With Separable Follower Patents (Class 285/348)
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Patent number: 6106029Abstract: A pipe coupling for the joining of plain end plastic or metallic pipe that includes an annular follower, a tubular middle ring extending between opposite followers, an annular gasket within the follower contiguous to the middle ring and a restrainer unit within the follower comprising a lock ring having a plurality of arcuately spaced radial slots for slideably supporting individual gripper segments that are operative during tightening installation of the follower about a received pipe end to effect a penetrating restraining grip against the surface of the pipe end.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventors: Louis DeMore, Scott Alan Butler
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Patent number: 6102445Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose CorporationInventor: R. Winfield Thomas
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Patent number: 6007106Abstract: A hydraulic coupling employing a polymeric elastomeric sealing member to provide an excellent seal under pressure. The polymeric elastomeric seal additionally has high resistance to acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, esters, alcohols and salt solutions. The sealing member has the elasticity to return to its normal physical condition after pressure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven Wilkins
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Patent number: 5975589Abstract: A hydraulic coupling employing a polymeric elastomeric sealing member to provide an excellent seal under pressure. The polymeric elastomeric seal additionally has high resistance to acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, esters, alcohols and salt solutions. The sealing member has the elasticity to return to its normal physical condition after pressure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven Wilkins
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Patent number: 5882050Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventors: Peter C. Williams, David A. McMillan, Howard C. B. Kuhns
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Patent number: 5857716Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose CorporationInventor: R. Winfield Thomas
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Patent number: 5851037Abstract: A pipe coupling for sealing a leak location in a pipe or pipeline by compressing annular gasket members against the pipe or pipeline around the leak location comprises a tubular middle ring, a pair of annular followers, and a pair of annular elastomeric gasket positioners bonded to and protruding from respective followers and positioned so that when the coupling is placed in sealing position, the gasket positioners engage the annular gasket members and force the gasket members into sealing position between the tubular middle ring and the pipe or pipeline. Suitable annular gasket members include rubber O-rings. The gasket positioners may include a retaining ring to prevent outward extrusion of the gasket positioner from between the coupling and the pipe or pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Inventor: Donald Y. Bridges
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Patent number: 5845946Abstract: A coupling system for corrugated, flexible metal hoses includes fitting and washer assemblies. The fitting assembly comprises inner and outer fittings, the inner fitting being received on the hose and having a bore adapted to receive the washer assembly. The washer assembly includes an O-ring, a backer washer and an expandable washer. The O-ring forms a seal connection with the flexible metal hose and the fitting assembly. The expandable washer provides a stop against which the backer ring is pushed by the O-ring. The expandable washer is also clamped between the fitting assembly and a corrugation of the flexible hose to resist withdrawal of the latter. Modified embodiment hose coupling systems are also disclosed and include inner and outer gaskets, compression gaskets, termination plates mounting the outer fitting and different combinations of retainer rings, backer rings and gasket rings.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: R. Winfield Thomas
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Patent number: 5845945Abstract: A threadless interconnection system for sections of pipe as provided by a male/female interconnection in which the male member and female members have mating tapered surfaces providing both the camming action for inset snap rings that engage concurrently upon assembly of the interconnection. The tapered section includes angles which assure that snap rings are precentered within tolerances before being gradually opened during the assembly process, while also providing a metal-to-metal seal after assembly. Sealing is facilitated by composite seals that include O-rings arranged with compatible actuator and backup rings so as to avoid destruction of the O-ring geometry because of bending, flexure and torsional forces.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
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Patent number: 5833281Abstract: For fastening a fluid line 10" which can be inserted into a connection bore 9 with a connection end 10 there is an abutment 11 on the outer diameter in the area of the connection end 10 which, when the plug-type connection is put together, limits the axial movement of the connection end 10, by means of a permanently deformed retaining area 13 of the connection piece 8 outside the abutment 11 at least under partial contraction of the connection bore 9 which forms the retaining element.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Hoerbiger GmbHInventor: Bernhard Hollerbach
