Adjustable Angle Patents (Class 285/184)
  • Patent number: 5813706
    Abstract: A variable radial orientation pipe MJ connector for engagement with a pair of bell end fittings. The MJ connector includes a tubular sleeve having opposed open ends. A pair of flanges are integral with the sleeve, each flange extending radially outward from the sleeve. Each flange is spaced inwardly from an open end. A shoulder extends axially from each flange to abut a circular gasket. A plurality of axially aligned arcuate slots in each flange receive fasteners therethrough whereby the radial orientation of the connector to the bell end fittings may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Hydrant Repair Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy W. Travis
  • Patent number: 5783781
    Abstract: A device (8) for modifying the height of the discharge end (5) of an exhaust silencer (1) of a motorcycle from the ground is provided. The silencer (1) is connected at one end (6) to the terminal part (7A) of the exhaust pipe (7) of the motorcycle engine. The device (8) comprises cylindrical elements (10, 11) connected respectively to the end (6) of the silencer (1) and to the terminal part (7A) of the exhaust pipe (7), said elements (10, 11) being able to be fitted together in socket manner and being rotatable relative to each other so as to enable the discharge end (5) of the silencer (1) to be set to the desired height and to be locked in that position to the motorcycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Ducati Motor, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianluigi Mengoli, Franco Bilancioni
  • Patent number: 5779280
    Abstract: A fluid connector for connecting to a fluid carrying aperture and an apparatus. A connector includes a fluid conduit having a base. A yoke secures the base to an apparatus by means of a fastener. A seal is provided between the base and the apparatus for sealing engagement of the connector to the apparatus. When the fastener is loosened, the connector can be rotated to orient the conduit as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Mark IV Automotive Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Erik Hedman
  • Patent number: 5749602
    Abstract: A medical device comprises an articulated string of hollow plastic beads which lock into each other. The medical device will attach to an operating-room table-rail and hold a nozzle or suction scoop in a given position near the surgical site to evacuate airborne hazardous smoke fumes. The medical device will eliminate the need for an operating room nurse who in the past may be been solely responsible for manually holding the prior art nozzles or suction scoops in the vicinity of the surgical site. A surgeon will be able control by one hand the aiming and positioning of the nozzle or suction scoop by grabbing and configuring the medical device via a quick thrusting action. The medical device will remain in place until moved into another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Mend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Delaney, Allen D. Tilley
  • Patent number: 5720501
    Abstract: In combination with a dual elbow swivel joint having a female elbow member rotationally coupled to a male elbow member, the invention comprises an orientation device having an angle marker located on one elbow member and an indicator mark located on the other elbow member. The angle marker contains a number of angle markings located at predetermined angles measured from the central axis of the elbow member. The indicator mark is placed on the other elbow member in a location such that, when aligned with an angle marking, the elbow members are in a predetermined angular orientation relative to each other. The angle markings on the angle marker each have a length which is related to the amount of wear that has been found to occur in the dual elbow swivel joint when the female and male members are oriented at that particular angle. Thus, the orientation device enables an operator to orient the female and male elbow members at an angle at which the dual elbow swivel joint will experience the least amount of wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Ortloff, Tep Ungchusri
  • Patent number: 5658023
    Abstract: A connection for attaching a fuel line to a fuel filter having a tubular coupling base affixed to a filter and having an intermediate portion providing wrench fiats, one end being connected with a fuel line, the coupling base being further defined by an annular surface adjacent the wrench flats forming a shoulder surface and an annular reduced diameter groove in the annular surface; a bracket of thin, stiff material having an opening therein receiving the coupling base annular surface, an inner surface of the bracket engaging the coupling base shoulder surface, the bracket having a fuel line receiving notch; a retaining ring positioned in the coupling base groove to engage the bracket and thereby secure the bracket to the coupling base; and protrusions in the bracket adjacent the opening providing an interfering relationship between the bracket and the coupling base shoulder surface to resist rotation of the bracket relative to the coupling base when the retaining ring is in position in the coupling base groo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Purolator Products NA, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Mercer, Anthony W. Usalis, Jr., David G. Albers, Jr., James S. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5601315
