Single Fold Type Patents (Class 285/229)
  • Patent number: 11441718
    Abstract: A compensator arrangement comprising a first fixing unit, a second fixing unit, and an intermediate flexible member removably arranged between the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit and comprising a main body, a first radial end flange and a second radial end flange, wherein the first fixing unit comprises a first connecting member having a first connecting body and a first fixing flange having a plurality of through-holes, a first counter ring, a first clamping ring and a first clamping device for releasably clamping the first radial end flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Henrik Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 10605401
    Abstract: An expansion joint that includes a rolled two-step shaped stainless steel dynamic flange welded atop a cylindrical inner sleeve, such that the inner sleeve connects on one end to gas exhaust, such that the expansion joint withstands thermal shock due to quick rise in temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventors: Harald Reichel, Ulf Poehlmann
  • Patent number: 10570611
    Abstract: A water resistant expansion joint system includes foam, which has been formed into a desired shape by at least one of stamping, cutting, molding and die-cutting; and a layer of an elastomer disposed on the foam. The layer of the elastomer facilitates compression of the water resistant expansion joint system when installed between substrates. The desired shape of the foam includes an angle, and the water resistant expansion joint system is angled around a corner and accommodates thermal and seismic movement in the system by expanding and contracting, and creates a waterproof seal around the corner upon expansion of the foam between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Emseal Joint Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Lester Hensley, Bill Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 10267440
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reinforcing a welded-lap pipe joint includes a first pipe segment having a bell-end presenting a receptacle, a spigot-end of a second pipe segment extending into and welded to the bell-end receptacle to form a welded-lap joint, and a bell-shaped reinforcing sleeve surrounding the welded-lap joint. In exemplary embodiments the reinforcing sleeve is welded to the first or second pipe segments. Also disclosed are a method of assembling a reinforced welded-lap pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: HDR, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Plattsmier, Matthew J. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9709195
    Abstract: A conduit for an air induction system includes a duct and a flexible sealing cuff. The duct includes a first duct end, is generally cylindrical, and defines a channel. The flexible sealing cuff includes a first cuff end and is generally cylindrical. The flexible sealing cuff is carried at the first duct end of the duct. A bonded joint secures the first cuff end of the flexible sealing cuff to the first duct end of the duct. The flexible sealing cuff may be at least substantially disposed within the channel such that the flexible sealing cuff shields the channel from the bonded joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventor: Bradley Olson
  • Patent number: 9631752
    Abstract: An expansion joint that is provided between a steam turbine outlet and a condenser inlet, including: an upstream baffle tube that has one end secured to an upstream fixing end and the other end as a free end, and forms a steam channel; a downstream baffle tube that has one end secured to a downstream fixed end and the other end as a free end, the free end being relatively movable outside the free end of the upstream baffle tube; and a flexible cylinder that is formed of a non-metal material using a resin sheet, and deformable while airtightly surrounding the baffle tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Shimakawa, Jun Nagashima, Yuji Bando, Tomohiro Oshita, Hiromu Nishijima
  • Patent number: 9157559
    Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TRU-FLEX, LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Stalcup, II, Scott R. Swank
  • Publication number: 20150027396
    Abstract: A handheld work apparatus has at least one tool which is driven by a combustion engine. A portion of an intake channel of the combustion engine is formed by an elastic connecting piece which has a first section and a second section between which an expansion fold is arranged. The expansion fold has a first side wall and a second side wall arranged downstream of the first side wall. A peripheral wall, which extends in the region of the largest outside diameter (a) of the expansion fold, is arranged in flow direction between the first side wall and the second side wall. The connecting piece has a stop for the expansion fold which prevents a segment of the first side wall adjoining the peripheral wall from bearing against the second side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Sebastian Friedrich, Jens Knauss, Christian Schmidt, Daniel Diepolder, Christina Escher, Andreas Lingen, Juergen Bernert
  • Patent number: 8616586
    Abstract: A sealing element that includes a hollow body of metallic material and first and second male sealing members formed at a respective end of the body. The respective male sealing member has an external spherical contact surface designed for mating with a corresponding internal conical contact surface of a female sealing member so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the male sealing member and the female sealing member when their contact surfaces are pressed against each other. Also, a coupling device and a valve device provided with the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Inge Østergaard, Erik Raad, Staale Svindland
  • Patent number: 8607780
    Abstract: New expansion compensating device and manufacturing method of the same, of those used in solar power absorber tubes featuring a dual bellows design where the height of the waves of the bellows is not regular, but the second wave is greater (where it supports more load) and diminishes towards the ends. With this design improving the performance of the receiver is achieved because it shortens the length of the device and consequently there is more surface area receiving solar radiation as well as it decreases the necessary diameter of glass tube and therefore its cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Abengoa Solar New Technologies, S.A.