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Patent number: 5794989Abstract: A construction capable of easily coupling or disassembling two tubes. The construction has a first annular flange of an enclosing tube protruding radially outward, a telescoped tube inserted in the enclosing tube, a first seal member inserted between an outer surface of the telescoped tube and an outside cylindrical inner surface of the enclosing tube, a second seal member inserted between the outer surface of the telescoped tube and the outside cylindrical inner surface of the enclosing tube after the first seal member is inserted, and a coupler for coupling the enclosing tube and the second seal member.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyu-Bok Ryu, Bong-Hee Park
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Patent number: 5779285Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining two spaced coaxial pipe ends comprises an elongate sleeve adapted to receive coaxially two opposing pipe ends to be connected. The sleeve has frusto-conical ends opening outwardly and receiving a pair of annular elastomeric gaskets adapted to fit into the frusto-conical ends of the sleeve in sliding engagement around the pipe ends to be connected. A separate retaining ring member is located axially outward of each end of the sleeve to encircle the pipe ends to be connected. Each retaining ring member has a frustoconical inner wall facing the sleeve to define a gripping ring chamber. Positioned in each gripping ring chamber is a separate radially compressible gripping ring member. Separate engagement ring members are located at each end of the sleeve at a location between the elastomeric gasket and the gripping ring at that respective end.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Perfection CorporationInventor: Dave Robison
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Patent number: 5738140Abstract: An adjustable-height extension stem and valve box assembly is provided for use with buried valves that is lightweight, readily adjustable to a large range of heights, and is capable of absorbing loads and impacts such that the loads and impacts are substantially not transmitted to the buried valve or surrounding pipeline. The valve box is made up of a valve box base, a valve box lower section, a valve box upper section that telescopes within the lower section, and a valve box top. An upper section of the extension stem extends from the interior of the valve box top through a bottom opening, and an extension stem lower section extends downwardly from the upper section, with the two sections being made from square hollow metal tubing such that the upper section telescopes within the lower section. A grit washer having grooves cut in a bearing surface is attached to the extension stem upper section and supports the upper section in place within the valve box top.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: American Cast Iron Pipe CompanyInventor: Jerry Thomas Mann
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Patent number: 5735555Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a fuel rail and an inlet tube having an inlet tube end and a raised annular flange a predetermined distance from its end includes a connector body and an annular clip. The connector body is attached to the fuel rail and includes an outwardly extending shoulder. The annular clip has a periphery with a generally U-shaped cross section including an inner leg and outer leg. The inner leg is inclined inwardly for engaging the inlet tube annular flange and the outer leg includes a resilient locking portion biased inwardly for withdrawal restraining engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder. The annular clip is mountable on the inlet tube beyond the raised annular flange. The inlet tube is telescopingly received in the connector body and axially engaged as the locking portion of the annular clip is urged into engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Todd Matthew Answine, Anthony Louis Franchitto, Gary Douglas Vattelana
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Patent number: 5681058Abstract: An assembly for joining a pipe to a pipe fitting includes an anti-leak gasket which is mounted around the pipe and which has a tapered portion with an outer periphery complimentary to and thus fittingly received in a tapered inner wall section of the pipe fitting. An inner threaded ring is mounted around the pipe at a position above the anti-leak gasket and includes threads defined in an outer periphery thereof for threaded engagement with threads defined in the pipe fitting, The inner threaded ring further includes an inclined inner peripheral wall. A C-shaped ring is mounted between the inclined inner peripheral wall of the inner threaded ring and the outer periphery of the pipe. The C-shaped ring includes a plurality of first protrusions projecting from an inner periphery thereof and received in an annular groove of the pipe and a plurality of second protrusions projecting from an outer periphery thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Biing-Yih Hwang
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Patent number: 5669637Abstract: A fitting assembly (10) mates an end of polymer micro-tubing (12) in fluid communication with an internally threaded connector (22) having an internal bottom wall (38). The fitting assembly includes a male nut (16) having external threads and a passage for receiving the end of the polymer micro-tubing. The fitting assembly additionally includes an insert (24) having an elongated stem (30) and an annular head (26). The stem projects from the rear side of the annular head for insertion into the end of the polymer micro-tubing. The annular head includes a forwardly projecting nose section (31). An elastomeric seal (40) is received on the nose section (31) and retained in place by a lip (33) included on the nose section. The seal is compressed between the head of the insert and the bottom wall of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Optimize technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew I. Chitty, John T. Martin, Saleh Mohammed Mirani