    Abstract: A molded connector for producing a branch connection for a pipeline has two heating windings which are connected to each other and by means of which the weld connection between the pipeline and the molded connector as well as the inserted molded branch part or a pipe is produced simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventors: Lars Bunger, Helmut Hilger
  • Patent number: 5566989
    Abstract: A pipeline for introduction of solids into a treatment vessel consists of a plurality of pipe elements made up of two or three pipe sections having their respective axes running at an obtuse angle to each another, with a rotary connection in the vertical plane between the pipe elements. One end of a pipe element extends into the rotary connection and the adjoining pipe element, which is here widened out to form a funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Vacmetal Gesellschaft fur Vakuum-Metallurgie mbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Boing, Rainer Moratschke
  • Patent number: 5558371
    Abstract: A resuscitator apparatus including a resilient, self-inflating squeeze bag having a single combined inlet/outlet which is preferably removably connected to a first manifold. The first manifold includes an outlet coupling adapted for connection to a first end of a tubular connector. The tubular connector is desirably formed as a short, kink-resistant, flexible hinge member. The flexible member is desirably fabricated as a one-piece article and may be formed of any suitable flexible material, with a preferred material being injection molded polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The flexible member includes two socket portions at each end of the flexible member for receiving first and second tubular fluid carrying conduits, a deflection resistant intermediate region and deflection sites possessing lower moments of inertia than that of the intermediate region. The intermediate region is preferably in the form of at least one crush-resistant, radially outwardly projecting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Lordo
  • Patent number: 5549634
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a conduit, the conduit having a conduit axis defined through a terminal end thereof, and a fluid-powered motor for rotating a dissecting tool, the motor having a longitudinal motor axis. A swivel member is connected in fluid communication between the motor and the conduit. The swivel member comprises a motor portion including a motor face inclined at a selected angle from the motor axis, and a conduit portion including a conduit face arranged oppositely that of the motor face and formed to engage matingly with the motor face. A connection shaft extends from one of the motor face and the conduit face and is engaged rotatably with a connection receptacle formed in another of the motor face and the conduit face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Midas Rex Pneumatic Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony D. Scott, Ray Umber, William J. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 5507536
    Abstract: An improved supply line fitting, installation method and technique for direct installation in the supply lines of a distribution system. An angularly flanged, resilient insert barb being force fitted into an opening in a supply line, seals the opening at three points upon being compressed by an external sealing washer and locking assembly. The locking assembly utilizes an intermediate pressure plate for smooth, distortion free compression, providing a positive internal and external seal of the supply line, and locks the fitting at any point along it's 360 degree rotational axis in preparation for interconnection to a final output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: Michael J. Oliveto, II, Michael J. Oliveto, III
  • Patent number: 5495901
    Abstract: An adjustable bent housing for use in downhole drilling which includes a housing, mandrel, ring and locking mechanism. The housing has a housing central axis, a downward facing end face defining a plane whose normal is offset from the housing central axis, and an inner shoulder parallel to the downward facing end face. The mandrel has a mandrel central axis, a first end dimensioned to fit inside the housing and having a downward facing outer shoulder defining a plane whose normal is offset from the mandrel central axis. The ring is axially slidable on the mandrel, with a ring central axis and an upward facing end face defining a plane whose normal is offset from the ring central axis. A locking mechanism, a mandrel head threaded onto the mandrel, engages and disengages the upward facing end face of the ring with the downward facing end face of the housing and simultaneously engages and disengages the inner shoulder of the housing with the outer shoulder of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Canadian Downhole Drill Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond D. Livingstone, David Kutinsky, Murray Wilson, Winston Smith
  • Patent number: 5480195
    Abstract: Basic segment of a high-pressure pipeline has elements (1) and (2) connected to one another with an oblique rotary connection inclined at angle (alpha) to the pipeline axis (7), wherein the turning angle (8) of said oblique connection intersects in piping axis (7) the plane of revolution being perpendicular to the turning axis (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Centrum Merchanizacji Gornictwa "Komag"
    Inventors: Ryszard Diederichs, Helmut Sznapka, Jozef Bubniak
  • Patent number: 5474334
