Flared Conduit Patents (Class 285/234)
  • Patent number: 10527284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dampers for gas turbines and, for example, to a compensation assembly for a damper of a gas turbine for reducing the pulsations occurring in the combustion chamber. The damper can include a resonator cavity with a neck tube in flow communication with the interior of the combustion chamber, wherein the compensation assembly includes a spherical joint associated to the neck tube and configured to allow relative rotation between the combustion chamber and the resonator cavity, and having a bulb portion disposed around the neck tube and a spherical socket configured to internally host the bulb portion, wherein the spherical socket can have a top collar portion and a bottom collar portion connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Karolina Krystyna Sobol, Christoph Welti, Urs Benz
  • Patent number: 10364922
    Abstract: A flexible joint including: a socket including a front end portion provided with O-ring grooves, and a male threaded portion extending outward radially, circumferentially, and stepwisely from the front end portion with male threads formed thereon; a nut including an engaging portion engaged with an outer circumferential surface of the front end portion, and a female threaded portion extending stepwisely from the engaging portion and engaged with the male threaded portion; a sprinkler flexible tube communicating with an inner circumference of the socket, and having an enlarged portion inserted between the front end portion of the socket and the engaging portion of the nut, and a leak-proof portion or a double bent portion bent outward from an end of the enlarged portion; and O-rings fitted over the O-ring grooves, whereby the enlarged portion presses the O-rings to come into close contact with each other, thereby preventing leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SEUNGJIN IND. CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ho Jin Jung
  • Patent number: 10281072
    Abstract: A hose connector (1) having a sleeve-shaped union nut (2) which (2) surrounds a sleeve-shaped connector part (3) that is connected to a hose end (4) of a flexible hose line (5) and that (3) has, at its end region oriented away from the hose end (4), an annular flange (6) which (6) bears rotatably against an annular shoulder (7) of a circumferential wall (8), and having at least one sealing ring (9) which is held in a retaining groove (10) provided on the outer circumferential side of the connector part (3) and radially seals an annular gap provided between the connector part (3) and the circumferential wall (8). Between the connector part (3) and the circumferential wall (8), there is provided a clearance that is dimensioned such that the connector part (3) and the circumferential wall (8) can be tilted with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 9334989
    Abstract: Described is a fitting for coupling fluidic paths which facilitates secure and low leak rate fluid flow through a fluidic path junction such as a junction in a liquid chromatography system or other chemical analysis instrument. Fluid containing various mixtures of chemical samples can pass through the junction at high pressure with little or no trapped residue remaining in a volume at the connection. According to various embodiments, a face seal is achieved between two separate fluidic path features. In some embodiments, the sealing of the fluidic paths is aided by the use of a compliant polymer seal. The seal facilitates intimate contact between adjacent surfaces and significantly limits or prevents the entry of fluid under high pressure into an unswept volume. Thus the risk of carryover and its adverse effect on measurements is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Jencks, Mark Moeller, Kenneth R. Plant
  • Publication number: 20150008665
    Abstract: In an exhaust pipe spherical joint X, a spherical annular seal member 36 is fitted and fixed to a pipe end portion 42, the spherical annular seal member 36 is seated by abutting against a flange 43, a flared portion 47 formed of an Fe—Cr base stainless steel and containing 17.00 to 19.00% by mass of Cr is secured to a downstream-side exhaust pipe 44, and an inner surface 48 of a concave spherical surface portion 45 is brought into slidable contact with a composite surface 40 in which a surface 38 constituted by a reinforcing member 5 and a surface 39 constituted by a solid lubricant are present in mixed form in an outer surface 37 of an outer layer 35 of the spherical annular seal member 36.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: OILES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouhei Kurose, Eiji Satou, Yoshifumi Asano, Ryota Koibuchi
  • Patent number: 8485228
    Abstract: A plug-in part in the form of a piece of tubing and having a sealing portion, the sealing portion comprising a sealing element enclosing the piece of tubing in a circumferential direction, and a locking portion with at least one undercut. The plug-in part is adapted to be plugged into the receptacle of a coupling part of the plug connector arrangement in order to produce a fluid-tight connection. At least one locking element of the coupling part engages behind the plug-in part in the region of the undercut. In order to develop the plug-in part so as to reduce the risk of the sealing element being adversely affected, the undercut is formed by a protrusion which projects from the outside of the piece of tubing and extends circumferentially merely over a sub-region of the piece of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Joerg Schmid
  • Patent number: 8360477