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Patent number: 5617879Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a rotating coolant union for preventing leakage forward between the outer surface of a seal carrier of a floating seal assembly of the coolant union and the inner wall of the housing, includes an O-ring seal and an annular back-up ring. The O-ring is mounted on the seal carrier and extends into an annular groove defined in the inner surface of the housing, with the width of the groove being greater than the outer diameter of the O-ring seal to permit the O-ring seal to be moved within groove in response to axial sliding movement of the seal carrier. The back-up ring encircles the support member and includes a radially projecting portion that extends into the groove and defines a slanting surface for a corner of the groove, the slanting surface being engaged by the O-ring seal during relative axial movement between the seal carrier and housing for limiting movement of the seal within the groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Deublin CompanyInventor: Zbigniew Kubala
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Patent number: 5593188Abstract: A quick connector for forming a joint in a fluid line consists of a female connector body having a bore which receives a male member. A sleeve surrounds and is secured on the male member in close fitting relation with the male member and with the female connector body. A retainer extends between the sleeve and a radial face formed in the connector body to secure the male member in the connector body. A secondary retainer provides enhanced retention capability. An optional plug may be positioned in the bore entrance to prevent introduction of external contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1996Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Bundy CorporationInventors: James McNaughton, Walfred J. Liimatta, Mark G. Ketcham
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Patent number: 5556139Abstract: A hydraulic coupling employing a polymeric elastomeric sealing member to provide an excellent seal under pressure. The polymeric elastomeric seal additionally has high resistance to acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, esters, alcohols and salt solutions. The sealing member has the elasticity to return to its normal physical condition after pressure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Snap-Tite, Inc.Inventor: Steven Wilkins
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Patent number: 5538261Abstract: A sealing system for heat exchangers of the type having a plurality of vertically positioned heat tubes extending through a heat tube sheet for exchanging heat between the interior of the plurality of heat tubes to the surrounding atmosphere, the sealing system including a first outer ring having a wall portion, terminating in an upper face, and defining an annular space between the lower end portion of the outer ring and the heat tube and tube sheet; a high nickel metal inner ring, positioned within the annular space surrounding the heat tube and resting on the tube sheet; a soft metal casing partially housing the high nickel inner ring so that when force is applied downward on the first outer ring, the annular space is reduced sufficiently to force the high nickel ring and the soft metal casing into a sealing relationship between the heat tube and the tube sheet, while allowing for vertical movement of the heat tube; the outer ring further defining a means to prevent the high nickel ring and the soft metalType: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Columbian Chemicals CompanyInventors: Wallace G. Murray, Janek Porowski
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Patent number: 5496076Abstract: A fast tube connector structure including a tube connector, a rubber fastening washer, a guiding sleeve, a conic spring washer and a sleeve-like nut, wherein a tube is inserted through the nut into a space defined by the spring washer, guiding sleeve and fastening washer and located on a tube seat of the tube connector. The nut is then secured onto the tube connector, forcing the spring washer to move downward and causing a narrow end thereof to move downward along an inclined guiding flange. The claw portion is thus compresses by the guiding flange to tightly clamp and fasten the tube and firmly fictionally associate the tube with the tube connector.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventor: Yo-Chia Lin
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Patent number: 5492374Abstract: A separable insertion-type connection is provided for pipes. By way of an end piece having an exterior collar, a pipe can be sealingly inserted into an inserting opening of a connecting body which receives an elastic sealing ring as well as a supporting ring which, in the inserting direction, is arranged in front of the sealing ring and rests against the opening wall. The pipe can then be axially fixed in the inserting opening by a holding part which can be mounted on the connecting body. The insertion-type connection provides long service life of its sealing ring under extreme conditions. For this purpose, the supporting ring is equipped on its face which faces the sealing ring with a sealing lip which sealingly encloses the pipe end piece. As a result, it is achieved that, when acted upon by pressure, the sealing lip, independently of component tolerances, is pressed in a form-locking manner against the circumference of the pipe end piece.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1993Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Hydraulik-RingInventors: Axel Sauer, Gunther Wiesner, Frank van de Poel, Kurt Schaible