    Abstract: The coupling assembly includes a first pipe and a second pipe connected by a middle sub splined to an outer sleeve. Each pipe includes a tubular body having a first axis and a threaded pin end with a second axis. The middle sub includes threaded boxes on each end with a center seal bore. The threaded boxes of the middle sub threadingly engage the pin ends of the first and second pipes. The threads on one pin are right-handed and the threads on the other pin are left-handed such that upon rotation of the middle sub and outer sleeve, the pins and boxes will threadingly engage upon the rotation in a common direction. The boxes and pin ends have a common axis. Each of the terminal ends of the first and second pipes include dogs which intermesh upon connection of the coupling for the transmission of The axes of the first and second pipes are at an angle with the common axis so as to cause an offset angle between the first pipe and the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Jay M. Eppink
  • Patent number: 5437480
    Abstract: A pressure sealed connecting apparatus is provided for the connection of first and second conduits adapted to carry a pressure medium and to rotate relative to one another. Each of the conduits has tangentially contacting countersurfaces for contacting spherical surface areas of a rotation body situated between the first conduit and the second conduit. The rotation body has spherical surface areas adapted to be in rotational sealing contact with the tangentially contacting countersurfaces of each of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Hans A. Weil
  • Patent number: 5435051
    Abstract: A method of connecting a down spout extension to an eave trough down spout. Firstly, pivotally connect a down spout extension to a lowermost end of an eave trough down spout such that the down spout extension is movable between a substantially vertical stored position and a substantially horizontal operative position. Secondly, position a spring at the connection of the down spout extension and the eave trough down spout biasing the down spout extension into the stored position. The spring tension is set such that a flow of water through the down spout provides a force to overcome the biasing force of the spring thereby moving the down spout extension to the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: David L. Cheremshynski
  • Patent number: 5427570
    Abstract: An exhaust hood system comprising an exhaust fan fastened to a window frame of a room and covered with a hood having an intake port coupled with a guide tube being fastened to the wall of the room by a holder, a series of universal connecting tubes linked together and connected to the guide tube by swivel connectors, and an exhaust connected to the series of universal connecting tubes for carrying smoke outside the room through the series of universal connecting tube upon operation of the exhaust fan, the series of universal connecting tubes being turnable and bendable for permitting the exhaust hood to be moved to the desired position and direction to suck in smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Ming-Jing Chen
  • Patent number: 5409269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball joint mechanism which is adapted to permit setting of two members relative to each other, said members forming part of a settable device for gas transport, whereby one of said members preferably consists of a gas conduit and the other member preferably of a nozzle which is connected with said gas conduit and settable in various positions in relation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: AB Ph. Nederman & Co.
    Inventors: Lars G. Karlsson, Robert M. Houltz, Lars M. Sjobeck, Nils I. Troedsson
  • Patent number: 5409266
    Abstract: An adjustable roof jack interconnects a roof-mounted air handler with a duct opening through the roof of a building in a full range from flat to a 6-in-12 pitch; so that a single roof jack is capable of use in substantially all standard construction. To accomplish this, the roof jack includes a lower rectangular box-like member, which is attached to the roof. An upper rectangular box-like member is made for attachment to a roof-mounted air handler; and the front and sides of the upper box-like member extend downwardly over the corresponding side and front of the lower roof-mounted member. The upper member is pivotally connected to the lower member at pivot points located through the sides intermediate the front and back of the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Skyline Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Baker
  • Patent number: 5398978
    Abstract: The coupling is provided for linking and supporting conduits hanging above the ground and is adjustable by means of a hand-operatable nut modifying the contact friction between flat and circular edges of two hollow casings. The nut is in mesh with an axle extending through both casings and urges a spring against an axial bearing that rests on one of the casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Henlex Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Gagnon
  • Patent number: 5388308
    Abstract: A friction joint assembly 20 comprising a first arm 21 and a second arm 22 pivotally connected about pivot means, the pivot means including mechanical adjustment means comprising opposed frictional components adapted to be urged, one against the other, axially from a central axis region 23 about which the opposed frictional components are generally radially disposed.In a particular form, the opposed frictional components comprise a tubular member 24 on the one hand and opposed half members 26a, 26b located within the tubular member 24 on the other hand having a common frictional surface defined between them.The friction joint assembly 20 forms part of a vacuum arm assembly including at least one bendable joint supported by the friction joint assembly 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Gerard H. Meeuwissen
