Flexible Joint, Rigid Members Patents (Class 285/223)
  • Publication number: 20090001717
    Abstract: A siphon elbow for pivotally connecting separate horizontal and vertical siphon pipes in fluid communication, comprising a horizontal body and a pivot body. The horizontal body has a first, longitudinally-extending passageway defined therethrough between opposite first and second open ends, the first open end connectable to an end of a horizontal siphon pipe. A second passageway is defined transversely through the horizontal body and intersects the first passageway. The second passageway is at least partially defined by opposite openings in the horizontal body. The pivot body has a passageway defined transversely therethrough between first and second open ends, the second open end being connectable to an end of a vertical siphon pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Tim N. Henry, Kenneth C. Lahrke, III
  • Publication number: 20080303268
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for a fluid distribution system such as a manure distribution inlet. The invention provides an improved coupling between a supply hose and the newer distribution implement includes an angled pipe coupled to a first collar and a second collar. The collars define keyways within which rotate an annular key provided around an inlet pipe and an annular key provided around an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe, outlet pipe and angled pipe are preferably constructed of polished steel to reduce the wear associated with constant rotation of the pipes relative to one another. The combination of the keyways and polished steel construction allows the pipe to be rotated constantly with only a minimum amount of wear, and improved maintenance and failure characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Benny D. Puck
  • Patent number: 7452005
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling and sealing tubes, comprising a flexible duct having a first and second end portions, each portion having an outwardly extending seal portion connected to a flat portion, which in turn is connected to an angled portion which connects to a flat portion having expanded diameter. The apparatus also comprises a sealing assembly comprising a split ring, a compression ring and an end cap subassembly which fits over the compression and split rings. The end cap subassembly comprises a pair of half-rings which are hinged together at one end and latched together using a closure mechanism at the other end. The split ring is mounted over the duct end seal after a tube with a bead is inserted inside the duct. A compression ring is fit over the split ring and the end cap subassembly is latched in place over the compression and split rings, thereby placing the duct seal portion under compressive pressure against the tube and maintaining it in place in a sealed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: RCF Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Melvin Kramer
  • Publication number: 20080265571
    Abstract: A plumbing strap is fastened to a building. A tubular insert is placed through a hole in a strap with posts on the tubular insert aligning with cut-outs in the strap to restrict rotation of the tubular insert relative to the strap. A flange on one end of the tubular insert abuts the strap to restrict longitudinal motion of the tubular insert. Latches on the tubular insert extend through the hole in the strap to engage the side of the strap opposite the flange and further restrict longitudinal movement of the tubular insert. A collar is placed over the tubular insert and a pipe extends through the tubular insert and collar. The tubular insert has a base adjacent the flange and a skirt distal from the flange. Longitudinal slits in the base and skirt define resilient members in the base and in the skirt that extend in opposing directions, but that can move inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Luis Gallardo, Larry D. Brown, Dennis Hart
  • Patent number: 7431321
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Terpsma, David O. Roe, Richard T. Polanic, Rudolph A. Bahnsen
  • Patent number: 7404872
    Abstract: A seismic coupling is provided for coupling a first longitudinal section of plain end plastic pipe to a second longitudinal section of plastic pipe. The coupling is provided in two halves with a left half being initially installed on the plain end of the first section of pipe. An internal shoulder is fused onto the first section of pipe and a right half of the coupling is then fused onto the left half to capture the first end of pipe within the coupling. The second pipe end is then installed within an end opening of the coupling and held in position by a connector installed between the right half of the coupling and the second pipe end. Internal seals are provided for sealing the first and second pipe ends within the interior of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: S & B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Fisher
  • Publication number: 20080116686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement of line connections for installations in an aircraft passenger cabin. The arrangement comprises a line connection element for accommodating several line connections; wherein the line connection element has a fixed position in the floor grid; wherein the line connections are adaptable to system lines of aircraft systems; and wherein the installations are adaptable by way of flexible inlet lines on the line connection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Johannes Gonnsen, Markus Fokken, Michael Dupont, Michael Harriehausen, Lars Lehmann, Marc Scheel, Stefan Repp
  • Patent number: 7341283