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Patent number: 5486025Abstract: A stuffer pin assembly for carrying and loading internal components of a female connector body of a quick connector coupling. The assembly includes a cylindrical carrier body extending between a first end and a second end. A radial shoulder spaced from the first end is formed in the body. A cylindrical wall extends between the radial shoulder and the second end. A groove is formed in the cylindrical wall. At least one seal is secured on the carrier body within the groove. A spacer is secured on the carrier body between the groove and the radial shoulder. A retainer is secured on the carrier body and includes an annular ring surrounding the carrier body between the spacer and the radial shoulder. A plurality of legs extend away from the ring and toward the first end of the carrier body. A male member insertable into a loaded connector body includes an annular ferrule secured on a tube around one or more upsets.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Bundy CorporationInventor: Mark G. Ketcham
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Patent number: 5456314Abstract: A seal for a wellhead housing employs a locking groove. The seal is of a U-shape, having an inner and outer radially spaced apart legs. An energizing ring is stroked downward to force the legs apart to cause them to seal between the wellhead housing in the conduit and the wellhead housing. At least one groove is located on one side of the energizing ring, with the groove being of a saw-toothed shape to allow entry but to resist upward movement of the energizing ring. In a metal version of a seal, the groove is located on the exterior of the energizing ring so as to allow some axial movement of the inner leg of the seal relative to the energizing ring. In a second version, the seal is of plastic.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Carl F. Boehm, Jr., David L. Ford, Herman O. Henderson, Jr.
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Patent number: 5445393Abstract: A leak-tight seal is formed by sandwiching a metal gasket between opposing annular ridges surrounding the port to be sealed. The gasket is of metal soft enough to be penetrated by the ridges and includes an annular flange disposed in grooves adjacent the ridges.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Bostec EngineeringInventor: Fred G. Ramberg
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Patent number: 5433487Abstract: A wall penetration sleeve for extending a conduit or pipe through a solid concrete, brick or other wall or connecting a first pipe provided on one side of the wall with a second pipe provided on the opposite side of the wall. The wall penetration sleeve is characterized by a cylindrical sleeve extending through the wall and internally threaded on each end to receive a corresponding pressure nut. Each pressure nut seals an o-ring or gasket in the corresponding end of the sleeve to form a moisture-tight seal between the sleeve interior and the interior of the wall such that liquid or gas cannot leak from the sleeve and accumulate in the interior of the wall as the liquid or gas flows through the pipe. An annular lock collar is either eccentrically mounted on the sleeve or includes a flat segment shaped in the collar edge to prevent the sleeve from rotating or moving transversely in the wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1994Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Inventors: Mark A. Kuhn, Shirley A. Kuhn
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Patent number: 5350203Abstract: A unique fluid connector is disclosed that quickly connects a tube within a housing bore, while providing a strong, fluid tight seal. The tube has axially spaced radially greater diameter upset portions with a sleeve and a locking member trapped between the upset portions. The locking member includes resilient arms which secure the locking member within the housing bore. The sleeve has a notch at an inner axial end which abuts the inner upset portion to retain the tube within the bore. An O-ring is positioned axially inwardly of the upset portion. The sleeve and the inner upset portion both abut the O-ring to provide a fluid tight seal between the tube and the housing. In a unique method, a tube unit is assembled by forming the outer upset portion on the tube. The locking member and sleeve are then moved onto the tube. The inner upset portion is then formed on the tube to secure the locking member and the sleeve on the tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1991Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: Bundy CorporationInventors: James McNaughton, Walfred J. Liimatta, Mark G. Ketcham
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Patent number: 5310227Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Navistar International Transportation Corp.Inventor: James J. Grinsteiner
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Patent number: 5299644Abstract: A connector for connecting a tubular starter head to a casing of a well allows connection without special tools. The tubular head has an annular recess extending upward from its lower end. The connector includes a seal actuating ring and a slips actuating ring, one of the rings having a recess. A seal ring locates in one of the recesses and slips locate in the other recess. Upward movement of one of the actuating rings sets either the slips or the seal ring first while the other remains unset. Then upward movement of the other actuating ring sets the other.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1993Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Lawrence A. Eckert