    Abstract: A compliant conduit connector system for the sealed joining of two fluid conduits having two or more slip bearings to maintain mechanical connection between the two fluid conduits and a sealing o-ring to maintain a fluid seal between the two fluid conduits is disclosed. A socket having an inner surface including a sealing surface is formed on an end of a first fluid conduit. A plurality of slip bearings are held in position on the outer surface of a second fluid conduit by respective bearing channels attached to an outer surface of the second fluid conduit where the slip bearings are in mechanical contact with an inner surface of the socket formed in the first fluid conduit. The o-Ring makes sealing contact with a sealing surface defined as part of the inner surface of the first fluid conduit. To assure electrical conductivity a conductor assembly contacts both the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William T. Flynn
  • Patent number: 8025316
    Abstract: To connect a high-pressure line to a cylindrical accumulator tank, a fastener is fastened to one end of the high-pressure line, a connector has a first inside wall surface which defines a first hole for accommodating and fastening a portion of the cylindrical accumulator tank, a joining device effects a connection between the fastener and the connector, at the connection a contact surface of the high-pressure line is brought to engage with a contact surface of the accumulator tank. The first inside wall surface has in an axial direction relative to the cylindrical accumulator tank and a curved shape such that relative pivoting movements between the connector and the accumulator tank are enabled when the connection is effected and the contact surfaces are brought towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Peter Sperle, Reijo Oilenius
  • 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: 7390375
    Abstract: A method and a device for connecting a plastic line part in a plastic socket. A head end (9) of the line part (6) is heated contactlessly all the way round until the end curls over to a diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the socket (5). The line part is then pushed into the socket without using a mandrel or insert, so that the head end (9) forms a liquid-tight fused connection of high tensile strength with molten wall material of the socket (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Guido Petrus Johannes Van Der Klaauw, Harold Marcel Blom, Bart Jan Bax
  • Patent number: 7293572
    Abstract: Cleaning equipment for cleaning a moving surface particularly in a paper machine includes a washing head with a chamber in it opening onto the surface to be cleaned and nozzle elements arranged inside the chamber. The cleaning equipment also includes vacuum means and removal means. The vacuum means are arranged in the washing head. In addition, the washing head is arranged to be movable relative to the removal means that are fitted in a fixed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomi Honkala, Jari Laine, Petteri Venetjoki
  • Patent number: 6709025
    Abstract: A vapour lead-through system for a rotary evaporator with a rotatable evaporator vessel (5) and a stationary cooler (7) consists of a vapour lead-through tube (6) and a connection piece (8). The vapour lead-through tube (6) is on the cooler-side mounted in a stationary seal (9). On the evaporator-side end the vapour lead-through tube (6) is connected to the connection piece (8) in a manner such that the axis (A) of the vapour lead-through tube (6) is movable with respect to the axis (A′) of the connection piece (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Buchi Labortechnik AG
    Inventor: Arthur Spring
  • Publication number: 20030075157
    Abstract: A flexible gas connection joint for use with an exhaust gas recirculation system is located between an engine exhaust manifold and a turbocharger. The flexible joint comprises a hot pipe for connection with an exhaust gas source. The hot pipe has a first end for connecting with the exhaust gas source, and has a second oppositely positioned end for connecting with an exhaust gas receiving member. The hot pipe second end includes a generally cylindrical outside surface. An adapter is coupled to the hot pipe second end for receiving exhaust gas therefrom. The adapter has a cylindrical inside diameter, and the hot pipe second end is disposed within the cylindrical inside diameter. The hot pipe second end has a radiused outside surface for enabling three-dimensional movement of the hot pipe second end within the adapter. The flexible joint can include a sealing ring interposed between concentric hot pipe and adapter surfaces for providing a leak-tight seal therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis L. Brookshire, Glenn F. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6527304
    Abstract: A connector (10) for sealing an elongated tube (14) to a body (22) comprises a nut (12) concentrically about the tube (14) proximate the flared end (16). The nut (12) has a threaded exterior portion (34) and an abutting face (42) proximate to and concentric with the exterior face (32) of the flared end (16). A non-linear spring (44) between the exterior face (32) of the flared end (16) and the abutting face(42) of the nut (12), and is displaced upon tightening of the nut (12) to the body (22) to generate a substantially constant restorative force over a portion of the displacement to urge the interior face (30) of the flared end (16) into sealing engagement with and against the shoulder (38) of the body (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanislav Ivanovitch Pliassounov
  • Patent number: 6473945
    Abstract: A flexible clamp comprising a plurality of plastics links each link being a snap-fit with the next adjacent link thereby permitting a user to alter the length of the chain by the addition or subtraction of one or more links, and means for latching the free ends of the chain together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Timothy Charles Draper
  • Patent number: 6386595
    Abstract: A swivel joint for coupling a first conduit to a second conduit includes a swivel bearing comprising a body of fluid. The swivel bearing eliminates the creation and transmission of torsional and shear loads when one or both of the conduits are axially loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Wellstream, Inc.