    Abstract: For continuous high temperature operation over a service life in excess of twenty years, a flexible pipe joint includes various features that tend to reduce the temperature of the load-bearing flex element or reduce strain in the warmer elastomeric layers of the flex element. These features include a heat shield of low heat conductivity material integrated into the inner profile of the pipe extension and interposed between the central bore of the pipe joint and the flex element, low heat conductivity metal alloy components between the hot production fluid and the flex element, high temperature resistant elastomer at least in the warmest inner elastomer layer of the flex element, and a flex element constructed to shift strain from the warmer inner elastomer layers to the colder outer elastomer layers by providing greater shear area, different layer thickness, and/or higher elastic modulus elastomer for the warmer inner elastomer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Oil States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J Moses, Michael E Hogan, Philip S Moses, Todd M Pottorff, Carl C Spicer
  • Patent number: 7243955
    Abstract: A universal pipe connector for forming a connection with at least one pipe end includes a connector body having an opening for receiving the pipe end. A clamping ring, extending around, and mechanically engaging, the opening, features a tightening mechanism for tightening it between a first maximum diameter and a second minimum diameter which differ by at least a length d. An annular sealing element is deployed around an inner surface of the clamping ring for sealing around the pipe end. The sealing element is formed with a primary inner surface and at least one roughly cylindrical coaxial layer of thickness ½ d. The layer is connected to the primary inner surface by a readily severable connection such that, by selectively removing the layer and tightening the tightening mechanism, the pipe connector forms a sealing connection with pipes having diameters varying over a continuous range of at least 2 d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Krausz Metal Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7195284
    Abstract: A flexible synthetic resin coupling is provided which is substantially self-sustaining in an initial configuration but provides sufficient resiliency and flexibility to absorb substantial loading, thereby accommodating relative movement between pipes and/or tanks to which it is connected. The coupling includes a conduit having two ends with a coupling positioned at at least one of the ends. The conduit is configured to have a total curvature of at least 270°, and may be configured to have a central axis of the flowpath defined by the passage within the conduit lie in a serpentine configuration in a single plane or alternatively to loop and lie in more than one plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darwin Garton, Darrell Oltman
  • Patent number: 7118139
    Abstract: The invention relates to couplings for fluid flowlines and more particularly to couplings that can be dismantled comprising flanges and a static ball-and-socket joint for use with flowlines having a diameter lying in the range 40 mm to 200 mm and transporting fluids (gases or liquids) of high penetrability, at high temperature of up to 800° C., and at high pressure of up to 450×105 Pa. Teh device comprises a flanged coupling device with a static ball-and socket joint comprising a first coupling member (1) having a conical sealing surface (8), a second coupling member (3) having concave sealing surface (10) of spherical shape, a two-barrier metal gasket (2) disposed between the sealing surface (8, 10) of the first and second coupling members (1, 3), and assembly means (4) for assembling the first and second coupling members (1, 3) together so as to hold the gasket (2) between their respective sealing surfaces (8, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Snecma Moteurs, NPO Energomash
    Inventors: Boris Ivanovitch Katorgin, Vladimir Konstantinovitch Tchvanov, Boris Mikhailovitch Gromyko, Eygueni Mikhailovitch Matveev, Igor Alexandrovitch Mikhaliov, Youri Vassilievitch Mitioukov, Ivan Denissovitch Postnikiov, Olga Nikolaevna Jelezniak
  • Patent number: 7052050
    Abstract: Provided are elastomeric expansion joints for coupling tubes and, particularly, elastomeric expansion joint used for absorbing axial, lateral, angular movements and vibrations to which the tubes are subjected, or when these tubes are coupled to pieces of equipment that operate under varied conditions of temperature and pressure and that result in movement of the tubing. The elastomeric expansion joint includes first and second end portions, a moveable central region, and first and second intersection portions that are respectively defined between each of the end portions and the central region. The intersection portions and the end portions define a reinforcement section. At least one wiring support member is positioned between the first and the second substrates, and the wiring support member is positioned in the reinforcement section and supports wirings. The wiring support member reinforces the elastomeric expansion joint, so that the elastomeric expansion joint can stand higher pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Dinatecnica Industria E. Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Georg Heinrich Matzen
  • Patent number: 7007982
    Abstract: A tube fitting capable of absorbing vibration and shock resulting from a high pressure fluid passing through the tube fitting while it is used includes a connection head, a connection nipple, and an intermediate connection member. The connection head and the connection nipple are provided with an annular collar projecting from an end surface of the connection head and the connection nipple. The connection head, the connection nipple and the intermediate connection member are joined by inserting the annular collars into both ends of the intermediate connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Hidesaburo Ishii, Kazuo Yano