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Patent number: 5275448Abstract: A unique fluid connector is disclosed that quickly connects a tube within a housing bore, while providing a strong, fluid tight seal. The tube has axially spaced radially greater diameter upset portions with a sleeve and a locking member trapped between the upset portions. The locking member includes resilient arms which secure it within the housing bore. The sleeve has a notch at an inner axial end which abuts the inner upset portion to retain the tube within the bore. An O-ring is positioned axially inwardly of the upset portion. The sleeve and the inner upset portion both abut the O-ring to provide a fluid tight seal between the tube and the housing. In a unique method, a tube unit is assembled by forming the outer upset portion on the tube. The locking member and sleeve are then moved onto the tube. The inner upset portion is then formed on the tube to secure the locking member and the sleeve on the tube. An O-ring retaining portion is then formed on the tube, and the O-ring is positioned onto the tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Huron Products Industries, Inc.Inventors: James McNaughton, Mark G. Ketcham, Walfred J. Liimatta
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Patent number: 5213375Abstract: A pipe connector comprises mainly a main body, a threaded cap, and a rubber washer. It is further provided therein with a circular bowlike curved flange and means to prevent leak. In the process of joining the connector with a pipe, the connection head is made to engage securely with pipe by means of tightening the threaded cap to engage the main body so as to press the circular bowlike flange to engage securely the pipe in a leakproof manner and in such a way that it prevents the connection head from disengaging the pipe under high pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Inventor: Huang H. Wu
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Patent number: 5209522Abstract: An anti-extrusion apparatus for a seal sealing on the outside diameter of a conduit. The anti-extrusion device is positioned at each end of the seal and includes a metal ring engaging an end of the seal in which the ring has a wedge shaped inside. A plurality of arcuate ring segments form a close ring having inner diameter equal to the outside diameter of the conduit. The segments have a wedge shaped outside coacting with the metal ring and are wedged inwardly against the conduit prior to compression of the seal for reducing extrusion of the seal as it is compressed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1992Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventor: James R. Reaux
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Patent number: 5205356Abstract: A connector for connecting a tubular starter head to a casing of a well allows connection without special tools. The tubular head has an annular recess extending upward from its lower end. The connector includes a seal actuating ring and a slips actuating ring, one of the rings having a recess. A seal ring locates in one of the recesses and slips locate in the other recess. Upward movement of one of the actuating rings sets either the slips or the seal ring first while the other remains unset. Then upward movement of the other actuating ring sets the other.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1991Date of Patent: April 27, 1993Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Charles D. Bridges, Lawrence A. Eckert, Dale B. Marietta
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Patent number: 5174376Abstract: An all-metal, well annulus packoff assembly for establishing a high pressure, corrosion resistant metal-to-metal seal between a wellhead housing and a casing hanger, including an annular metallic seal element having a generally upstanding U-shaped cross section that is adapted for non-rotational sequential setting against the hanger and the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: December 29, 1992Assignee: FMC CorporationInventor: Shiva P. Singeetham
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Patent number: 5163722Abstract: An improved apparatus for connecting first and second conduits having first and second bores, respectively to provide communication between the first and second bores which may be used with temperatures and/or wide variations in temperature. While a biasing element is used to provide a sealing ferrule with sufficient force to seal the second conduit, a ferrule forming screw may be used to form an initial seal if a conduit is used that is undersize with respect to the ferrule. A quick-lock adaptor is also attached to the base of the connector which adapts the connector for use with standard tubing fittings.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1991Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Ruska Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Raymond D. Worden
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Patent number: 5152554Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of surface pumping equipment to a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is engaged by dogs which are urged into locking position about the cylindrical member.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1990Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: LaFleur Petroleum Services, Inc.Inventors: Karl K. LaFleur, Donald R. Wade
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Patent number: 5131689Abstract: A flexible non-metallic coupling comprising an outer ring member having an internal bore with a pair of `O` rings carrying internal inserts slidable and rotatable within the bore, each insert being secured to a pipe end by a shape memory alloy ferrule and being retained in the bore by a nut.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1990Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Marston Palmer LimitedInventor: James I. Bates