  • Patent number: 5383738
    Abstract: An improved ball jointed link includes a male ball at one end which is received in a female socket in an adjacent link. A central aperture extends through each of the links between the male ball and the female socket. The male ball is preferably more resistant to radially inward deformation than the female socket. A clamp which secures adjacent links together may thus be tightened to support relatively great loads. The male ball may have a greater wall thickness than the female socket, or may be formed of hardened metal. In a further feature, the clamps used to secure adjacent links have a ledge which abuts an axially forwardmost edge of the female socket to ensure the clamp is properly positioned on the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Alfred F. Herbermann
  • Patent number: 5375891
    Abstract: An adaptor for connecting industry standard eavestrough downspouts to drainage extensions of a similar or dissimilar cross section and allowing the extension to be pivoted vertically. Such an adaptor is shown with portions having two different cross sections, one capable of fitting outside several industry standard drainage extensions and having a hinge between the two portions. A mating Velcro.TM. loop-and-hook pair is installed on the drainage extension's outer end and at an appropriate place up the downspout. Thus, a downspout with a round, or squared, or rectangular cross section can be connected to an extension with any of these cross sections, making a total of nine permutations and more if minor bending or fitting of further sizes and shapes of downspouts or extensions is undertaken. In the preferred embodiment, the extension can thereafter be raised to a vertical position and separably fastened there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Metro Eavestroughing Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean Sicotte, Denis Sicotte
  • Patent number: 5352234
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a conduit, the conduit having a conduit axis defined through a terminal end thereof, and a fluid-powered motor for rotating a dissecting tool, the motor having a longitudinal motor axis. A swivel member is connected in fluid communication between the motor and the conduit. The swivel member comprises a motor portion including a motor face inclined at a selected angle from the motor axis, and a conduit portion including a conduit face arranged oppositely that of the motor face and formed to engage matingly with the motor face. A connection shaft extends from one of the motor face and the conduit face and is engaged rotatably with a connection receptacle formed in another of the motor face and the conduit face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Midas Rex Pneumatic Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony D. Scott
  • Patent number: 5343966
    Abstract: An adjustable bent housing consisting of three tubular members arranged in end to end relation. Each of the tubular members has an interior bore. A first tubular member has a first axis. A second tubular member has a second axis. A central tubular member is centrally disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member and has a third axis. An internal tubular member extends into and engages the interior bores of the three tubular members thereby maintaining the tubular members in end to end relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Vector Oil Tool Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Wenzel, Dean Foote
  • Patent number: 5314032
    Abstract: A movable joint bent sub for attachment to a well conduit for use in deviated drilling of a well. An elongated housing is provided having one end for attachment to a well conduit, a mandrel is telescopically movable in the bore of the housing, and a movable body is pivotally connected to the mandrel and is longitudinally movable in the housing. Coacting cam surfaces on the body in the housing pivot the body to a desired deviation when the mandrel is telescopically moved in the bore. A releasable lock may be provided between the mandrel and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Arthur J. Morris
  • Patent number: 5303893
    Abstract: A rotary coupling for connecting a control device housing to a support arm or an elbow of a support arm system, having a rotating ring fixedly connected to the control device housing and partially rotatable in relation to a coupling piece which is connected to the support arm or the elbow. For equalization of tolerances caused by insufficient twist rigidity of the support arm system, the invention provides that the coupling piece forms a peripheral bearing ring which is convexly arched outwardly and is received in and supported by two shell rings. The shell rings are connected to each other and have concavely arched bearing surfaces. The shell rings are rigidly mounted on the bearing ring of the coupling piece by a clamping cheek. The rotating ring is rotatably maintained on the shell rings by a support ring which is connected to the shell rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Schuler, Udo Munch, Wolfgang Reuter
  • Patent number: 5290074