  • Patent number: 6979028
    Abstract: A pipe joint is made up of a hollow cylindrical joint body made of an elastic material with a prescribed length, a circular flange embedded into each of the ends of the joint body, through holes provided axially at prescribed intervals in the direction of the circumference of the flanges and the joint body, and both flanges connected to the joint body with a connecting appliance penetrating into these through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Tozen Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Muroi, Tateyuki Kuwata, Mitsuhiro Oyama
  • Patent number: 6971680
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dialysis coupler assembly comprising a pair of rubber-like elastic tubular couplers, and a pair of joint members for joining the couplers together. Each of the couplers includes an inner channel 14 allowing a connector associated with a medical device to be fitted therein, and a smooth surface 15, 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coupler. The couplers are adapted to be joined together through the joint members in such manner that the smooth surfaces are in liquid-tight contact with one another. Each of the joint members is adapted to be attached slidably and rotatably onto corresponding one of the couplers, the joint members having first and second engagement portions, respectively. The first and second engagement portions are disposed opposed to one another and adapted to cooperatively engage the joint members with one another so as to allow the smooth surfaces to be brought into liquid-tight contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignees: Kitakyushu Institute of Biophysics Co., Ltd., JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Nakanishi, Kunihiko Yamanaka, Hiromu Miura, Katsunori Masaoka, Takaaki Matsuo, Masahiro Taoka, Sung-Teh Kim
  • Patent number: 6966527
    Abstract: To provide a closed cable drag chain, which is capable of preventing the contact wear powder generated in the holding and guiding the inserted cable or the like from being scattered into an operation space, and of suppressing noises such as sliding contact noise and scattering sounds, and wherein the assembling, maintenance and repair are easy and early wear of the cable or the like can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Shoichiro Komiya
  • Patent number: 6916049
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining two sections of pipe provides six degrees of freedom where the pipe coupling includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion disposed opposite the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the inlet and outlet portions for providing relative movement between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The intermediate portion has a plurality of corrugations disposed about a circumference of the pipe coupling and each corrugation includes first and second arms diverging from a common vertex toward the inlet portion and outlet portion, respectively. The arms diverge at substantially a forty-five degree angle forming a V-shape, and each arm terminates at a transition area where each arm of the corrugation blends with the inlet portion and outlet portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: David J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6905144
    Abstract: A sealing system adapted for placement into an exterior groove of a structure. The sealing system includes a seal ring having a generally ‘L’-shaped cross-section. The sealing system further includes a canted-coil spring. The seal ring includes an inner surface, an outer surface and two side surfaces. The seal ring's inner surface features a groove that increases the ring's flexibility. The seal ring's outer surface protrudes outwardly until it is pushed inwardly through contact with an inner surface of an external structure. As the outer surface moves inwardly, it causes a compression of the spring while a part of the seal ring flexes and bends about the seal ring's groove. At the same time, the outer surface becomes reoriented in a manner that cause its shape to change to a flatter configuration that is more complementary to the inner surface of the internal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation
    Inventor: Smail Vila
  • Patent number: 6883836
    Abstract: A positive locking fitting assembly is provided for interconnecting two adjacent structures, such as two modular components of an aircraft. The fitting assembly includes a pair of couplers which attach to the respective modular components, and a transfer tube which interconnects the couplers. Each coupler has a positive locking feature which prevents inadvertent uncoupling during operation. A plurality of redundant seals are incorporated throughout the construction of the fitting assembly which ensures a leak proof relationship not only between the joined pair of modular components, but also through the structure of the elements of the fitting assembly itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Stanley Aviation Corporation
    Inventors: Clifton P. Breay, Thomas B. Darby, Daniel E. Keenan, Anthony W. Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20040245775
    Abstract: This pipe joint comprises a hollow cylindrical joint body made of elastic material with a prescribed length, a circular flange is embedded into each of the both ends of the joint body, a plurality of through holes are provided communicating axially at prescribed intervals in the direction of the circumference of said flanges and the joint body, and said both flanges are connected to the joint body with a connecting appliance penetrated into these through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Muroi, Tateyuki Kuwata, Mitsuhiro Oyama
