Band Type Patents (Class 285/365)
  • Patent number: 5330720
    Abstract: In a system for detecting gaseous emissions (10), a housing (20) encases a mechanical member such as a flanged coupling (21) of a closed mechanical system which contains a fluid such as a gas (11) and receives gas (11) escaping through the flanged coupling (21). A sensor (26) extends through the housing (20) into a cavity (22) formed by the housing (20). A semipermeable membrane (28) forming the union between the sensor (26) and housing (20) allows gas (11) encased by the housing (20) to slowly pass from the housing (20) while preventing foreign matter from entering the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Nelson W. Sorbo, John Kert
  • Patent number: 5320391
    Abstract: To connect two sheaths (1a, 1b), used in prestressing cable technology for concrete supporting structures, there is a coupling element (19) which is fitted with chamfered flanges (6). The sheaths (1a, 1b), which have protrusions (2a, 2b), are each inserted into the coupling element (19) with a tubular element (4) which forms the end of the sheaths (1a, 1b). A sealing ring (7) is inserted between each of the flanges (6) and protrusions (2a) of the sheaths (1a, 1b). The flanges (6) and the protrusions (2a) are held together by sloping surfaces (10a) and (10b) of a groove worked in each socket (8). Each of the sockets (8) consists of two half portions (8a) and (8b), which can be connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: VSL International AG
    Inventor: Kurt Luthi
  • Patent number: 5290072
    Abstract: A quick-acting pipe connector assembly used to join two pipes. The assembly includes a flange connected to the first pipe. The flange has an end face and a plurality of openings around the periphery of the end face. An end fitting is connected to the second pipe. The end fitting has an end face sized to fit against the flange end face. A force ring is attached to the end fitting and has a plurality of openings around its periphery. A plurality of connector bolts are attached to and extend through force ring openings. Each of the connector bolts extend through one of the flange openings. A lock ring is rotatably attached to the flange. The flange is positioned between the lock ring and the force ring. The lock ring rotates relative to the connector bolts to lock the connector bolts to the flange. A force actuator is disposed in the force ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Raymond E. Pechacek
  • Patent number: 5002094
    Abstract: A hose and clamp assembly and method of making same. The method comprises the steps of forming a hose, placing a clamp on the hose, forming an elastomeric envelope on the hose about a portion of the clamp and capturing that portion of the clamp, and bonding the envelope to the hose. The hose and clamp assembly comprises a hose, a clamp positioned on the hose, and an elastomeric envelope bonded to the hose and capturing a portion of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Cadillac Rubber & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Brovont
  • Patent number: 4982983
    Abstract: A fitting consisting of a cap having a tube projecting radially or along the longitudinal axis of the injector, for connecting the injector supply tube, the cap being fitted in idle and fluidtight manner, via the interposition of an O-ring, on to a union on the injector; and a pair of coaxially-mating half rings fitted in axially integral manner partly on the cap and partly on the union, and held together by a retainer ring snapped externally on to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Weber S.r.l.