    Inventor: George Walter Peppel
  • Patent number: 6299218
    Abstract: A structure for connecting fluid channel of fluid delivery system is disclosed. This connecting structure limits the length of the flow-guiding pipe extending into the delivery channel, to reduce particle contaminates and the probability of crack. The present pipe union connecting structure comprises a first pipe, a second pipe mounted to the first pipe, and an inner pipe extending from the first pipe into the second pipe with a certain extending length. The extending length of the inner pipe is less than the proportion of the minimum distance between the inner wall of the second pipe and the outlet of the inner pipe when standstill, to the tangent value of a certain angle &thgr;, which is the maximum inclined angle between the second pipe and the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Mosel Vitelic Inc.
    Inventors: Pei-Wei Tsai, Hua-Jen Tseng, Chun-Chieh Lee, Gwo-Yuh Yang
  • Patent number: 6173994
    Abstract: A coupling assembly comprising a female connector body, a male member, a retainer and a dust barrier. The female connector body defines a bore extending axially inward into the connector body from an entrance. A radial face is defined in the bore axially inward of the entrance. The male member is received within said bore. The male member is formed at the end of a tube and includes a projection extending radially from the tube. The retainer has at least two locking beams extending between the radially extending projection and the radial face to retain the male member in the bore. The locking beams defines a slot between the locking beams. The dust barrier is slidably mounted on the tube. The dust barrier has at least one extension insertable within the slot so as to prevent inadvertent radially inward movement of the locking beams. Wherein upon sliding the dust barrier toward the female connector body, the dust barrier encloses the bore so as to prevent foreign material from entering the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 6068303
    Abstract: A tube (34) is characterized by having an end disposed in a socket member (12) and presenting a radially extending U-shaped projection (38) defined by legs (39) in mating engagement with one another, and presenting an enlarged end (40) extending radially outwardly with the projection (38) from the remainder of the tube (34) and spaced from the projection (38) to define a saddle between the enlarged end (40) and the projection (38) for receiving a seal (42). The enlarged end (40) of the tube (34) is seated against a tube seat (24) of the socket member (12) and the enlarged end (40) and the projection (38) fit snugly within the socket member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagle
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5310227
    Abstract: A high pressure flex fitting comprises a tube assembly which engages within a fitting body. The tube assembly comprises a tube upon which a deformable flanged compression sleeve is disposed adjacent an elastomeric sealing ring which in turn is adjacent a retainer ring, the retainer ring being seated adjacent a flared end of the tube. A nut having an end flange engages over the sleeve and the flange on the nut bears against the radial flange on the sleeve, pushing the sleeve on the tube into the fitting body when the nut is threadedly engaged onto the fitting body. The fitting body includes a large cavity, within which the flared end of the tube is suspended, have a tapered inner entrance section from an entrance diameter larger than the sleeve to an inner diameter smaller than the sleeve to completely fill the area between the cavity wall and the tube adjacent the sealing ring which effects the seal between the cavity wall and the tube to prevent extrusion and fracturing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.