    Inventors: Noelia Martínez Sanz, Javier Asensio Pérez Ullivarri, Pablo José Bombin Ortega, Javier Peláez Fombellida, José Ángel Rico Sánchez, Miguel Ángel Girona Montarroso
  • Patent number: 8371617
    Abstract: An expansion joint for a pipe system includes a deformable section interconnecting first and second pipe sections. A first mount is secured to the first pipe section in a passageway of the first pipe. A second mount is secured to the second pipe section in a passageway of the second pipe. A flexible tension member, extending through the deformable section, tethers the first and second mounts to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: MECS, Inc.
    Inventor: Rafael C. Take
  • Patent number: 7871110
    Abstract: A sealing element that includes a hollow body of metallic material and first and second male sealing members formed at a respective end of the body. The respective male sealing member has an external spherical contact surface designed for mating with a corresponding internal conical contact surface of a female sealing member so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the male sealing member and the female sealing member when their contact surfaces are pressed against each other. Also, a coupling device and a valve device provided with the sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Inge Østergaard, Erik Raad, Staale Svindland
  • Patent number: 7845901
    Abstract: Devices for intaking gases from the boundary layer through ducts hollowed out in blades. These devices are suitable for variable setting blades, installed on the stator using pivots. The seal is maintained despite the variation in the relative position between the moving pivots through which ducts pass, and the fixed intake header pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stephan Yves Aubin, Thomas Julien Roland Earith, Didier Rene Andre Escure, Thierry Jean-Jacques Obrecht, Stephane Rousselin
  • Patent number: 7695021
    Abstract: A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments has a first duct, a first coupler member connected to the first duct, a second duct, a second coupler member connected to the second duct, and a gasket member received in a channel of the connector of the first coupler member and extending outwardly therefrom. The gasket member is in compressive contact with an abutment surface of the second coupler member. The gasket member has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a curved end extending outwardly of an opening of the channel of the first coupler member. The abutment surface is a planar flanged surface extending radially transversely outwardly of the end of the second coupler member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7686347
    Abstract: A coupler apparatus for use with concrete segments has a first duct, a first coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom and having an end extending over a surface of said first duct, a second duct, a second coupler member having a connector and a flexible boot extending therefrom and extending over an exterior surface of the second duct, and a gasket received in the connectors of the first and second coupler members for forming a liquid-tight seal between the first and second ducts. Clamps are affixed over the ends of the flexible boot so as to establish a liquid-tight seal with the respective ducts. The connector includes an annular section affixed to an end of the flexible boot and an annular groove formed around this annular section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Publication number: 20090284006
    Abstract: A coupling has respective support elements extending respectively from each coupling end toward the other, but not directly connected to each other. Radially oriented ends of these elements define a pocket capturing a cushion therein. A non-metallic bellows operably covers the coupling. An optional thermal shield is disposed between the bellows and the support element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: American Boa, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Chahine, Rolf Janssen
  • Publication number: 20090184515
    Abstract: Provision is made to limit the degree of expansion of an expansion joint having a flexible body interposed between a pair of axially spaced flanges. The flanges or radial extensions thereof are interconnected by two or more circumferentially spaced cables, with the cables being unitary in form but having a pair of parallel strands, with the two ends of the cable being interconnected such that the two stands limit the expansion of the joint. Compression of the assembly is limited by way of a sleeve disposed on one strand and adapted to have its ends engage the inner surfaces of the flanges or radial extensions thereof upon reaching the limit of intended compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: FHC Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Philip B. Argersinger
  • 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: 6945567
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible pipe connecting unit which includes a part made of elastic workable material. The pipe connecting unit includes a wave-shaped or hose-shaped bellows (4) made of elastomeric material. The bellows (4) has respective projecting flange collars (14; 14 a, 14b) at its respective ends. The flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) preferably are provided with a reinforcement insert (16; 16a, 16b) and annularly-shaped pipe connecting pieces (flanges 18; 18a, 16b) are disposed behind corresponding ones of the flange collars. The pipe connecting unit (2) coacts directly with weld-on flanges as counter flanges (20; 20a, 20b) without additional seals or corresponding joining locations. For this purpose, the end sealing faces of the flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) are partitioned in the radial direction by a peripherally extending slot (28; 28a, 28b). In this way, at least two coaxial concentric annularly-shaped sealing surfaces (14-I, 14-II) are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: ContiTech Luftfedersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Fleck, Olaf Kluth