    Inventors: Gianluigi Lenzi, Paolo Bortolotti
  • Patent number: 4969923
    Abstract: A circumferential safety latch clamp for securing a pair of pipe members together operated by a lever actuator wherein a lever is pivotally mounted upon one end of the clamp band positionable between a latch position and an open position having portions releasably engagable with an anchor mounted on the other end to draw the band ends toward each other. A retainer assembly limits movement of the lever in the opening direction to a safety release position whereby the lever portions maintain engagement with the anchor limiting displacement of the band ends away from each other allowing partial expansion of the clamp band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: Scot C. Reeder, Gregory R. Beck
  • Patent number: 4958861
    Abstract: A tube coupling comprising a first and second tubular member the first tubular member having a bell end and the second tubular member having a pin end for telescopic engagement within the bell end of the first tubular member. A deformable band secures the first and second tubular members in telescopic engagement and prevents relative movement therebetween. Each tubular member is provided with an annular ridge. These ridges are juxtaposed when the first and second tubular members are telescopically engaged. A deformable band having a longitudinal groove formed therein has a connector loop at one end; and a projection extending outwardly from the opposite end. The band is detachably securable around the telescopically engaged tubular members. The connector loop and projection of the deformable band cooperate to tightly secure the band around the telescopically engaged tubular members, trapping the annular ridges within a longitudinal groove, for preventing relative movement of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Atco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry W. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4832380
    Abstract: A pipe connection in which pipe ends are provided with flared ends within the area of the joint edges, and in which a clamping ring with a U-shaped internal profile in a cross section is adapted to be tightened radially inwardly; the inner end faces of the clamping ring and the flared end faces are inclined toward the pipe axis so that the joining edges are urged toward one another in the tightened condition of the clamping ring; the clamping ring is provided with at least one plastically deformable, lug-shaped ear adapted to be tightened by contraction thereof to thereby establish a permanent connection which can be reopened only by destruction of the clamping ring; the surfaces of the clamping ring which engage with the end faces of the flarings may be further provided with means, e.g., in the form of notches, teeth, serrations or embossments to prevent rotation of the ring relative to the joint edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 4817994
    Abstract: An aseptic pipe joint for food processing pipe fittings of the type including a pair of frustoconical ferrules having radially extending surfaces, a "C" shaped metallic ring positioned between the surfaces in abutting relation therewith, a resilient O-ring filling the "C" shaped ring to form an aseptic seal, a resilient seal ring positioned between the ferrule surfaces and spaced radially outwardly from the "C" shaped ring forming a hermetic zone between the seals and a passage in one of the ferrules connected to the hermetic zone for testing the aseptic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Herve X. Bronnert
  • Patent number: 4787654
    Abstract: A new and improved flange connection design is disclosed which lowers weight, cost and size. Briefly stated, truncated threads are used in the flange area which more uniformly distribute stress concentrations and allows a smaller bolt and nut to be utilized. Further, a self-energizing seal which uses the pressure inside the conduit to greatly facilitate the flange connection sealing function. This therefore allows lower forces to be utilized when clamping the two flanges together which results in less expensive, smaller and less costly flange connection construction as well as still further reductions in the size of the nuts and bolts utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Press Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Zeitlin
  • Patent number: 4730850
    Abstract: A quick release coupling device for securing end flanges of two adjacent pipes includes a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly has a plurality of clamping members disposed to straddle the two end flanges therearound so as to generally circumscribes the two end flanges. Each clamping member either has a spring or is of spring nature for resiliently urging the clamping member radially outwardly of the end flanges. The clamp assembly also has a plurality of connecting members for connecting respective adjacent pairs of clamping members so as to form an annulus provided a gap between two end clamping members. Coupling means is disposed in the gap for releasably connecting one end clamping member and the other end clamping member against the bias of the clamping members so as to complete the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Susumu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4695080
