial offset, the intermediate portion (18) can distort, thus forming a transition between the two radially offset sections of pipe (24, 26). At least the intermediate portion (18) is sealed all round with an elastic sealant or a hose. The repair shell (10) is particularly suitable for repairing sewer pipes with offset connecting sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: RICO Gesellschaft fur Mikroelektronik mbH
    Inventor: Christoph Brakland
  • Patent number: 5845668
    Abstract: A method is provided for replacing an existing service pipe carrying fluid to an outlet within a property with a replacement service pipe. In the method the outlet is disconnected within the property from the existing service pipe in such a way that both during and after disconnection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property. A desired length of replacement service pipe is then fed into the existing service pipe in such a way that during and after the feeding step fluid is prevented from escaping into the property. The outlet is then connected to the outlet end of the replacement pipe 2 in such a way that during the connection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property and after the connection step fluid is allowed to pass to the outlet solely by way of the replacement pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: British Gas plc
    Inventors: John Taylor, Michael Hicks, Richard Lamb, Robert Neal Bennett, Keith Nixon, Ian Ashcroft, Adrian Sydney Parkes, John Philip Smith
  • Patent number: 5814387
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber band for pipe repairs that can be tightly wound about a pipe of various types at a portion where fluid is leaking to cut off the leakage. A tentative fixing means is provided on one end of the rubber band and a retaining means is provided on the other to prevent the wound rubber band from loosening. After cutting off the leakage with the rubber band, a mending tape applied with a substance that reacts with water and becomes hardened is conveniently wound over the rubber band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Orihara Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Orihara, Yoshiji Orihara
  • Patent number: 5782498
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing flange (14) which comprises a tubular structure which has an axis (22) and consists of an integral tubular outer body (20) which contains a series of annular seals (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) which are disposed substantially coaxially according to the axis, these seals being suitable for surrounding a tube when the latter is inserted in the structure. The invention applies in particular to repair of gas pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Gaz de France
    Inventors: Steve Vick, Gordon Hewlett
  • Patent number: 5772253
    Abstract: A pipe repair or jointing collar, comprising a pair or arcuate segments (10) with clamping means (at 11) for drawing the segments together along an axis (XX) to form a collar around a pipe or a plurality of pipe ends, each segment (10) having an associated sealing member comprising a pair of longitudinally-spaced arcuate sealing strips (21) between the respective ends of which extend a pair of longitudinal sealing strips (20) with wedge-like members (18) embedded therein adapted to progress generally inwardly each towards the axis (XX) with respect to the segments (10) as the latter are drawn together in order to force the sealing members (20, 21) radially inwards locally of the wedge-like members (18). The integral formation of the sealing members and wedge-like members provide a minimum number of parts to aid assembly of the collar in hazardous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: AVK Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Ian Stuart Hodge, Jens Sonderby Madsen
  • Patent number: 5769459
    Abstract: An inside sealing sleeve 1 comprised of an expandable steel band for insertion in leaking pipes in need of repair is provided with an arresting arrangement 4 which permits very small detent steps. For this purpose, the internal band end 2 is provided with a slot 5 having two rows of teeth 8, 9, while a tensioning pinion 10, a guide pinion 11 and a locking pinion 12 are rotatably seated on the external band end 3. A tensioning spring 17 engages the pivot axle of the locking pinion 12, it keeps the locking pinion 12 in engagement with the guide pinion 11 and pushes it into the gap 21 between locking pinion 10 and guide pinion 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Uhrig Kanaltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Graf, Juergen Graf
  • Patent number: 5765876
    Abstract: A coupling for sealing a leak location in a pipe or pipeline by compressing against the pipe or pipeline a pair of annular gasket members fitted about the pipe or pipeline on opposite sides of the leak location comprising a first axial sealing pad disposed in a recess in an annular coupling member and a second axial sealing pad attached to a sealing plate which extends across an axial split in the coupling. The first and second axial sealing pads form an axial seal when the coupling is closed about a pipe or pipeline for preventing passage of fluid from between the annular gasket members to the outer surface of the coupling member through the axial split. The annular coupling member of the coupling has an axial split defined by first and second axial edges and comprises a first portion extending from the first axial edge to an axial shoulder which extends outwardly to a second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Donald Y. Bridges