    Inventor: James J. Grinsteiner
  • Patent number: 5203593
    Abstract: The exhaust coupling of the invention comprises a first length of tubing having a first assembly flange fixed thereon, a second length of tubing associated with a second assembly flange, clamping means disposed to urge the assembly flanges towards each other via first resilient members, and second resilient members disposed between the assembly flanges in order to be compressed therebetween and to exert a force on the flange which is less than the opposing force exerted thereon by the first resilient members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Jacques Dubois
    Inventor: Louis Brandener
  • Patent number: 5141259
    Abstract: A flexible connector has a plurality of bearings housed in a single housing to attenuate vibration and noise. In one embodiment, the bearings have a spherical configuration with the center point of the spherical segment of one of the bearings at a different location from the center point of the spherical segment of the other bearing thereby providing efficient and compact bearings and a smaller envelope for such bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Highlen, William G. Thelen
  • Patent number: 4984827
    Abstract: Several versions of a flex joint (10, 100, 200) are provided which provides for relative flexible movement between a first member and a second member about a pivot point. The pivotal motion is provided by the use of elastomeric assemblies which are placed in elastomeric shear as one member pivots relative to the other. With each of the flex joints, at least two concentric and separate passages are formed through the flex joint for carrying fluids and the like through the flex joint. The passages remain separate and essentially unchanging in cross-section throughout the entire range of pivotal motion of the flex joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Peppel, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4881759
    Abstract: A flexible pipe joint having an annular housing with a central cavity in which a nipple is partially submerged. The nipple has a flared end on the submerged portion thereof. An elastomeric ring, internally contoured spherically with reference to a common center point spaced from the flared end and located on the longitudinal axis of the joint, is adhered about its outer surface to the inner surface of the flared end. An elastomeric body having an assembly of embedded concentric spherical rings is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end. The spherical rings are contoured and positioned symmetrically with respect to the common center point. A flange (42 or 144, 146) is welded to the nipple at the end opposite the flared end. The flange is used to bolt the joint to the adjacent pipe sections and can be in two parts (144, 146). A collar welded to the housing encircles the nipple and engages the outer surface of the elastomeric body to maintain the body in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Kovitch, Charles M. Reinhardt, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4863200
    Abstract: A flexible exhaust coupling between a first length of exhaust pipe (1) and a second length of exhaust pipe (2), in which the first length of exhaust pipe (1) comprises a pivot portion (3) in the form of a spherical ring projecting outwardly from a portion of the cylindrical outside surface (4) of the first length of exhaust pipe, a first annular exhaust gasket (8) pressing against an inside surface of the pivot portion (3), at least one anti-friction member (9) pressed against an outside surface of the pivot portion (3), and a housing (5) carried by the second length of the exhaust pipe and pressing both the annular gasket and the anti-friction member against the pivot portion (3), and in which the housing comprises a sheet metal collar (6) fixed to the second length of exhaust pipe and extending outwardly therefrom, together with at least one sheet metal bearing sector (7) having an outside edge fixed to the outside edge of the collar (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Societe Jacques Dubois
    Inventor: Louis Brandener
  • Patent number: 4826028
    Abstract: A gasket seating ring is disclosed which includes a specially designed hard plastic ring. The hard plastic ring in molded as a shaped annulus having a rearward, radially outwardly inclined ramp and a joined, forward, radially inwardly inclined ramp wherein the junction between the rearward and forward ramps defines the outer periphery of the ring. The shaped annulus further includes a radially inwardly angular junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Vassallo Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Efrain D. Vassallo, Jose E. Valls
  • Patent number: 4538842
    Abstract: A tube connection having a resilient seal ring captured between a support structure at the inner end thereof and a retaining structure at the outer end thereof within an outwardly opening recess of a fitting body. The support structure is retained to the distal end of the tube to be connected against axially inward displacement therefrom. Close fits are provided between the elements of the fitting so as to effectively preclude extrusion of the seal material therebetween from the sealing space. The retaining structure in certain embodiments is defined by an annular projection on the nut member extending into the recess. In certain embodiments, the retaining structure is disposed outwardly of the recess and the sealing sleeve extends outwardly into engagement therewith. In one illustrated embodiment, the sealing sleeve is defined by an O-ring. In a number of the embodiments, the support structure is formed integrally with the tube end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Imperial Clevite Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard J. Kowal, Albert J. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4515399