    Abstract: An improved swivel fitting for interconnecting two tubular members which permits a range of relative swinging movement of the conduits relative to another, and wherein a cord or fiber optic length is adapted to be passed. It includes a housing composed of mating members, one of which is on the end of each conduit. In mated relation, a joint is defined between the conduit ends in which there is an internal annular path for the cord. The open ends of the conduits communicate with the path in the housing. The assembly is held in mated relation by a headed screw passed through a central, lateral, through hole in the housing members, and an ut is provided for threaded adjustment on the end of the headed screw. The central lateral through hole is sized to receive a hub structured with oppositely extending frustoconical portions and the hub has a through bore to receive the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Earle F. Chapman
  • Patent number: 5280966
    Abstract: A connector for connecting electrical conduit to nonmetallic electrical enclosures includes a connector body, a locking ring, and a conduit nut rotatably mounted on the connector body. The connector body has a first threaded end threadedly connected to the enclosure and a second end rotatably coupled to the conduit nut. The second end has an outwardly extending radial flange which mates with an inwardly extending radial flange on the conduit nut to rotatably couple the conduit nut to the body, without limiting rotational movement of the conduit nut on the body. The conduit nut has internal threads to mate with the male threads of an electrical conduit. The assembly allows an electrical conduit to be connected securely to the enclosure by tightening the conduit nut onto the conduit without transferring torsional stress to the non-metallic enclosure. The locking ring is threadedly coupled to the connector body and can be rotated to lock the conduit nut in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Morris, Joseph H. Kuczka
  • Patent number: 5248004
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a universal, adjustable pipe joint which permits a wide variety of possible adjustments with simple means in well drilling technology. In principle, the joint disclosed in this invention can be readily used for joining articles of all types which included tubular, pipe-like, projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Johannes Witte
  • Patent number: 5215338
    Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Nobuo Kitao, Hiroshi Yasuda, Kiyoshi Isozaki, Hiroshi Nishimura, Yoshimasa Shimomura
  • Patent number: 5211602
    Abstract: An external middle joint for an extraction arm has one first half and a second half, an inner tube and an outer tube, the inner tube being connected to a fan mounted on a wall, the outer tube having an extraction hood. The first half is connected to the outer end of the inner tube and the second half is connected to the inner end of the outer tube. Each half has a connecting piece connecting the first half to the outer end of the inner tube and connecting the second half to the inner end of the outer tube. A length of hose interconnects the outer end of the inner tube and the inner end of the outer tube, so that a continuous channel is formed from the fan to the extraction hood. Each half has two legs extending on either side of the hose, each leg being articulated to the corresponding leg of the opposite joint half by means of bolt connections. The latter have a bolt which is non-rotationally mounted in one of the legs of the other joint half and which support a knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: J H Plymoth AB
    Inventor: Ambjorn Holmgren
  • Patent number: 5171042
    Abstract: The spigot joint for metallic pipes, particularly for liquids comprises a protector for the lining of the pipe. The protector is associated with an end portion of the outer surface of the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: TDI Tubi Dalmine Ilva S.R.L.
    Inventor: Aldo Faidiga
  • Patent number: 5170752
    Abstract: A thermostat cover assembly for a external combustion motor of the type which has a thermostat control valve with a thermostatically actuated spring for controlling the flow of coolant through the cylinder bank of the motor to maintain a predetermined coolant temperature, the motor having an outer protective cowling. The thermostat cover includes at least one intake nipple having a first end and a second end. The nipple is configured for releasably accepting an intake hose. The thermostat cover further includes a mounting plate having a front side and a rear side. The mounting plate is configured to receive the intake nipple so that the nipple may be engaged to the plate in a plurality of specified orientations. The plate also has nipple fastening means for releasably securing the nipple to said plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Binversie, David W. Mate
  • Patent number: 5156420
    Abstract: An adjustable pipe bend which has at least two parts joined by flanges (10, 10a) which incorporate an electrical fusion element in the form of a plastic annular disc (15) with a heater wire (16) located at or adjacent both surfaces of the disc.A number of embodiments of the invention illustrate different adjustable bends, the arrangement being that the bend is adjusted to a required position and then the heater wire has a voltage applied to it to produce a heating current which causes the plastic annular disc and adjacent plastic faces of the flanges to melt sufficiently to cause fusion between the two parts of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Uponor B.V.