  • Publication number: 20040164549
    Abstract: A flexible piping connector 10 includes a flexible elastomeric tubular member 12, with a central annular groove formed around the circumference of the member. Two rigid plastics tubular members 20, 22 engage with the flexible tubular member 12, while inner annular members 28 retain the flexible tubular member 12 in co-operation with the rigid members 20, 22. The rigid members 20, 22 may be connected to sections of piping, while the flexible member 12 allows the assembly to be flexed through a restricted range of angles to allow for construction of piping lengths at non-standard angles, while the connector retains a smooth inner bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: McAlpine & Company Limited
    Inventor: James Kenneth McAlpine
  • Patent number: 6773297
    Abstract: To provide a closed cable drag chain, which is capable of preventing the contact wear powder generated in holding and guiding the cable or the like from being scattered by reliably closing the cable or the like, and wherein the assembling, maintenance and repair are easy while having light weight and low noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Shoichiro Komiya
  • Patent number: 6758989
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a liquid crystal polymer molded article which has an excellent low warpage and is able to be suitably used particularly as a connector or the like. That is, a molded article of a liquid crystal composition in which 100 parts by weight of a liquid crystal polymer (A) and 5-100 parts by weight of a non-fibrous filler (B) are compounded where the non-fibrous filler is so dispersed that, when a diffraction peak of the non-fibrous filler is measured by a transmission method and a reflection method by means of a wide-angle X-ray diffraction, the diffraction peak of the non-fibrous filler which can be confirmed by the reflection method is not confirmed by the transmission method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Polyplastics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Miyashita, Toshio Nakane
  • Patent number: 6729660
    Abstract: An adjustable base unit includes a pair of upper and lower frameworks, a connection sleeve attached to the lower framework and having opposite end portions for extending into and providing flow communication through the unit and between an upper fill tube and a lower blower pipe of a silo filling apparatus, and elements for adjustably interconnecting and spacing apart the upper and lower frameworks with respect to one another. When the unit is interposed between the fill tube and blower pipe and the upper and lower frameworks are respectively detachably attached to the fill tube, connection sleeve and blower pipe, the upper framework can be angularly tilted by adjusting selected ones of the interconnecting elements in any one of several different orientations relative to the lower framework so as to correspondingly angularly adjust the mounting disposition of the fill tube on the blower pipe and thereby the position of the fill tube within the silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Lancaster Level-Flo, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Musser
  • Patent number: 6715799
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining two sections of pipe provides six degrees of freedom where the pipe coupling includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion disposed opposite the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the inlet and outlet portions for providing relative movement between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The intermediate portion has a plurality of corrugations disposed about a circumference of the pipe coupling and each corrugation includes first and second arms diverging from a common vertex toward the inlet portion and outlet portion, respectively. The arms diverge at substantially a forty-five degree angle forming a V-shape, and each arm terminates at a transition area where each arm of the corrugation blends with the inlet portion and outlet portion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: David J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6709023
    Abstract: A flexible slide joint is provided for accommodating axial, rotational and angular misalignments between two fluid conveying members. The flexible slide joint basically has first and second tube members with a sliding sealing member and a axially compressible element coupled therebetween. The sliding sealing member is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a first predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a second predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is force balanced relative to the sliding sealing member such that the second predetermined axial force is smaller than the first predetermined axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh N. French
  • Publication number: 20040032123
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable connector is constructed to include two coupling members connectable to a tool and an air compressor/hydraulic press respectively, a connecting tube connected between the coupling members, the connecting tube having two spherical end portions respectively coupled to the coupling members and secured thereto by steel balls for enabling the coupling members to be turned relative to the connecting tube in different directions to different angles, and a bellows sleeve connected between the coupling members around the connecting tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Li-Yun Chu
  • Patent number: 6659690