    Abstract: A housing (110) defines an enlarged central bore (162), from which protrudes a multi-conduit nipple (126). An elastomeric seal (128) flexibly joins the inner end of the nipple to the outer end of a respective sliding seat (116), the inner end of the seat being adapted to slide longitudinally within the central bore, whereby the elastomeric seal located is subjected to a shearing action as the nipple is pivotally deflected relative to the housing. One or more piston disks (174, 176) extend across the enlarged central bore so as to define a series of individual pressure chambers (182, 184, 186). A plurality of hollow cylindrical sleeves (188) extend through the disks, with the interior of each sleeve functioning as a continuation of a respective conduit through the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Sullivan, George W. Peppel
  • Patent number: 4491348
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a vibration attenuating fluid coupling characterized by its ability to soundproof fluid conduit systems and permit limited misalignment between interconnected conduits without leakage. In particular, the structure of the invention may be utilized with existing couplings and fluid systems with minor modification. The coupling comprises a housing receiving the inner end of a nipple which supports a flange. An annular elastomeric ring within the housing imposes an axial force upon the nipple, and an inner bearing complimentary in configuration to existing housing surfaces and oriented therein by such surfaces is engaged by the nipple inner end and includes an elastomeric material wherein elastic material, alone, supports the nipple relative to the housing for absorbing vibrations and permitting misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Thelen
  • Patent number: 4438958
    Abstract: A split coupling of clam-shell configuration applied laterally over abutted ends of confronting tube sections with bead-over-wire reinforcement engaged with opposed shoulders of separable body members, and having depressible ring and abutment seals molded into the separable body members hinged for abutment a diametrical axially disposed plane coincidental with the axis of the body members when closed over said confronting tube sections by link and latch means, all basic structural members operating in tension and shear connections multiplied for greater strength and for uniform load distribution, said ring seals being scarfed for circumferential continuity, and there being an electrical bond between the coupling and said confronting tube sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Herbert A. De Cenzo
  • Patent number: 4341405
    Abstract: Disclosed are flexible coupling devices for strings of elongate irrigation pipes, and especially suited for overland traveling sprinkler irrigation apparatuses. The pronounced flexure coupling devices comprise insert and casing members of novel structural and spatial inter-relationship which are held together with resinous elastic material that annularly surrounds the longitudinal reference-axis for the insert member, together with means to prevent abrading between the insert and casing members. Also disclosed are preferred chemical identifications for the annular elastic connector and fabrication processes for securing the connector to the structurally novel and specially spaced insert and casing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Inventor: Theodore V. Olson
  • Patent number: 4273363
    Abstract: A flexible pipe coupling comprises an annular housing, a nipple member partially submerged in the housing, and an annular elastomeric seal assembly between the nipple and the housing. The nipple is insulated in order to reduce the heat flow to the elastomeric seal from the material falling to the pipe coupling. The pipe coupling can also comprise a means, e.g., an annular ring, for bridging the nipple and housing to provide a constant inside diameter for the coupling. The means can also be insulated in order to aid in reducing the heat flow to the elastomeric seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Richard R. Angel
  • Patent number: 4245858
    Abstract: The conduit structure comprises an outer tubular housing having a tubular inner member disposed therein with a first end of the inner member being positioned in the medial portion of the outer housing and retained therein by means of an outwardly extending flared portion on the first end of the tubular inner member which is constrained between two longitudinally spaced inwardly extending annular projections formed on the inner surface of the outer housing. A resilient annular seal is provided between the outer surface of the tubular inner member and the inner surface of the medial portion of the outer housing. The tubular inner member extends from one end of the outer housing and a second resilient annular seal is provided between the tubular member and said end of the outer housing. The tubular inner member is adapted for longitudinal, radial and rotational movement relative to the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Russell C. Cox
  • Patent number: 4236737
    Abstract: The invention pertains to high pressure conduit swivel joints capable of conducting fluid pressures of 6,000 psi wherein the associated conduit members of the joint are permitted angular deflection and relative rotational movement. An elastomer assembly is interposed between the conduit associated members of the joint permitting limited relative rotational movement solely due to elastic deformation, and greater rotative movement produces bearing supported rotation of the members. A tubular sleeve is mounted upon a body, and a retainer attached to the body maintains the sleeve thereon, and the elastomer assembly is compressed by the retainer which controls the torque requirements for producing bearing rotative support of the members, such bearing supported rotation occuring at greater torque conditions than that necessary to produce limited member rotation due to elastomer deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Herbert, Larry R. Nixon