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Patent number: 5100183Abstract: A pipe coupling for the joining of plain end pipe that includes an annular gasket and a compressible lock ring at each end of the coupling between a tubular middle ring and an annular follower. Bolts extending between the opposite followers are effective when tightened to compress both the gasket and lock ring into their operative relation for sealing and gripping a coupled pipe end, respectively. The follower is comprised of a unitary structure integrally cast to define an internal annular protuberance that juxtaposedly confronts the radially rearward surface of the gasket. Also defined by the follower inward of the protuberance is a central opening at least partially tapered frusto-conically and in which the lock ring is initially supported controllably spaced from the gasket. Tightening of the bolts enables gasket sealing pressure to be achieved about the pipe end sequentially before a completed restraing grip on the pipe end is attained by the lock ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1991Date of Patent: March 31, 1992Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Montesi, Gerald L. Anderson, Phillip E. Frair
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Patent number: 5090737Abstract: A telescoping joint for connecting casing between a subsea housing and a surface wellhead can be reenergized. The telescoping joint includes an upper conduit section and a lower conduit section that telescopingly insert within one another. A seal locates in an annular space between the two conduit sections. A torque nut secures between the upper and lower conduit sections. The torque nut bears against the seal. The torque nut has a slot in its bore that is engaged by a running tool lowered from a drilling vessel at the surface. The running tool rotates the torque nut to energize the seal. A ratcheting lock ring locks the telescoping joint against withdrawing movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1991Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.Inventors: Norman Brammer, Philippe C. Nobileau
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Patent number: 5087083Abstract: There is disclosed a connector for connecting a small diameter pipe. The connector includes: a connector body provided with an enlarge diameter chamber provided with a stepped portion; a pipe having an annular collar wall and engaging with the stepped portion; a sealing member fitted to the annular collar wall; and a sleeve member having a collar wall. An end peripheral portion of a cylindrical wall defining the enlarged diameter chamber into which the pipe connecting end is incorporated is welded to the sleeve member collar wall.There is also disclosed a connecting method comprising the steps of: fitting the sealing and sleeve members to the pipe collar wall; incorporating the connecting end of the pipe fitted with the sealing and sleeve members into the enlarged diameter chamber; and welding the sleeve member collar wall to the cylindrical wall in a state where the pipe collar wall engages with the stepped portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1990Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd.Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Katsushi Washizu
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Patent number: 5071140Abstract: A self-pressurized gasket seal arrangement comprising a first pressure part (12) having a first wall (14) surrounding a central axis (16) for confining fluid under pressure and a first shoulder (18) rigidly supported by the wall. The first shoulder defines a first support surface (20) transverse to the axis. A second pressure part (22) defines a second, substantially annular support surface (28) transverse to the axis. An annular seal ring (30) is situated for limited axial movement between the first and second support surfaces and has first and second ring surfaces (32, 34) oriented in opposite axial directions. The seal ring includes a ridge (36) for bearing on the first support surface to limit the movement of the seal ring axially away from the second pressure part and to transmit the initial preload uniformly. At least one gasket seat (40, 42) is provided on the second ring surface and annular gaskets (46, 48) are situated on each of the gasket seats.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Inventor: Federico Quevedo del Rio
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Patent number: 5069490Abstract: A coupling for pipes is disclosed which includes a central elongate sleeve into which two pipe ends to be joined are placed, a pair of annular gasket members positioned within the opposite sleeve ends, a pair of annular backup rings positioned longitudinally outwardly of the gasket members, a pair of annular wave springs positioned longitudinally outwardly of the backup rings, a pair of collapsible split ring annular gripping members positioned longitudinally outwardly of the backup rings, a pair of follower members positioned longitudinally outwardly from the wave springs and gripping members, and bolts and nuts engaging the follower to urge the follower members relatively closer together. As force is applied, inward motion of the follower members initially causes partial gasket compression, thereafter causes the wave springs to compress and the backup rings to contact and collapse the gripping members.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1989Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Coupling Systems, IncorporatedInventor: Richard M. Halen, Jr.