    Abstract: A pipe connection in which pipe ends are provided with lips or flarings within the area of the joint edges and which includes a clamping ring having a U-shaped profile at the inner surface which is adapted to be tightened radially inwardly; the inner end faces of the clamping ring and/or the end faces of the lips or flarings are inclined toward the pipe axis so that the joining edges are urged toward one another in the tightened condition of the clamping ring; at least the radially outermost ring-shaped part of the clamping ring is provided with at least one plastically deformable, lug-shaped ear which is adapted to be tightened by contraction thereof and thereby establishes a permanent connection which can be reopened only by destruction of the clamping ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 4693502
    Abstract: A pipe connection in which pipe ends are provided with lips or flarings within the area of the joint edges and which includes a clamping ring having a U-shaped profile at the inner surface which is adapted to be tightened radially inwardly; the inner end faces of the clamping ring and/or the end faces of the lips or flarings are inclined toward the pipe axis so that the joining edges are urged toward one another in the tightened condition of the clamping ring; at least the radially outermost ring-shaped part of the clamping ring is provided with at least one plastically deformable, lug-shaped ear which is adapted to be tightened by contraction thereof and thereby establishes a permanent connection which can be reopened only by destruction of the clamping ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 4660869
    Abstract: The connection consists of two tubular pieces (1 and 2) clamped end to end against each other by means of a clamp collar the jaws of which (8 and 9) engage with conical slopes (5 and 6) of the connection pieces. Sealing is obtained by the close metal to metal contact of a support surface (17) with its opposite part. A gasket (19) ensures a safety seal in case the contact (17) with the opposite part is not completely sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Charles Gabus
  • Patent number: 4643460
    Abstract: A concrete pumping pipe coupling operates at nominal pressures of 2,000 psi and momentary peaks in excess of 3,000 psi. A two-piece hinged coupling forms a cylindrical enclosure encircling adjacent pipe ends. A two-piece latch releasably interconnects the ends of the two coupling sections. The latch includes a lever pivotally mounted to a link which is pivotally connected to the one coupling section. The lever pivots on a cam member connected to the other coupling section. The link includes a bolt threaded into an elongated nut. The threaded connection is for varying the length of the link. The elongated nut has an annular inner groove with a stop wall at each end. A spring-loaded limit pin is slidably mounted in a blind hole in the bolt and projects into the recess. The stop walls in the nut limits the movement of the bolt from the nut and thereby the extension of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Construction Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis M. Lieberg
  • Patent number: 4643464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting two pipe ends, having a socket, a spigot and an annular seal therebetween. These parts are clamped together by flanges of a clamp in order to close the device. While prior art sockets and spigots have been made of massive material and shaped by expensive machining processes, the invention provides the spigot which is formed as a generally U-shaped profiled ring having a front and a rear annular flange and holding the sealing element between the flanges. The outside diameter of the front flange is smaller than that of the rear flange. The socket may also be a profiled ring in order to further reduce the manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 4640530
    Abstract: The device makes it possible to connect tightly first and second parts having a flange and locking or tightening means for the said flanges. The tightening or locking force applied to the locking of tightening means is multiplied in order to increase the compression force applied to a gasket or joint. Each flange has a conical surface of axis D and angle .lambda.. The device has two clips, each of which has a conical surface of axis D and angle .mu., as well as an intermediate member in the form of a ring constituted by several interconnected segments and having an inner surface and an outer surface. Each inner peripheral surface has a conical surface of axis D and angle .lambda. able to cooperate with the conical surface of axis D and angle .lambda. of the first and second parts. Each outer peripheral surface has a conical surface of axis D and angle .mu. able to cooperate with the conical surfaces of angle .mu. of the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Claude Abbes, Christian Rouaud, Jean Valla, Robert Forges, Raymond de Villepoix
  • Patent number: 4627646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe fitting A, B, C with flange connection for joining at least two pipe ends angled with respect to each other, suitable for the installation of a pipe system of desired configuration with branchings and/or elbows. The pipe system to be installed has to have the capacity to be installed in the smallest possible space and with the most sharp and twisted bends in any desired direction. According to the invention this problem is solved by molding an annular rim flange (3, 4, 14, 15, 16) extending over the surface of the fitting to at least one of the connection openings (1, 2, 11, 12, 13) angled towards each other by at least 45.degree. of the arch-shaped fitting (A, C) and by the fact that the flange projection and the inner curvature of the pipe fitting (A, C) are mutually coordinated in such a way as to barely allow the positioning on the flange of a clamping collar (F) by means of which the rim flange is directly pressable against a counterflange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Inventor: Bernhard Kessel