  • Patent number: 4198078
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a vibration and sound isolator for pressurized conduit systems, such as refrigeration systems, capable of absorbing torsional and bending vibrations without fluid leakage. An annular cylinder casing defines a chamber receiving a tubular piston member having a head located within the chamber. The chamber is axially defined by a pressure face wall at one end, and a reaction wall at the other end. An annular elastomeric seal bonded to the piston head and reaction wall is compressed by fluid pressure acting upon the pressure face wall and piston head increasing the elastomer's resistance to fluid permeability. The axial dimension of elastomer intermediate the piston head and reaction wall permits torsional deflection between the cylinder and piston members about an axis coincident with fluid connection means defined upon the members, and radial clearance between the piston stem and elastomer permits related angular deflection of the members while maintaining a sealed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Herbert
  • Patent number: 4103939
    Abstract: A multi-channel flexible connector for connecting multiple parallel conduits for relative angular deflection between input and output conduits. In a more specific aspect, offshore well pipes are connected to a surface unit as they extend upward from the ocean floor to accommodate motion of the surface unit. An annular cup-shaped housing with a central cavity and bottom ports therein is adapted to be joined to input pipes. A nipple having a downfacing and flared lower end is adapted to be joined to output pipes and is positioned in the housing cavity. An elastomeric body includes an assembly of concentric spherical rings radially spaced apart by elastomeric pads. The elastomeric body is adhered to the inner and outer surfaces of the flared end of the nipple, to the lower surface of a collar mounted in sealed relation with the inner surface of the housing and to the upper surface of a seat mounted in the bottom of the housing cavity thereby to define a main flow channel through the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Murdock Machine & Engineering Company
    Inventors: John T. Herbert, Frank J. Kovitch, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4098527
    Abstract: A flexible tension bearing connector includes a cylinder having a base portion supporting a central rigid spacer therein having an outer spherical surface facing away from the base portion and a center of curvature at the axis of the cylinder. A nipple has an internal spherically shaped surface contiguous to the spacer in a mating relation. An elastomeric bearing has an end inner ring which has a cylindrical center bore to receive the nipple and an end outer ring captured inside the cylinder. An intermediate elastomeric section has spherical geometry centered at the center of curvature of the spacer. The bearing encircles the nipple with annular planar bearing surface facing away from the spaces in a plane normal to the cylinder axis. A stop on the nipple contacts the annular planar bearing surface to transfer through the bearing to the cylinder any forces which would urge the bearing away from the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: Murdock Machine & Engineering Company
    Inventors: John T. Herbert, Frank J. Kovitch, Paul E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4097071
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe of a front engine mounted transversely to roll about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is joined to a tailpipe by an improved high temperature resistant flexible coupling including a spherically surfaced ring seal supported between a tubular end segment of a first pipe and a free end spherical surface on a second pipe; the second pipe having a flange connected thereto and a pair of bolts are resiliently coupled to the flange fixed on the first pipe to bias the spherical lip against a high temperature lubricant surface on the seal to define a joint with minimal resistance to roll motion so that it readily accommodates substantial angular offset between the first and second pipe segments during high temperature exhaust conditions while maintaining a positively sealed surface at the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Crawford, Stanley E. James, Donald H. Nixon
  • Patent number: 4068864
    Abstract: A flexible pipe line joint having an annular housing with a central cavity in which a nipple is partially submerged. The nipple has a flared end on the submerged portion to the inner surface of which an elastomeric ring is adhered. The ring is internally contoured spherically with reference to a common center point spaced from the flared end and located on the longitudinal axis of the joint. An elastomeric body has an assembly of embedded concentric spherical rings and is adhered to the outer surface of the flared end. The spherical rings are contoured and positioned in symmetry to the common center point. A collar secured to the housing encircles the nipple and engages the outer surface of the elastomeric body to maintain the body in position. Support structure secured to the housing has an outward facing spherical surface mating in sliding relation with the internal surface of the first elastomeric body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Assignee: Murdock Machine & Engineering Company
    Inventors: John T. Herbert, Frank J. Kovitch, Paul E. Sullivan, Stanley P. Vitt