    Inventors: Shaun D. Bokor, Alan J. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 5125463
    Abstract: An adjustable bent sub for a down hole drill is disclosed consisting of a hollow housing and a hollow mandrel shaped to fit within the housing. A jam nut is positioned on the end of the mandrel to retain it within the housing by abutting a shoulder provided on the inner surface of the housing. A 1 degree off-normal face is machined on the shoulder and on the abutting face of the jam nut. By positioning the mandrel/jam nut assembly at different angular positions with respect to the housing, a linear deviation of 0 to 2 degrees is possible through the length of the sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventors: Raymond S. S. Livingstone, Raymond D. Livingstone
  • Patent number: 5101915
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a universal, adjustable angle, pipe joint which permits a wide variety of possible adjustments with simple means in deep well drilling technology. In principle, the pipe joint disclosed in this invention can be readily used for joining articles of all types which include tubular, pipe-like, projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Johannes Witte
  • Patent number: 5082391
    Abstract: A self-aligning quick connect coupling is disclosed for coupling two rods together having large diameter end portions with end surfaces in the form of spherical sectors. The coupling is formed in two halves threaded together and provides ample clearance for allowing the rods to be coupled together even though not axially aligned. The coupling halves are slotted to permit easy removal of the coupling halves from the rods when being uncoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: William F. Florida
  • Patent number: 5069487
    Abstract: A flexible connector is provided for coupling a source and discharge outlet for fluid transfer. The connector has a tubular metal bellows, an inner tubular metal liner, couplings at each end of the bellows having articulated joints between the inner liner and the couplings, such that the liner provides isolation between gases flowing through the connector and the bellows, and protective structure encompassing the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Flexonics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 5064226
    Abstract: A nonmetallic conduit fitting having first and second tubular members rotatably coupled about a transverse axis of rotation allowing the fitting to be used in a straight or in angled positions. The first tubular member has a plurality of latching tabs with each latching tab having a first surface that rotatably and slidably engages a second surface on a flange extending from the second tubular member via a snap fit. The first surfaces of the latching tabs and the second surface of the flange define a plane of rotation therebetween which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In the first embodiment, the latching tabs of the first tubular member engage an inwardly extending flange on the second tubular member via a snap fit. Abutment members are provided on the inwardly extending flange for engaging the gaps between the latching tabs to selectively retain the first and second tubular members in a straight or angled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel E. Klas
  • Patent number: 5052501
    Abstract: An adjustable bent housing consisting of an inner housing telescopically received within an outer housing. A sleeve is provided having an angularly offset clutch face. Spline non-rotatably couple an interior surface of the sleeve with an exterior surface of the inner housing. The sleeve is axially slidable along the exterior surface of the inner housing between an inoperative position wherein the sleeve is spaced from the outer housing and an operating position. In the operative position the angularly offset clutch face of the sleeve engages an angularly offset clutch face on the outer housing thereby non-rotatably coupling the inner housing and the outer housing in a bent position the magnitude of which is dependent upon the relative rotational positioning of the outer housing and the inner housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Douglas Wenzel, Robert Wenzel, William Wenzel
  • Patent number: 5046764
    Abstract: A universally articulable supporting sheath comprises an interconnected series of links, each having a convex spherical surface at one end, and a concave spherical surface at its opposite end. The concave and convex surfaces mate with one another to form the sheath. Special links having branch openings may be provided. Various forms of waterproofing seals are provided, including O-rings, axially compressed rings, flexible belts, and ridges on the spherical surfaces. The links can be fitted together by thermal expansion. However, an axially split link is also described, which comprises two parts which snap together. The split parts may be molded as a unit with an integral thin wall hinge. The bending characteristics and bending radius of a sheath can be modified by insertion of spacers between the links at selected locations, or by the insertion of pins into radial holes provided in the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Akira Kimura, Nobuo Kitao, Hiroshi Yasuda, Yoshimasa Shimomura, Kiyoshi Isozaki, Hiroshi Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5044674
    Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting a pair of conventional, circular cross-section pipes whose axes are generally coplanar but are angled relative to each other, is formed of a pair of identical, but reversely arranged, tubular sections, each having an outer end for coupling to an adjacent pipe end and an inner end coupled to the adjacent section inner end. The coupling comprises conventional, releasable, circular pipe couplings which surround and clamp adjacent pipe ends together. The connector sections are bent and flattened in cross-section so that their inner ends are engaged in the plane of the pipe axes while their outer end openings are transverse to the pipe axes and overlap and open into the ends of the pipes. The portions of the connector sections between their opposite ends are of cross-sectional areas that are roughly the same as the cross-sectional areas of their end openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Quikcoup, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 5044672