  • Patent number: 4613161
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of a plug container or the like to a casing collar. A body of the plug container is located above the casing collar. A main seal seals between the body and the casing collar. An adjusting assembly has a variable engagement with the body. An annular locking device is connected to the adjusting assembly for longitudinal movement therewith relative to the body. The locking device locks the body to the casing string. The locking device has a lower end movable between an open position wherein the casing collar can pass through a central opening thereof, and a closed position wherein a radially inward extending lip of the lower end of the locking device is located directly below the casing collar. The main seal is hydraulically biased against the casing collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: David P. Brisco
  • Patent number: 4609209
    Abstract: An adapter flange by which precise alignment may be achieved including a tubular member having a first alignment plate affixed to the exterior surface in a plane perpendicular to the tubular axis and having spaced apart openings adjacent to the plate peripheral edge, a flange member and a clamping apparatus by which the flange member may be sealably connected to the tubular member, a second alignment plate affixed to the exterior peripheral surface of the flange member perpendicular its tubular axis, and alignment bars extending from the second alignment flange to engage openings in the first alignment flange when the flange is oriented precisely relative to the tubular member so that a workman attaching the flange to the tubular member is assured of the exact orientation of the flange and tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: T. D. Williamson, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene R. Ralls
  • Patent number: 4606111
    Abstract: An undetachable flange joint characterized in that it essentially comprises a pair of semicircular clamp halves of which cross-sectional configuration is designed to tightly fit the outer configuration of a pair of tapered flanges to be joined, said clamp halves having curled portions at their both ends, and two annular links adapted to be engaged around the respective curled end portions so that the pair of flanges are tightly joined to one another by firmly holding the whole flanges by means of the clamp halves under wedging force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jokogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Okazaki, Shigeaki Akazawa
  • Patent number: 4573717
    Abstract: A toggle clamp having first and second clamping members pivotally connected together for receiving objects to be clamped therebetween; a handle pivotally mounted with respect to one of the clamping members; a bail including a force generating member where the bail is so mounted with respect to the handle that upon movement of the handle from a first position to a second position, the force generating member is moved to a first position to generate a force for clamping the objects together with a first clamping force; and, a member, upon weakening or failure of the force generating means, which permits movement of the force generating member to a second position where the objects remain clamped together with a force less than that of the first clamping force whereby a fail-safe operation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: HPS Corporation
    Inventor: Roy N. Peacock
  • Patent number: 4561678
    Abstract: A closure and locking device for a pipe coupling includes lugs on the juxtaposed ends of coupling segments that interfit and can be locked in a closed position by a locking pin. The lugs each provide reaction members which are employed in the pressure loading and closing of the coupling against the bias of a resilient sealing gasket contained within the segments of the coupling, with the closing accomplished with the aid of a tool which is removably engagable with the lugs of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventor: Donald R. Kunsman
  • Patent number: 4556241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device to connect hose or pipe ends. Until now such a device comprised at least two non-deformable clamp parts with flanges extending inwards which serve to press a hose end onto a nozzle or which engage behind annular collars provided at the ends of the pipes. At the ends facing one another the clamp parts are provided with a mounting arrangement for a hinge-pin which connects these parts. To avoid the work entailed by providing such a mounting arrangement and by the assembling of a number of clamp parts, it is proposed according to the invention that the clamp-type ring is made as one piece and is produced of a material which can be deformed by hand and that the flanges are formed by a permanent shaping of the ring. In this way a far more inexpensive construction is obtained, which also has the advantage of a lower mass and requires less space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 4524994