  • 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: 6854769
    Abstract: A bellows-type pipe junction for mechanically joining the spaced-apart ends of two pipes in a liquid-tight manner includes two sleeve sections fitted onto the two pipe ends and a flexible offset section joined at its two ends to the two sleeve sections by respective flexible bellows-type joints. The flexible offset section and the flexible bellows-type joints provide a fluid-tight junction while accommodating axial and radial offsets between the two pipe ends. The pipe junction is especially suitable for joining the pipes of an aircraft drain mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Lutzer
  • Patent number: 6843515
    Abstract: A cooling system in an aircraft has fluid flow pipe sections that are mounted to the aircraft structure. The pipe sections have pipe ends that form part of pipe junctions. The two pipe ends of a pipe junction are facing each other and are surrounded by a shrunk hose member of a shrinkable material which overlaps both pipe ends in a fluid- and pressure-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Kornrumpf
  • Publication number: 20040051310
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible pipe connecting unit which includes a part made of elastic workable material. The pipe connecting unit includes a wave-shaped or hose-shaped bellows (4) made of elastomeric material. The bellows (4) has respective projecting flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) at its respective ends. The flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) preferably are provided with a reinforcement insert (16; 16a, 16b) and annular-shaped pipe connecting pieces (flanges 18; 18a, 18b) are disposed behind corresponding ones of the flange collars. The pipe connecting unit (2) coacts directly with weld-on flanges as counter flanges (20; 20a, 20b) without additional seals or corresponding joining locations. For this purpose, the end sealing faces of the flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) are partitioned in the radial direction by a peripherally extending slot (28; 28a, 28b). In this way, at least two coaxial concentric annular-shaped sealing surfaces (14-I, 14-II) are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Fleck, Olaf Kluth
  • Patent number: 6533329
    Abstract: A method for forming sections of a flexible sealing belt, for expansion ducts is provided. A sheet of flexible sealing belt material is molded, using application of pressure and heat, to impart a desired contour to the belt section, to enable the belt, when installed in an expansion joint, to retain an outwardly extending shape, to resist collapse of the belt into the gap between the duct ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Senior Investments AG
    Inventor: David F. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6341805
    Abstract: An exhaust piping system is provided for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system including an emission control device. The exhaust piping system includes an exhaust pipe connected to the engine and an emission pipe connected to the emission control device. The exhaust and emission pipes include ends which are tapered to form reduced outside diameters. A flexible hose coupling includes a bore which telescopically receives the exhaust and emission pipe ends. First and second annular clearances are formed between the reduced-diameter pipe ends and the flexible hose coupling bore, which clearances reduce wearing and abrasion of the flexible hose coupling associated with vibration and relative movement between the pipe ends and the flexible hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corp
    Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
  • Patent number: 6209927
    Abstract: A metal diaphragm is provided which acts as a spring while defining a flow path. A restraint limits upward movement of the diaphragm during transient motion. Downward movement is resisted by a Belleville spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Katra, Patrick C. Marks, Tracey A. Clancy, James S. Laub
  • Patent number: 6131955
    Abstract: A modified expansion joint to provide a transition from one conduit to an adjacent conduit. The expansion joint includes a flexible coupling member and an angled transition leg having insulation on both sides thereof. The flexible coupling member takes up any variations in dimensional differences between the adjacent conduits. The transition leg provides a gradual thermal transition from a hot upstream conduit to a downstream conduit at a lower exterior surface temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Bachmann Industries
    Inventors: Lothar Bachmann, Roger Woodward
  • Patent number: 6027147
    Abstract: An internal flexible dust seal for connecting and accomodating misalignment, expansion, contraction, and torsion between openings of adjacent ducts carrying dust and particulate laden hot gases. The internal flexible dust seal can undergo lateral, axial, angular, and torsional movements while at the same time keeping any particulate matter or dust from leaving the duct and/or entering the space between liner plates and the insulation cavity of an outer gas flexible seal or expansion joint. The internal flexible dust seal is fixed to the inside of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen Elliott
  • Patent number: 5728974
    Abstract: A grommet for sealing an opening in a partition which having a main body and a fixture. The body has a flexible pocket surrounding the opening into which a skirt on the fixture enters. When the assembled grommet is placed under compression, the skirt forces the pocket against the edge of the opening, thereby providing a reliable waterproof seal. At the same time, the pressure urges a sealing lip on the main body against the partition to provide a watertight seal. Thus, the device is capable of producing two seals, rather than a single seal as is to be found in the prior art. The grommet is of particular use in connection with automotive vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Kitoh, Chigusa Ichio