    Abstract: A metal-to-metal sealing pipe swivel joint especially useful with a subsea well completion system to pivotally interconnect the subsea wellhead to a lay-away flowline, the swivel joint having an annular seal element with metallic sealing surfaces and inner and outer tubular elements, also with metallic sealing surfaces, that can be moved into or withdrawn from sealing engagement with the seal element sealing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Harold B. Skeels, Christopher E. Cunningham, Edmund M. Mouret, Donald M. Underwood, Michael J. Krenek
  • Patent number: 5037144
    Abstract: A restrained pipe joint is provided for affixing the spigot end of a first pipe into the socket end of a second pipe. The pipe joint includes a circular restraining ring and a retainer ring which includes a groove ring and a plurality of locking segments. When the retaining ring is tightened, the retaining ring is forced against the circular restraining ring, thereby engaging the locking segment teeth into the spigot end of the first pipe. The groove ring abuts the circular restraining ring which holds the spigot end of the first pipe within the socket end of the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: AMSTED Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert G. Peting, John J. Budziak
  • Patent number: 4976468
    Abstract: This fluid-current-transmitting mechanical joint allows relative rotation of two articles (one may be a stationary fixture), on an arbitrary axis. The joint has as much angular-rotation range as a hinge, but as many degrees of freedom as a ball-and-socket or universal joint. The invention has a dual outer structure consisting of two interlocked bodies, each generally arched and generally surrounding an aperture, with a connection point on each body for attachment of one of the articles; and a dual inner structure of two mutually fixed, interlocked rings or the like. The two bodies of the outer structure can be generally ring-shaped and if desired can take the form of two closely interlocked toroids, the minor cross-section of each toroid being sized to just fit through the central aperture of the other. These outer-structure bodies ride on the inner structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Amrus Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Shpigel
  • Patent number: 4946202
    Abstract: A coupling is provided for connecting between an electrical conduit and an electrical device for enclosing electrical wires passing therebetween, when the conduit and the device are laterally offset as well as spaced apart from each other. The coupling comprises at least first, second, and third hollow tubular members extending along first, second, and third axes respectively and joined end to end by at least a pair of ball and socket joints to form a unitary structure having relatively smooth interior walls forming a passageway for accommodating passage of electrical wires therethrough.The joints are angularly adjustable in any plane aligned with said second axis to permit alignment of said first, second, and third axes not only in coalignment with each other, but also said first and third axes displaced one from the other by an offset distance corresponding to said lateral offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Vincent Perricone
  • Patent number: 4909544
    Abstract: Apparatus for the transfer of material from one container to another container. The one container is placed in an attachment having a 45.degree. coupling joined by a straight bend to a fixed part with a 45.degree. second coupling. A motor rotates bend relative to the fixed part. Gears ensure an equivalent joint rotation of the attachment with respect to the bend. The one container is turned over and its content flows into the other container. This apparatus is particularly useful with polluting, toxic and radioactive products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Claude Noe
  • Patent number: 4907828
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for assembling, aligning and securing a sealed connection. The apparatus and method of the present invention advantageously employ the mechanical leverage of a threaded connection, preferably square threads, to overcome the high O-ring seal friction associated with large diameter, high pressure O-ring seals. The disadvantages of threads are eliminated by the use of thread relief grooves adjacent and interior to the threads. The thread relief grooves must be of sufficient length and annular dimensions to accommodate the disengaged upset threads therein to permit free rotation. The combined length of threaded engagement must be sufficient to move the O-ring seal into sealing engagement to fully achieve the advantageous ease of assembly of the present invention. Further, this connection is unlikely to separate during use in that disengagement of the threads into the thread relief grooves prevents back off where high make up torque is not employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Chang
  • Patent number: 4860644
    Abstract: Fumes are drawn by a vacuum source from a scoop through conduit. The conduit provides its own structure with rigid tubes and which are held with respect to one another, a mounting collar and the scoop by joint attaching assemblies and. In this way, the fume exhauster requires minimal structure. Also, joint assemblies minimize flow resistance since they are located along inside conduit curvatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Kohl, Mark D. Belcher