    Abstract: A flowable concrete delivery apparatus is provided in which both rigid and flexible pipe is connected in an end-to-end relationship to provide a high pressure conduit. These lengths of pipe are connected by clamps, each clamp being fixedly secured to a skid that provides a sliding protector for the clamp and prevents unwanted opening and damage to the clamp. The pipe lengths are carried by freely rotating wheels, each having a sleeve that provides a free fit on the outer diameter of a pipe length. The conduit is moved by a hook tool, this tool having one end formed with a handle and the other end with a bifurcated hook that is contoured to releaseably engage the outer diameter of a pipe. An attendant manipulates and moves this hook tool to position and arrange the conduit pipe in the desired delivery position. Although a great convenience, the hook tool is not required by the attendant in every instance as the wheels enable the attendant to grasp and move the pipe conduit when the occasion arises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Inventor: William T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4524998
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus is provided for quick coupling of a plug container to a casing collar. A latch collar including pivotally connected arcuate collar portions is provided for engaging a lower end of the casing collar. A threaded adjustment is provided for increasing an initial compression of a seal against the upper end of the casing collar. Hydraulic biasing increases the seal against the upper end of the casing collar. An improved construction of inlet nozzles for the plug container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: David P. Brisco
  • Patent number: 4500094
    Abstract: A rotating blowout preventor having only one moving part which cooperates with an upper bushing to provide resistance to upthrust and downthrust. The apparatus includes provisions for interaction to occur between the rubber of the stripper and the inside peripheral wall surface of the main body in a manner to provide a radial bearing member which resists lateral movement of a driving member received axially through the rotating stripper rubber. The stripper rubber rotates in low friction relationship respective to the remainder of the rotating blowout preventor. The apparatus includes a minimum of moving parts, and therefore is much easier to manufacture, maintain, and operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Inventor: Morris S. Biffle
  • Patent number: 4496176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting flanged pipes. For this purpose, a multiple-section clamp is mainly used which includes inwardly protruding flanges engaging beyond the collars of the pipe ends. An annular profiled seal forms an approximately U-shaped hollow profile with the shanks which are formed as sealing lips and which abut against the peripheral surfaces of the collars. The assembly of the profiled seal is difficult. The sealing effect is often impaired by the peripheral surfaces of the collars being no longer sufficiently even and smooth. These drawbacks are removed by the invention such that the profiled seal has an inner profiled section extending between the faces of the collars and that the outer surfaces of the outer profiled section surrounding the peripheral surfaces of the collars are reinforced at a guide ring. Thus, the particular sealing region is disposed between the faces of the collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 4488744
    Abstract: A clamp for joining a pair of flanges has a clamp chain with grooved clamp shoes thereon which, in the closed position of the clamp, straddle the edges of the flanges to press them together. At least some of the clamp shoes are fastened to the clamp chain through an intermediate member which pivots at both the clamp chain and the clamp shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Leybold-Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Bubeck, Uwe Reimpell
  • Patent number: 4483554
    Abstract: A splash guard ring insures the safe exist of liquid underline pressure from pipeline without splashing and without the dangerous projection of the stream of liquid. The features of the splash guard ring provide for the division of the area enclosed by the ring itself and the flanges of adjoining pipe members in the pipeline. The divided areas are interconnected such that liquid flowing from the pipeline is diverted into smaller streams partially opposing and/or crossing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventor: Manfred Ernst
  • Patent number: 4460201
    Abstract: A connector for connecting the abutted end portions of two pipes includes a ring having a pair of radially inwardly extending surfaces directed towards each other and each for engagement with a radially outwardly extending surface on a respective pipe end. The surfaces on the pipe ends are directed away from the respective pipe ends and the connector includes operating means for causing radial expansion of the ring to disengage the ring from one of the pipes, the ring remaining engaged with the other pipe. To this end the corresponding surfaces on the ring and the other pipe have a greater radial extent than the surfaces on the ring and the one pipe, so that the former surfaces remain engaged for all conditions of use of the connector. The connector is particularly suited for connecting the pipe sections of a pipe string for use in the drilling and/or completion of offshore oil or gas wells, particularly where the pipe string is to be subject to high axial load for example in pile driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Hunting Oilfield Services (UK) Limited
    Inventor: John D. McGugan
  • Patent number: 4416340