    Abstract: A stress joint for a subsea riser has a reduced diameter intermediate section to reduce bending stresses on the connection between the stress joint and the riser as well as the subsea equipment. The stress joint having a riser joint with a threaded upper end for connection to a riser string. Attached to a lower end of the riser joint is an upper transition section that tapers from the diameter of the riser joint to a reduced diameter. An intermediate section below the upper transition section has a reduced outer diameter. A lower transition section connects the lower end of the intermediate section to the subsea equipment. The lower transition section is tapered from a reduced diameter to a larger diameter to ensure a firm connection with the subsea equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Parviz Abadi
  • Publication number: 20030201640
    Abstract: A sealing device (110) for connection of a pipe (112) in a hole (114), wherein the fitting is free, with play, of the type comprising pressure means (120) to thrust the pipe (112) in the direction of the hole (114), and a washer (18, 118) with an annular shape, with a central hole into which the pipe (112) is inserted and secured; this washer (118) has a base which is shaped according to a spherical annular surface portion (119) and is disposed with this spherical base (119) facing the hole (114), the spherical base (119) being thrust against the hole (114) by these pressure means (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Mario Pecchioli
  • Publication number: 20030193189
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining two sections of pipe provides six degrees of freedom where the pipe coupling includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion disposed opposite the inlet portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the inlet and outlet portions for providing relative movement between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The intermediate portion has a plurality of corrugations disposed about a circumference of the pipe coupling and each corrugation includes first and second arms diverging from a common vertex toward the inlet portion and outlet portion, respectively. The arms diverge at substantially a forty-five degree angle forming a V-shape, and each arm terminates at a transition area where each arm of the corrugation blends with the inlet portion and outlet portion, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6601877
    Abstract: A piping structure of a working machine, which prevents damage to the hoses that are so arranged as can be flexibly bent on the working machine. The piping structure of a working machine comprises a guide cylinder in which is slidably inserted an intermediate portion of hose to define the bending position of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Nishikawa, Takahiro Iwamoto, Toshiyuki Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030132630
    Abstract: A flexible slide joint is provided for accommodating axial, rotational and angular misalignments between two fluid conveying members. The flexible slide joint basically has first and second tube members with a sliding sealing member and a axially compressible element coupled therebetween. The sliding sealing member is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a first predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is configured and arranged to accommodate axial movement upon a second predetermined axial force occurring between the first and second tube members. The axially compressible element is force balanced relative to the sliding sealing member such that the second predetermined axial force is smaller than the first predetermined axial force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: PerkinElmer,Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh N. French
  • Publication number: 20030085573
    Abstract: A novel concentric pipe joint restraint is disclosed. The restraint is specifically designed to resist axial movement of an inner spigot pipe relative to an outer socket pipe with which it has been joined. The restraint, which operates within the annulus, generally comprises a spigot wedge ring, a socket wedge ring, and one or more specially designed wedge housings. The spigot wedge ring features one or more spigot gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the spigot pipe. The socket wedge ring similarly features one or more socket gripping protrusions which, upon contact, frictionally engage the socket pipe. The wedge housings position the spigot wedge ring and/or the socket wedge ring so that the gripping protrusions grip the pipes, preventing axial movement (whether separation or compression).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis D. Shumard
  • Publication number: 20030042735
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel accumulator for a common-rail fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine has a tubular main body (1) to which is welded at least one bushing (13) for connecting a high-pressure line (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Steffen Jung, Heinz Popp
  • Patent number: 6508491
    Abstract: A vibration-decoupling flange connection in an exhaust gas pipeline of motor vehicles includes flanges pretensioned by means of a tensioning device with springy means so as at least to swivel and to seal on a position, corresponding to a precalculated position of pipe members to be connected. The tensioning device is mounted when the exhaust gas pipe is closed and forms a clamp. The clamp legs of the clamp overlap under pretension the opposite flange sides with clamp curves of the clamp legs and extend over a circumferential angle of more than 180 degrees. The clamp curves exhibit supports, spaced in the circumferential direction. The clamp legs are separate components, which, when fitted together, can be fixed in position relative to each other by locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Guenther Ebinger, Alexander Roser