  • Patent number: 5716158
    Abstract: A novel S-shape web section in a dog bone style expansion joint belt, having a very significant increase in the ability to define a successful seal even in misaligned or otherwise off-specification expansion joint environments. The web section has the potential of significantly increasing belt service life in contrast to a conventional OEM belt, due to lower stress levels at finite element locations proximate to the mid-span, and particularly on the convex inner surface of the belt during high vacuum situations. The web preferably has only 3 layers of polyester or nylon fabric, each with an intermediate skim coat of neoprene rubber, to bond the fabric plies together and also to bond the fabric core with an outer covering of black neoprene rubber or Viton rubber. The fabric plies may extend longitudinally inside of the end knobs or be splayed outwardly inside of each end knob to avoid need for a separate cord or a cord and a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: The Atlantic Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Hahn, Kim M. Massey, Hamid Sayar, Ann C. Van Orden
  • Patent number: 5658024
    Abstract: An expansion joint which employs a flexible material to connect and inlet duct equipment to an outlet duct or equipment includes an inlet frame which is connected to the inlet duct and an outlet frame which is connected to the outlet duct. In a hot frame to cold frame type of expansion joint, the inlet frame, along with an inlet liner is shaped to form a channel which has at least one side which is acutely angled with respect to the primary direction of gas flow through the expansion joint. Expansion joints for use in a cold frame to hot frame and in a hot frame to hot frame application are also described. The expansion joint additionally employs clamps, which clamp the flexible material to the inlet and outlet frames in a manner which reduces the amount of heat to which the flexible material is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Bachmann Inc.
    Inventors: Lothar Bachmann, Bradford H. Hilton
  • Patent number: 5653474
    Abstract: A high temperature rectangular exhaust duct expansion joint structure for securement to a high temperature gas stream and particularly, but not exclusively, a turbine engine exhaust duct. The support flange structure incorporated in the duct has a connecting flange which defines opposed side walls of the rectangular support flange structure. A T-shape radial web is connected to an outer surface of the connecting flange. The radial web has a vertical wall component and a transverse end component extending beyond opposed sides of the vertical wall component and is connectable to a flexible membrane of the joint structure. The support flange has reinforced corner sections wherein the connecting flange and the vertical wall component of the T-shape radial web are of increased thickness to reduce thermal stress in the corner sections and to effectively redistribute the stress in the support flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Michel D. Ninacs
    Inventors: Michel D. Ninacs, Rodney P. Bell
  • Patent number: 5484173
    Abstract: An improved flowing arch expansion joint includes a fiberglass body layer having an overlapping longitudinal seam that are bonded together by a layer of heat flowable fluoropolymer material. The radial expansion strength of the joint is enhanced by a supplemental peripheral reinforcing strip extending over less than the entire axial length of the joint, in the area of the maximum diameter portion, only. The peripheral reinforcing strip is formed by a winding process in which tire cord-based strip material is wound at a laying angle as close as possible to ninety degrees relative to the axis of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Garlock Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen F. Baker
  • Patent number: 5378026
    Abstract: A cylindrical flexible joint unit for interconnecting a hot gas duct of circular cross-section to a further duct structure of circular cross-section. The flexible joint unit comprises an inlet annular flexible wall structure for connection to the hot gas duct and an outlet flexible annular connector. Heat insulating material is retained between the annular wall structures and an outer flexible annular membrane. The inlet wall structure has a cylindrical inner sleeve and an annular step connecting flange secured about an outer surface of the sleeve. The inner sleeve has a duct connecting end and a free end. The step connecting flange has a short transverse connecting wall and an elongated annular spaced wall section extending from the connecting wall, and disposed substantially parallel above the outer surface of the inner sleeve toward the duct connecting end to define an air gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Michel D. Ninacs
    Inventors: Michel D. Ninacs, Rodney P. Bell
  • Patent number: 5372390
    Abstract: A coupling system for maintaining an end of a tube in substantially sealed alignment within an aperture in a wall, in which the tube is held by a clamp member affixable to the wall adjacent the aperture. A tube end is provided which is formed by a first tube tip member and a second tube tip member which fits concentrically around the first tube tip member. The second tube tip member has a wall thickness substantially less than that of the first tube tip member, and has a radially outwardly projecting annular bead formed thereon. The first tube tip member and the second tube tip member are affixed to each other, but limited axial movement of a portion of the first tube tip member relative to a portion of the second tube tip member is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Senior Engineering Investments, B.V.