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the drilling head includes a body or spool having a flow bore and a removable side outlet. Upon removal of the side outlet, the drilling head will pass through most rotary tables. The drilling head further includes a closure member for closing the annulus between that portion of the drilling head above the side outlet and a drive tube, such as a kelly, extending through the drilling head flow bore. The closure member includes a nonrotating support tube and a rotating seal tube adapted to form a nonrotating seal with the drive tube. The seal tube is rotatably supported by bearings within the support tube. The closure member is small enough to pass through even rotary tables that are too small to pass the drilling head.A segmented clamp secures the closure member to the drilling head body around one end of the flow bore. The clamp includes at least two segments, for fast actuation, having one end connected to a variable length linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmond I. Bailey
  • Patent number: 4407533
    Abstract: A device for connecting two pipes for carrying abrasive material under high pressure employs a flange member welded to an end of one of the pipes and a ring member welded to an end of the other pipe. The pipes and both members have the same internal diameter. One or both pipes may be cold formed into a curved shape. An outward-extending rib on the ring member and a shoulder on the flange member are encircled by a tension sleeve having an inwardly directed lip at each end. The tension sleeve comprises two semi-circular halves. One or more continuous circumferential bands encircle the tension sleeve to hold the two halves together against radial separation. An anti-friction bearing assembly between one of said lips and a shoulder on the ring member permits relative turning movement between said pipes. An axial projection on the ring member is received within a recess in the flange member, and seal means are provided between the projection and the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignee: Arrowhead Continental
    Inventor: James F. Giebeler
  • Patent number: 4362327
    Abstract: A pipe or armature connection includes two interfitting connecting members. The connecting members include surfaces providing axial and radial guidance upon their assembly but require only a small space for assembly and disassembly. One of the connecting members includes a groove dimensioned to positively retain an O-ring sealing member placed therein so that it will not fall from the groove. The dimensions of the groove and the one connecting member are such that the bulging portion of the O-ring is protected from damage by the extended surface of the one connecting member. Upon assembly of the two connecting members, the O-ring is urged into the space between the two members, thereby precluding the collection of materials in the space and rendering the connection more easily cleaned. This system is particularly advantageous in pipe systems that carry food products and materials that must be hygienically cleaned after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Otto Tuchenhagen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans O. Mieth
  • Patent number: 4327942
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-locking union or fitting adapted to be placed between two parts of a circuit to be connected, of the type comprising two end pieces adapted to be fixed to two parts of the circuit to be connected, two half-shells having internal truncated surfaces engaging complementary external truncated surfaces formed on the end pieces, to urge the latter into tight contact when the two half-shells are urged radially towards each other, wherein automatic locking means are disposed on the sides of the two half-shells, each of the half-shells being made fast with one of the end pieces by connecting means allowing a radial displacement of the half-shell with respect to the corresponding end piece, while maintaining the axis of the end piece parallel to that of the half-shell. The invention also relates to a tool particularly adapted to tighten a union or fitting of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Claude Abbes, Raymond De Villepoix, Christian Rouaud
  • Patent number: 4326737
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining together the ends to a pair of tubes, particularly suitable for use with plastics material, includes a pair of flange bushings, a sealing arrangement effecting a centering function and two semicircular shells having a U-shaped inner cross-sectional profile, each of the shells being provided with a resilient pawl which joins the shells together circumferentially about the coupling assembly. The sealing arrangement includes a centering ring and an inner sealing ring with the outer diameter of the centering ring performing in cooperation with the inner contour of the shells a centering function for the sealing arrangement. This centering function prevents displacement of the sealing arrangement during assembly and operation and permits the utilization of different types of seals and of smooth end faces of the flange bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ernesto Lehmann
  • Patent number: 4325414