  • Patent number: 6499770
    Abstract: A flexible duct for fluidly communicating between first and second components includes a first duct section with an intake end and an exhaust end. A first joint pivotally couples the intake end to the first component for pivotal movement about a first axis. The flexible duct also includes a second duct section with a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the exhaust end by a second joint, and a third joint pivotally couples the second end to the second component. The second joint is pivotable about a second axis that is generally parallel to the first axis, and the third joint is pivotable about a third axis that is generally perpendicular to the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Glista, Andrew J. Olsen
  • Patent number: 6478339
    Abstract: A piping joint for preventing pipe members laid across the connection end faces of two adjacent structural elements from being damaged by changes in the relative positional relationship between the two adjacent structural elements due to the expansion and contraction caused by changes in the temperature or external stresses. The piping joint connects the end portions of the two pipe members laid in two structural elements whose connection end faces can displace relatively to each other, between the connection end faces to make the two pipe members communicate. It comprises a fixed unit (30) fixedly embedded into the connection end face of one of the structural elements and a movable unit (50) supported by the fixed unit so as to be movable along the connection end face. The pipe member in the structural element is connected to the fixed unit, and the pipe member in the other structural element is connected to the movable element. The two pipe members communicate in the fixed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: New Tokyo International Airport Authority
    Inventors: Yoichi Abe, Shoichi Kameta, Katsuhiko Hagiwara, Shunji Kawabata, Takafumi Oshima
  • Patent number: 6415603
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a catalytic converter assembly to a muffler and tailpipe assembly includes first and second flexible portions, and a middle portion disposed between the flexible portions. The middle portion includes a catalyst element for modifying exhaust gases passing from the catalyst assembly to the muffler and tailpipe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Erich James Nowka, Mark Allen Blaha
  • Patent number: 6329493
    Abstract: Plumbing articles made from a thermoplastic resin comprising a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) and a poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprising bisphenol A residues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad J. El-Hibri, Barry L. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6328346
    Abstract: A flexible mechanical joint is disclosed for joining a first elongated structural section with a second elongated structural section. The joint is compressible and expandable at least along a substantially longitudinal direction upon movement of at least one of the first and second sections. The joint includes a first connecting portion fixedly attached to the first section and a second connecting portion fixedly attached to the second section. The joint also has a flexible member that connects the first connecting portion with the second connecting portion and is positioned between the two connecting portions. The flexible member is shiftable upon relative longitudinal movement between the first and second sections. At least one of the first and second connecting portions includes an anchoring member frictionally engaging one of the first and second sections and including a lip that is secured into the one section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Industrial & Marine Services
    Inventors: Randy W. Masters, Cecil M. Brandon, Jr.
  • 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: 6015170
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting components in a piping system comprising a conduit, an annular ring and a gland. The gland comprises a body and a flange portion extending radially therefrom. A circumferential groove is formed along an inner surface of the body, and the flange portion includes a plurality of spaced bores for enabling attachment of the gland to a mating component in the piping system. The gland preferably comprises two arcuate segments, each segment having bores formed in spaced apart ends thereof to enable the segments to be attached to one another. The annular ring includes a shoulder and an arcuate surface configured to be received in the cooperatively configured groove formed in the gland. The configuration of the ring and the groove enable axial rotation and angular deflection of the gland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Rollow M. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5997047
    Abstract: A high-pressure, flexible, self-supportive piping assembly includes a jointed conduit formed by a plurality of ball and socket joint elements, a flexible internal conduit extending through the jointed conduit, an external sheath, and fittings at opposite ends which communicate with the internal conduit. The sheath is heat shrunk onto the jointed conduit. Each joint element has a ball at one end and a socket at an opposite end whereby the joint elements can be connected serially in end-to-end relationship to form the jointed conduit. The ball of one joint element frictionally engages the socket of the next joint element and, in combination with the stiffness of the external sheath, result in a piping assembly which can selectively configured in shape and which will tend to retain such a shape until subsequently configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Ralph Pimentel, Gerald Jones