    Inventors: Donald J. Conway, Darius C. Matonis
  • Patent number: 5358284
    Abstract: An expansion joint for connecting sections of a duct carrying high temperature gases includes upstream and downstream frame portions connected to the ducts, a peripheral fabric belt connecting the frame portions, and thermal insulation positioned between the belt and a primary internal liner mounted on a frame portion and projecting toward the opposite frame portion. A thermal insulation pillow is positioned between the primary internal liner and the flowpath, and a thermal panel made up of floating segments is positioned between the insulation pillow and the flowpath. At least the upstream frame portion includes a conical member extending at an oblique angle to inner and outer sides of the frame portion. In the illustrated embodiments, a secondary liner is mounted on the opposite frame portion and projects toward the frame portion carrying the primary liner, the primary internal liner being positioned between the secondary internal liner and the gas flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Pathway Bellows, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Broyles
  • Patent number: 5273321
    Abstract: A pre-assembled flexible connector for resiliently connecting spaced fluid conduits without making on-site adjustments in the flexible connector. The flexible connector is formed of a flexible body member having at each end an annualar support member in the form of a coupling flange for making a mating engagement with one of the spaced fluid conduits. The coupling flanges have at equally spaced points of attachment adjacent its periphery at least two flexible control elements resistant to elongation which interconnect the coupling flanges and limit the axial extension of the body member. Each of the flexible control elements has its ends fixedly enclosed in an externally threaded sleeve which forms a permanent threaded engagement with an internally threaded passage formed in the coupling flanges at the equally spaced points of attachment in facing surfaces of the coupling flanges without the ends of the sleeves protruding beyond the outer surfaces of the coupling flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: James R. Richter
  • Patent number: 5269570
    Abstract: Tubulars for casing a well borehole which are drilled by high angle or horizontal drilling techniques. The tubulars contain an annularly disposed upset whose cross sectional shape is omega-like. This omega-like upset enables the tubulars to be set around the curved section of the borehole without detrimental buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Dwight S. Nunley
  • Patent number: 5174613
    Abstract: A kit for constructing an expansion joint for pipes includes a flexible sleeve and at least one flange, the sleeve for being anchored to the flange by a reinforcement bead of the sleeve which reinforcement head includes an articulated chain of interconnecting elements disposed within the bead, the interconnecting elements being rotatable about one another on an axis of rotation which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Caoutchouc Manufacture et Plastiques S.A.
    Inventor: Roland Joug
  • Patent number: 5080403
    Abstract: Apparatus for readily connecting a round branch duct take off fitting of a forced air heating or air conditioning system to any size diameter round duct main with one size semi-flexible duct take off fitting. A hole is cut into the main round duct. The take off fitting is rigidly fastened at the contact tangent point of the main duct and the flat surface of the fitting. A bendable base flange, that is connected to a semi-flexible tubular member, is then formed around the main round duct and is fastened to same. As the bendable base flange is formed the semi-flexible fabric portion deforms to accommodate any size diameter main duct. Gaskets between connecting surfaces prevent air leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Paoluccio
  • Patent number: 5033543
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lining for lining inlet ports and outlet ports in a frame plate or a pressure plate for plate heat exchangers and comprising a cylindrical portion and two flanges which are connected to the cylindrical portion and which during the use of the lining are positioned on each side of the frame plate or pressure plate. According to the invention the lining comprises a rigid part having a cylindrical portion (6; 9; 13B; 16) and a flange (3; 8; 13A; 19) being an integral part of the cylindrical portion, and that the remaining part of the lining is made of an elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Thermal AB
    Inventors: Bo G. Nilsson, Nils-Ake Jonsson
  • Patent number: 5011194
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe fitting device which connects pipes that flow a high temperature fluid such as engine exhaust gas. The device includes a first cylindrical block, a second cylindrical block and a follower ring disposed between a ring portion of the first cylindrical block and an edge member of an opening of a second cylindrical block. A spring pushes the follower ring to the second cylindrical block side. Flexible connection sleeves connect the flanges of the first cylindrical block and the second cylindrical block and through holes are drilled into the first and second cylindrical blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigemitsu Nitta
  • Patent number: 4932687
    Abstract: A fitting that is adapted for use between two adjacent frame members that are mechanically isolated from one another. The fitting has two flanged members one fixed to each frame member and a pressurized liquid coolant flow channel with a pair of bellows units on opposite sides of an intermediate ring that is loosely mounted on the outer surface of a spool attached to one member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: William K. Anderson, Merle L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4848803
    Abstract: Fabric expansion joints suitable for use in the exhaust systems of gas turbines are of three types definable with reference to whether a frame is to be connected to a duct section which is externally insulated or one which is internally insulated. In joints where only the outlet frame or where both the inlet and outlet frames are to be connected to internally insulated sections, the flanges of the liners are connected to their frames in a manner preventing movement of the liners relative to the axis of the flow path through the joint but permitting thermal flange growth relative to the frames. Where a frame is to be connected to an externally insulated duct, the frame includes structure spaced from the flange of the liner which defines therewith an inwardly opening, thermal distribution channel. In each type, the free ends of the liners overlap in a spaced apart relationship and are interconnected in a manner permitting relative lengthwise movement between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Bachmann Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lothar Bachmann
  • Patent number: 4846509
    Abstract: In a flexible joint having a through-bore for the flow of fluid and comprising a pair of annular rigid members relatively rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the flexible joint, an annular elastomeric bearing is interposed between the relatively rotatable annular rigid members to flexibly interconnect the members and transmit load therebetween, and a normally sealed annular chamber is provided between the relatively rotatable annular rigid members and arranged to extend over an otherwise exposed surface of the bearing. Preferably the annular chamber is defined in part by a flexible diaphragm; the flexible diaphragm or the manner in which it is located permits relative rotational movement of the rigid members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Dunlop Limited a British Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Moore
  • Patent number: 4838581
    Abstract: In a joint structure for a tube support plate and a tube, a ceramic tube is provided aligned with a retaining hole of a tube support plate cooled by cooling medium and a bellows is placed in or near the retaining hole. An end of the bellows is fixed directly or indirectly to the tube support plate and the other end thereof is linked to the ceramic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Oda, Tetsuo Takehara, Katsumi Higashi, Keiji Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 4798492
    Abstract: The coupling of the present invention is used for joining two shafts together. The coupling comprises a first hub and a second hub which are joined together by a central web located therebetween. Both the first and second hubs include an inner bore extending therethrough and an outer tapered surface. The bores of the first and second hubs are sized to receive the two shafts which are to be connected. A pair of nuts, each having a threaded tapered bore extending therethrough are threaded over the outer tapered surfaces of the two hubs until the nuts exert an inner radial force on the hubs, thereby causing the hubs to frictionally grip and hold the shafts against movement relative to the coupling body. The coupling body may be longitudinally divided into two separate halves which embrace the opposite sides of the shafts and which are held together by the nuts which surround the tapered hub portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4765660
    Abstract: An elastic connection which functions as a compensator between two pipe ends or the like arranged at a distance from one another, consisting of a bellows body which is arranged between two counter-flanges which, on their respective end face facing the pipe end, are gripped from behind by in each case a rubber-elastic torus of the bellows body, each torus being received in an annular groove. Each counter-flange is connected to a respective flange on each pipe end. In order to make the compensator less expensive and simpler to assemble, the annular groove is formed as an annular sealing chamber which opens conically in the direction of the respective counter-flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Agintec AG
    Inventor: Hans P. Maier
  • Patent number: 4750763
    Abstract: Radial device for anchoring a flexible tubular structure in an opening in a rigid wall, characterized by flexible tubular structure having a bead reinforced by an armature with linked segments, embedded in rubber, composed of segments made integral by a nonrigid linking element in order to allow bead to bend in the axial direction so that it can slide into the hole in rigid wall.The invention applies to any industrial assembly, for example expansion joints, or any assembly on a vehicle, such as air suspension diaphragms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Caoutchouc Manufacture et Plastiques
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bechu, Bernard Daignot, Claude Roux
  • Patent number: 4749216
    Abstract: Radial device for anchoring a flexible tubular structure in an opening in a rigid wall, characterized by flexible tubular structure having a bead reinforced by a fragmented armature embedded in rubber, composed of individual elements in order to allow bead to bend in the axial direction so that it can slide into a bore of the rigid wall.The invention applies to any industrial assembly, such as for example, expansion joints, or any assembly on a vehicle, such as air suspension diaphragms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Caoutchouc Manufacture et Plastiques
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bechu, Bernard Daignot, Claude Roux