    Abstract: A hollow body assembly wherein a circumferential flange is disposed on the outside and/or inside of each of a pair of individual elements to be connected at their connecting surfaces. Each of the flanges has a transverse outer surface which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of its respective individual element and an inner surface which is oblique to the transverse direction of the outer surface. A circumferential ring having an inner channel surrounds the flanges when the elements are connected, the ring having side edges for gripping the oblique surfaces of the flanges. The distance between the side edges of the ring when it is in its unstressed condition is less than the distance between the base points of the oblique surfaces of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Inventor: Rudolf Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4309049
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device, especially suitable for use in cryogenic systems, including a plurality of arcuate collar segments each having a radially extending inner groove with cam surfaces to grasp flanges at the ends of a pair of pipes to be coupled together in a fluid-tight arrangement. The ends of the collar segments are pivotally interconnected to a generally circular configuration having a pair of adjacent unconnected end portions. Means are provided for clamping the end portions of the collar together and for pressing the collar segments against the pipe flanges. A hydraulic jack is provided for forcing the end portions of the collar segments apart and for pivotally moving the collar segments radially outward from the pipe flanges when the pipes are to be disconnected. Flexible protectors about the pivot connections facilitate the breaking of ice which may form around the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Chevallier
  • Patent number: 4306739
    Abstract: A quick-release connection device is provided for flanged hydraulic components, which is able to operate with complete reliability both at ambient temperature and at very low temperature, and in the presence of ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Giorgio Bormioli
  • Patent number: 4265471
    Abstract: There is disclosed a pipe joint comprising a first pipe having an end portion engaged as a snug fit in a concentric end portion of a second pipe. The pipes have, at positions spaced from their adjacent ends, external annular ribs with corresponding internal annular grooves, an annular seal being accommodated in the annular groove of the outer pipe between the outer pipe and the inner pipe.A clamping ring which spans the annular ribs of the two pipes comprises two arcuate parts connected end to end by a hinge and having at their ends remote from the hinge outwardly turned edge formations which are received in a wedge-shaped channel member and engage relatively inclined opposing side walls of the channel member. The clamping ring can simply be closed around the pipe joint by relative pivoting of the two arcuate parts and can be retained by sliding the wedging member, in a direction parallel with the axis of the pipe joint, over the edge formations at the ends of the arcuate parts remote from the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Durapipe Limited
    Inventor: David D. Nash
  • Patent number: 4202568
    Abstract: In a joint between two tubes having a corrugated outer wall and a smooth or corrugated inner wall the tubes are cut to form each an open annular space between said walls at the end. A sealing ring is received by the spaces, and the tubes are pressed against the sealing ring by means of a lock ring tightened about the tube ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: AB Gustavsberg
    Inventor: Torsten E. T. Strom
  • Patent number: 4153280
    Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising a sleeve which is fitted over the adjacent ends of the pipe sections. The sleeve has sealing means for sealing the sleeve against the pipe and gripping means for gripping the pipe. The sealing means comprises an annular groove which accommodates an annular tire the interior of which communicates with the exterior of the sleeve through a bore in the wall of the sleeve. The gripping means comprises arcuate groove sections on the inside of the sleeve which accommodates a tubular member or members which communicate with the exterior through bores in the wall of the sleeve, and jaw sectors with teeth which bite into the outside of the pipe. The tubular member or members and the annular tire are filled with a hardenable composition and maintained under pressure until set to force the sealing member into sealing contact against the outer surface of the pipe and cause the gripping teeth to bite into the outer surface of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Assignee: Pilgrim Engineering Developments Limited
    Inventor: Thomas W. Bunyan
  • Patent number: 4139223
    Abstract: The specification discloses a torque coupling having two tubular coupling members having flanges with interlocking teeth wedged together by a clamping ring. The flanges have opposed grooves in which are positioned elastomer sealing rings having shallow grooves with sharp edges forming vacuum seals with the bottoms of the grooves in the flanges, the rings being pressed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Inventor: Lloyd W. Clements
  • Patent number: 4106799
    Abstract: An at least two-partite clamping sleeve for connecting pipe ends provided with flanges, in which the clamping sleeve includes an open one-piece or multi-partite ring that includes inner side surfaces inclined in relation to the ring axis for abutment at the pipe ends, and a cylindrical outer surface connecting the lateral surfaces; the mutually opposite free ends of the open ring are provided with outwardly projecting hooks or with slots while one or several connecting members with an ear-like bulge are used whose ends are provided with slots or hooks for engagement with the hooks or slots, respectively, of the free ring ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 4093283