  • Patent number: 5957768
    Abstract: An exhaust gas diffuser interface includes a stainless steel shell with varying levels of insulation. The varying levels of insulation concentrate thermal expansion and contraction at the turbine outlet end allowing it to be connected to the outlet by way of a seal weld. This construction allows expansion and contraction of the diffuser interface in unison with the attached turbine outlet, as well as the diffuser inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Braden Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gene F. Schockemoehl, L. Matt Farabee, David W. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5951061
    Abstract: An elastomeric flex joint is provided with a rotational bearing so that torsional stress is relieved by slip of the rotational bearing. In a first embodiment, the flex joint is designed to resist flexing from a mean position at which there is a substantial bend of axial direction, and the rotational bearing does not normally slip. An adjustment mechanism reduces the loading on the elastomeric flex element and the rotational bearing so that the bearing will slip during an initial orientation or during an adjustment of the joint. In a second embodiment, all small torsional deflections are absorbed by the elastomeric flex element, and large torsional deflections are absorbed by the rotational bearing. This is desirable because the elastomeric flex element has a greater fatigue capacity for small oscillations than the rotational bearing. An elastomeric clutch can be used to precisely control the break-out torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Continental EMSCO Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Arlt, III, Benton Baugh, David C. Riggs
  • Patent number: 5865566
    Abstract: A catenary riser support, for a floating offshore structure, that receives the riser and is attached to the floating offshore structure. The catenary riser support is formed from a tube that is rigidly attached to the floating structure and a flex joint in line with the catenary riser. The tube includes a gradual bend that complements the natural catenary curve of the catenary riser. A pipe adaptor attached in line with the flex joint and riser allow the flex joint to be pulled up against the tube. The flex joint allows the catenary riser to move relative to the floating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Deep Oil Technology, Incorporated
    Inventor: Lyle David Finn
  • Patent number: 5839476
    Abstract: A cable guide (1) consisting of articulated, partially overlapping individual components (2, 3), where the articulation axes (7, 8) of the components (2, 3) run transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cable guide and the individual components (2, 3) are connected together in such a way that the articulation axes (7, 8) of two adjacent components (2, 3) are positioned at 90.degree. to one another. The components (2, 3) include two different alternating basic shapes and each have a removable, snap-on cover (11, 12), where the covers (11, 12) of the cable guide (1) are all directed to one side of the cable guide (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile Fur Die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Blase
  • Patent number: 5803506
    Abstract: A flexible pipe loop for absorbing or compensating for movement in a pipe run, and for reducing stresses in the pipe run. The loop comprises a pair of pipe run elbows, a pair of flexible tube members, a pair of loop elbows, and a third flexible tube member. The pipe run elbows are oppositely disposed, and each has a first open end to be connected to the pipe run, and a second open end. The pair of flexible tube members each have first and second open ends. The first open ends of the tube members are connected to the second open ends of the pipe run elbows, respectively. The loop elbows are disposed in a spaced-apart opposing relation, and each has first and second open ends. The first open ends of the loop elbows are connected to the second open ends of the pair of tube members, respectively. Finally, the third flexible tube member is connected between, and to the second open ends of, the loop elbows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Flex-Hose Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip B. Argersinger, Robert J. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5669812
    Abstract: An exhaust gas diffuser interface includes a stainless steel shell with varying levels of insulation. The varying levels of insulation concentrate thermal expansion and contraction at the turbine outlet end allowing it to be connected to the outlet by way of a seal weld. This construction allows expansion and contraction of the diffuser interface in unison with the attached turbine outlet, as well as the diffuser inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Braden Manufacturing
    Inventors: Gene F. Schockemoehl, L. Matt Farabee, David W. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5609144
    Abstract: An articulated exhaust gas recirculation supply tube for an automotive engine includes an inlet tube with a first end adapted for connection with a source of exhaust gas from an engine and a second end having telescoping joint portion. An outlet tube has a first end adapted for connection with an exhaust gas recirculation control and a second end having a telescoping joint portion. An articulated gas conducting joint is slidingly engaged with the telescoping joint portions of the inlet tube and the outlet tube. A gas sealing member extends about both the telescoping joint portions of the inlet and outlet tubes and the articulated gas conducting joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Alex R. Seizew, Lamar L. King, II