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Patent number: 5067754Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal is disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer is detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1989Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: Propietary Technology, Inc.Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
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Patent number: 5056755Abstract: A valve is disclosed herein having an open-ended passageway with a movable gate inbetween its opposite ends for selectively opening and closing the passageway. The opposite valve ends defining the passageway include a threaded fitting or cap carried on a valve body defining a tapered gland occupied by a frustro-conical resilient seal cooperating with the gland to seal between a conduit and the valve body. The valve body is adapted for installation in a situation joining opposing ends of separated conduit or pipes.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventors: Young H. Jang, Joseph A. Francisco
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Patent number: 4991883Abstract: An apparatus for connecting first and second conduits having first and second bores, respectively, to provide communication between the first and second bores. The apparatus includes a base attached to the first conduit and a cap attached to the base. A follower is slidably disposed in the cap and is provided with a passageway, the second conduit extending through the passageway. A ferrule is received on the second conduit, the ferrule having a first end and a second end. The follower is biased against the first end of the ferrule. The first bore in the first conduit has a frustoconical surface which defines a receiving formation for the ferrule, the ferrule having a portion which is circular when viewed in transverse cross section. When the second end of the ferrule is urged in the receiving formation by the action of the biasing spring, the ferrule engages the frustoconical surface defining the receiving formation in substantially line contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Ruska Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Raymond D. Worden
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Patent number: 4981586Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like meal is disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer is detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
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Patent number: 4964657Abstract: An inlet water line connector for connecting an inlet water line to the end of a water faucet shank having external threads on the outer cylindrical surface thereof. The body has an opening therethrough into which first end and inlet water tube of a predetermined outer diameter may be inserted. The body has an outer tapered surface for fitting within and engaging a tapered internal inlet region of the faucet shank. The outer tapered surface of the body has a forced fit with the tapered internal inlet region of the faucet shank. A retention member is disposed within the body and has a relaxed state and a holding state. The retention element remains in its relaxed state as the water line is inserted through the body whereby it is in spaced relation to the water line. The retention element is moved into its holding state after the water line has been inserted through the body to place the retention element into intimate contact with the water line.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1989Date of Patent: October 23, 1990Assignee: Price Pfister, Inc.Inventor: Teodoro J. Gonzales
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Patent number: 4960172Abstract: A seal assembly for a casing hanger utilizes diverging tapered surfaces. The casing hanger locates within a wellhead housing. The casing hanger has an outer wall spaced inward from an inner wall of the wellhead housing, defining an annular clearance. At least one of the inner or outer walls has a tapered or conical sealing section. The taper is downward, resulting in increased radial width of the annular clearance in a downward direction. A metal packoff locates in the annular clearance. The packoff has inner and outer legs which are spread apart by means of an energizing ring. The legs seal against the casing hanger outer wall and wellhead housing inner wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1989Date of Patent: October 2, 1990Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: John E. Nelson
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Patent number: 4932472Abstract: A metal seal or packoff for a casing hanger has features which allow a slight downward movement of the casing hanger relative to the well head after the seal has been set. The seal ring has a base and inner and outer walls that extend upward from the base. The inner and outer walls are radially separated by an annular cavity. An energizing ring will move into this cavity to push the inner and outer walls farther apart into sealing engagement with the casing hanger and wellhead. A protective member locates below the base. A flexible section extends downward from the protective member, while joining the protective member to the base. The flexible section is located on the inner side of the base and has a radial dimension that is much less than the base. This thin section enables the base to flex if downward movement of the casing hanger occurs after the seal has been set. The flexing reduces the chance for any movement between the inner and outer walls and the wellhead and casing hanger to take place.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1989Date of Patent: June 12, 1990Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.Inventor: Carl F. Boehm, Jr.
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Patent number: 4930816Abstract: A joining structure for metal pipes to be applied in each passage hole of a pipe fitting. This structure can save time in pipe fitting work, and can reinforce the mutual joined condition of a pipe and a pipe fitting.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1989Date of Patent: June 5, 1990Inventor: Hwang Biing-Yih