    Abstract: A device for releasably fastening tube or pipe ends comprises a plurality of shell parts pivotally connected together to form, when closed, an annular shell, the shell parts having radially inwardly directed flanges for retaining the tube or pipe ends within the annular shell and a toggle lever lock connecting two adjacent shell parts which have ends in engagement when closed, the toggle lever lock comprising a toggle lever connected pivotally to one of the engageable ends of the shell parts and extending along the other of the two adjacent shell parts when the device is closed and a spring lying between the toggle lever and the said other adjacent shell part in engagement with the said other adjacent shell part and the toggle lever and loaded in when the device is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 4082320
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining the ends of two pipes together while permitting a certain angle to exist between the pipe axes, the coupling including a housing member associated with one pipe end, a plug-in member associated with the other pipe end and arranged to be inserted into the housing member to form a sealing connection therewith; two ring elements located within one of the members and together defining an inwardly directed bearing surface having the form of a spherical segment, the bearing surface portions defined by the two elements being axially spaced apart, and the pipe end associated with the one member presenting an outwardly directed bearing surface having the form of a spherical segment conforming to, and fitting closely with, the inwardly directed bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 4049297
    Abstract: A pipe coupling apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus is adapted for quick connection of two pipes without the use of flanges and the like. The apparatus is adapted for undersea connections and it may be used elsewhere. The present apparatus is comprised of an elongate housing enclosing two tapered sets of slips or collets. They work opposite a tapered surface in the housing. A circular piston is hydraulically pumped against the taper to force the collets against the pipe. This siezes and holds the pipe as a first step in completing the coupling. A second housing is adapted to be connected to the mating pipe. The second housing incorporates a circular piston therein which has an internal face which is tapered. The tapered face is driven past the exterior of an encircling clamp ring. The clamp has a cross section which is defined by a pair of inwardly protruding shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Inventor: Bobby J. Reneau
  • Patent number: 3967837
    Abstract: Concrete pumping conduits are connected by releasable hinged couplers. The ends of the conduits include metal pipes formed with annular grooves including a circular peripheral base and a stepped end wall immediate adjacent the end of the pipe to define a pair of generally parallel and radially extended, inclined sidewalls. The coupler is formed with inwardly projecting legs with the inner walls similarly stepped and defining a pair of generally inclined radial sidewalls offset in accordance with the offset of the grooved siewalls, but slightly less than such spacing. A sealing gasket is located within the base of the cup-shaped recess with a tongue-like ridge projecting between the two end faces of the pipe ends. The first radially outermost sidewalls of the coupler and the radially innermost sidewalls of the groove engage upon closing to provide a mechanical connection. The gasket is collapsed to seal the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1976
    Assignee: Construction Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Westerlund, Herbert A. Westerlund
  • Patent number: 3951439
    Abstract: A modular assembly for constructing conduits of the type used for underground telephone lines, electrical lines, and the like. The specification discloses several embodiments each of which generally comprises a plurality of side-by-side corrugated plastic tubing sections. These sections are provided with laterally extending means which engage to prevent relative longitudinal movement between adjacent sections. Preferably, longitudinally spaced and circumferentially extending wrapping or binding members encircle the assembled section to prevent relative movement between the sections in the lateral direction. The specification and drawings also disclose several forms of joints for connecting aligned assemblies. In the preferred form, the joints include resilient foam members having spaced openings for receiving the aligned ends of the tubes in successive sections. Additionally, clamp means are provided for drawing the sections together to compress the foam members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Assignee: Hancor, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Schmunk
  • Patent number: 3937501
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling two pipe ends with annular flanges spaced from the end faces of the pipe ends comprises a plurality of part shells the adjacent ends of two of which are connected by a clamping lever lock and the remaining adjacent ends of which are flexibly connected together, means in the part shells for engaging behind the annular flanges on the pipe ends and a coupling sleeve slidable in the pipe ends between the flanges and having annular seals, sealing the pipe ends to the coupling sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold