Tangential Patents (Class 285/367)
  • Patent number: 7219934
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling the ends of pipe sections together end to end, wherein the coupling includes a barrel member, at least one coupling member, at least one elastomeric sealing ring, a tangentially extending bolt and interacting members. The barrel member surrounds the ends of the pipe sections and the coupling member engages an end of the barrel member. The sealing ring is disposed between an end of the barrel member and the coupling member, and expands radially outward and inward to seal within the end of the barrel member and around a circumference of one of the pipe sections. The bolt couples the coupling member to the barrel member. The interaction members interact and progressively twist the coupling member along the barrel member to force the sealing ring into sealing engagement within the barrel member and around the circumference of the pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Water Pty Limited
    Inventors: John E. McMahon, Richard I. Gellie
  • Patent number: 7204525
    Abstract: A flowline connection assembly connects first and second tubular members to each other. Each tubular member has an external flange on its end. A conical recess is formed in the bore at the end of each of the tubular members. A metal ring has a pair of legs extending in opposite axial directions, each of the legs having a conical outer surface that engages one of the conical recesses. Each ring has an elastomeric seal that seals the recess. A clamp has cam surfaces that engage the flanges and pull the tubular members axially toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Matzner
  • Patent number: 7198465
    Abstract: A casing of a hydraulic machine such as a gas turbine is formed as a horizontally split type flangeless casing. The flangeless casing consists of an upper casing and a lower casing joined together at joint faces and fastened by fastening bolts. The fastening bolt has a screw thread which engages the threaded hole on the joint face of the lower casing. A bolt hole having an internal screw thread and through which the fastening bolt passes is provided in the upper casing. A sleeve having an external screw thread is fitted into the bolt hole of the upper casing by engaging the external screw of the sleeve with the internal sleeve of the bolt hole. An enlarged diameter portion is formed on a shaft of the fastening bolt at the portion where the enlarged diameter portion abuts an upper end face of the sleeve when the fastening bolt is screwed into the threaded hole in the lower casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Taku Ichiryu
  • Patent number: 7165580
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for attachment to the exit end of a conduit during cable installation through the conduit. The mechanism absorbs the energy from, and captures the projectile and cable assembly exiting from a conduit during cable installation. A clamp is provided to attach the mechanism to the conduit. The clamp can be readily adjusted to fit a variety of conduit sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Arlen K. Bean
  • Patent number: 7159906
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention, can utilize a flange system incorporating metal sealing. In a further specific embodiment, the subject invention can utilize stainless steel sealing, where the flanges and seals are stainless steel. The subject seal may be made and released and remade multiple times. In a specific embodiment, the subject seal may be unaffected by heat extremes and more resistant to corrosive environments than copper and other soft metal seals. The subject invention can utilize sexless flanges, so as to avoid male/female design problems and can utilize infinitely rotatable flanges. The subject infinitely rotatable flanges eliminate bolt hole alignment problems, such that rotatable bolted flanges are not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: A&N Corporation
    Inventors: June E. Vaudreuil, legal representative, David N. Vaudreuil, Norman U. Vaudreuil, deceased
  • Patent number: 7144047
    Abstract: A mechanical pipe coupling permitting relative axial, torsional and angular deflections between pipes joined together by the coupling is disclosed. Rings, each having a greater outer diameter than the pipe, are attached to each end of the pipes to be joined. Each ring has a circumferential groove that receives an O-ring seal. A band is positioned coaxially around the rings. The band has an inwardly facing surface that sealingly engages the O-rings. A housing is clamped around the rings and the band. The housing has rims radially extending in spaced relationship to the pipes but engage the pipes when they deflect to maintain a radial separation between the housing and the band, allowing the band to float on the O-rings and maintain a fluid tight seal. The housing has inwardly facing shoulders that engage the rings and limit the axial and angular displacement of the pipes within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7114752
    Abstract: A slip coupling. A tube having smooth outer walls is joined to a larger hollow outer casing using a slip coupling assembly. The casing has an interior cavity and a flanged end. An annular seal is placed adjacent the flanged end. A split flange is positioned adjacent the annular seal to compress the seal toward the flanged end. The split flange further includes a gasket seat for a gasket circumferentially extending around the smooth outer wall of the pipe, to form a fluid tight seal between the split ring and the outer wall of the pipe. One or more backing rings and a plurality of fasteners are utilized to secure (1) the flanged end of the outer casing, (2) the annular seal, (3) the split flange, and (4) the gasket, in a fluid tight relationship. The design is suitable for manufacture of parts in high density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Dean E. Voelker
  • Patent number: 7090259
    Abstract: A series of successively sized segmented arcuate pipe couplings in which anti-mismatch members are provided to prevent the inadvertent connection of two different, but closely sized coupling segments together. The anti-mismatch features are provided on the ends of the arcuate coupling segments which (a) will nest when the proper coupling segments are brought together, but (b) will be in an interference non-nested relationship when a mismatch is attempted. This will prevent the fully bolt tightened connection of the size mismatched coupling segments, as well as a visual indication to a user that a size mismatch is being attempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 6896301
    Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for interconnecting components in a fluid system. The clamp assembly includes two interconnected clamp members each having a C-shape that form a channel, and a spacer disposed within the channel having a centrally located bore defining a part of a central passageway for the transmission of a fluid. The clamp assembly also includes at least one port member disposed in the clamp member channel adjacent the spacer having a center portion with a clamping portion at one end of the center portion and a connecting portion at the opposite end and a longitudinally extending bore defining part of a central passageway for the transmission of the fluid. The port member includes a flange extending radially from the port member clamping portion having a predetermined shape corresponding to that of the clamp member channel. A plurality of clamping forces from the clamp members are directed radially inwards from points of contact between the flange and the clamp members to provide cross loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Master Pneumatic-Detroit, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Brice
  • Patent number: 6877780
    Abstract: A band clamp used to connect tubular bodies such as vehicle exhaust system components. The band clamp has a band extending from a first end to a second end and includes a pair of spaced ribs extending at least part way between the first and second ends. A tightening mechanism is connected to the band and includes two clamp members movable toward and away from each other for tightening and loosening of the band. The band clamp further includes a gasket located on an inner surface of the band between the ribs and extending between the first and second ends. The use of the ribs with the interposed gasket provides a mechanical interlock of the band clamp with the tubular bodies while providing a hermetic seal at the junction between the two bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Potts, Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure
  • Patent number: 6834892
    Abstract: A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings, generally for pipe couplings. The self-aligning coupling includes a first arm, a second arm, and a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically synchronize the closing of the first and second arms relative to the flanged fittings to be connected. The rotational assist mechanism is further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the flanged fittings in axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua R. Kornau, James E. Kesterman
  • Patent number: 6773037
    Abstract: A plastic bracket (10) including a screw housing cover (26) and a pair of opposing tabs (28) is pressed over a screw housing (12) of a worm drive clamp (14) to secure the worm drive clamp (14) to a hose (24). The tabs (28) can extend either be inside or outside of the screw housing cover (26). A protrusion (46) located on each of the opposing inner surfaces (48) of the screw housing cover (26) retain the bracket (10) over the screw housing (12). End caps (40) and (44) molded across opposing sides of the screw housing cover (26) maintain the position of the screw housing (12) in the screw housing cover (26) during assembly and prevent the sliding of the worm drive clamp (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventor: Jimmy C. Spurgat
  • Publication number: 20040108722
    Abstract: Rigid corrugated plastic pipe sections are provided with a flange radially extending from at least one end of the pipe length, which allows structural and water tight joints between connecting flanged pipes and fittings to be formed in an assembly including a peripheral clamp and gasket, and a system, method and kit for effecting structural and water tight joints in corrugated plastic pipe pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph M. Starita
  • Publication number: 20040075276
    Abstract: A clamped pipe joint where at least one pipe has a joining end forming an expanded section of the pipe and a partially inwardly facing flare, and a clamp having a radially inwardly facing concave groove urging the pipes into sealing contact by radial compression of the clamp. The joint may be readily made and disassembled; requires no welding; and is particularly adaptable to large diameter, thin wall pipes formed from sheet metal, such as pipes forming the housings of components of internal combustion engine exhaust systems. Methods to make the joints, and pipes adapted to form the joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Applicant: Cleaire Advanced Emission Controls
    Inventors: Richard G. Lemke, Dean B. Wehrley, Bradley L. Edgar
  • Publication number: 20040046390
    Abstract: A gasket 1 for a pipe joint 3 between two pipe ends 9, the gasket comprising a sealing portion 5 for producing a seal between the two pipe ends 9 and a gripping portion 7 for gripping at least one of the pipe ends 9 to hold the gasket 1 in position, wherein the sealing portion 5 and the gripping portion 7 are formed integrally. An additional steel wire 31 can be used to pre-stress the gripping portion 7, thereby resulting in a reliable means for mounting the gasket 1 on a pipe end in a self centering manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Wolfgang Emil Mosse, Jan Rupert Van Der Post
  • Publication number: 20040036291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of successively sized segmented pipe couplings in which an anti-mismatch means is provided to prevent the inadvertent connection of two different, but closely, sized arcuate coupling segments together. The anti-mismatch means is provided by members on the ends of the arcuate coupling segments which (a) will nest when the proper coupling segments are brought together, but (b) will be in an interference non-nested relationship when a mismatch is attempted. This will prevent the fully bolt tightened connection of the size mismatched coupling segments, as well as a visual indication to the workman that a size mismatch is being attempted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 6692042
    Abstract: A profiled clamp connecting two pipes has an articulated clamp strip having sidewalls and a transverse portion connecting the sidewalls and a tensioning closure around the clamp strip. A conical metal ring is arranged in the clamp strip and has a radially inner edge with teeth having free ends positioned on a circle with a diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the sidewalls. The conical ring has a radially outer edge resting in a bend between sidewall and transverse part. The first pipe has a widened end section with a conical transition and a radial flange engaging between the sidewalls. The second pipe has a smooth end section inserted into the widened end section. The outer flange diameter is greater than the inner sidewall diameter and smaller than the inner diameter of the transverse part. A seal rests between the smooth end section and the conical transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Barbett, Markus Krämer, Rainer Heise, Manfred Krüger
  • Patent number: 6672631
    Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising two clamp halves connected on one end and with a rapid action closure for separably connecting the diametrically opposing other end. The rapid action closure contains a screw bolt, one end of which is coupled to one of the clamp halves and onto the other end of which a screw nut tightens the clamp half into the closed position. A lever lockable in the closed position by a bow-type spring is coupled to the screw nut. The pipe coupling comprises a bow-type spring in each clamp half, wherein the eyelet of the bow-type spring is centrally coupled to the region of the articulated connection between the clamp halves and the free end of the bow-type spring is held in the region of the end of each clamp half which is situated on the rapid action closure such that it can be longitudinally displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 6634825
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining cylindrical sections, including a semi-cylindrical profile section or member adapted to be coupled to a cylindrical section on an outer circumferential portion of the profile section or member and including an outer circumferential groove and an inner circumferential ridge; a ring-shaped compression ring or member coupled to the profile section or member and including a circumferential groove on an outer portion thereof and attachment fixtures or members on opposite sides thereof; and a pair of semi-cylindrical tension bands or members forming a ring shape and each including a pair of inner circumferential ridges and attachment fixtures or members on end portions thereof. The circumferential ridge of the profile section or member couples to the circumferential groove of the compression ring or member. One of the circumferential ridges of one of the tension bands or members couples to respective of the circumferential groove of the profile section or member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Bluefin Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel William Tolkoff, Leo Gurfinkel, Knut Streitlien
  • Patent number: 6626466
    Abstract: The present assembly relates to a series of successively sized segmented pipe couplings in which an anti-mismatch is provided to prevent the inadvertent connection of two different, but closely, sized arcuate coupling segments together. The anti-mismatch is provided by members on the ends of the arcuate coupling segments which (a) will nest when the proper coupling segments are brought together, but (b) will be in an interference non-nested relationship when a mismatch is attempted. This will prevent the fully bolt tightened connection of the size mismatched coupling segments, as well as a visual indication to the workman that a size mismatch is being attempted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Publication number: 20030122377
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coupling assembly for sealingly coupling a first tube and a second tube. The coupling assembly comprises a first and a second tubular fitting, a flange on the first tubular fitting, a flange on the second tubular fitting, and a gasket. The assembly is preferably sealed by a clamp. The first tubular fitting has a proximal end for receiving a first tube and a distal end bearing the flange. The flange has a protective ridge thereon which extends outwardly from the flange. The second tubular fitting also has a proximal end for receiving a second tube and a distal end for bearing a flange. The flange of the second tubular fitting has a recess therein which is non-contiguous to the inside of the second tubular fitting. The ridge of the flange of the first tubular fitting projects into the recess of the flange of the second tubular fitting to form a close fit and partially filling the depth of the recess to form a gasket space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: William F. Northrop, David C. Hottle
  • Patent number: 6561552
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pipe connection for preferably polyethylene-pipes for high media pressure and a method of manufacturing said connection where said pipe-connection (1) shows connecting parts (4, 5; 4′, 5) with an inside dimension larger than the inside diameter of the pipe, in order to receive at least one in the connecting parts (4, 5; 4′, 5) insertable connecting component (6, 7), and an exterior casing (8) for pulling together and retaining the connecting parts. The connecting component (6, 7) comprises on first hand at least one, in respective connecting part applied metal-sleeve (13, 14) with radial inwards acting sealing components (15, 16), and on second hand one, through the two metal-sleeves extending joining-pipe (17) with an outside dimension allowing the joining-pipe (17) to be in contact with the sealing components (15, 16) of the metal-sleeves, and an inside diameter mainly corresponding to the inside diameter of the connected pipes (2, 3; 24, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Lennart Berg
  • Publication number: 20030075925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a source chemical container assembly, comprising a metal container functioning as a vacuum chamber and provided with a removable closure, which removable closure seals against the metal container with a metal seal. In order to facilitate easy recharging of the container assembly, compressive force is applied to the metal seal through a tension chain. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the metal seal and the tension chain are provided along a circumference of said metal container. The assembly can comprise an inner container in which the source chemical is contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Sven Lindfors, Jan von Zweygbergk, Marko J. Kukkonen
  • Publication number: 20030062718
    Abstract: One-piece, elastomeric gaskets for ferrous pipe couplings and the like are prelubricated with a coating of dry powder lubricant before installation. This coating can be applied before installation and as early as assembly by the manufacturer. The gaskets are combined with split ring collars to form couplings for pneumatic and hydraulic piping systems, including fire sprinkler systems, among others. The lubricant can be an organic starch powder derived from corn, rice, potatoes or other crops, talc or its primary ingredient, magnesium silicate hydroxide, or a combination of organic or organic and inorganic lubricant powders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Radzik
  • Patent number: 6533333
    Abstract: Hinged mechanical couplings with interfitting ends include at least a pair of coupling segments each having: an elongated arcuate body with first and second opposing ends; a generally concave surface with central channel extending between the ends; a longitudinal central plane extending through the ends; a tongue and a recess located side-by-side on each end, the tongue being generally on an opposite side of the longitudinal central plane from the recess, each recess being slightly larger than the tongue to receive the tongue of the other coupling segment and form a tongue-recess interfit when the coupling segments are coupled together; a fastener pad protruding from the first end; and a pair of axially spaced-apart extensions protruding generally radially outwardly from the second end, one extension located on one side of the central longitudinal plane and immediately adjoining a space on an opposing side of the plane defined between the two extensions, the extensions being pivotally connected together to hi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Radzik
  • Publication number: 20030042739
    Abstract: A profiled clamp connecting two pipes has an articulated clamp strip having sidewalls and a transverse portion connecting the sidewalls and a tensioning closure around the clamp strip. A conical metal ring is arranged in the clamp strip and has a radially inner edge with teeth having free ends positioned on a circle with a diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the sidewalls. The conical ring has a radially outer edge resting in a bend between sidewall and transverse part. The first pipe has a widened end section with a conical transition and a radial flange engaging between the sidewalls. The second pipe has a smooth end section inserted into the widened end section. The outer flange diameter is greater than the inner sidewall diameter and smaller than the inner diameter of the transverse part. A seal rests between the smooth end section and the conical transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Barbett, Markus Kramer, Rainer Heise, Manfred Kruger
  • Patent number: 6523866
    Abstract: A clamp device that is used to maintain a consistent clamping pressure on a flanged connection despite changes in temperature and changes in internal pressure behind the flanged connection. The clamp device contains a rocking bolt assembly that is manually tightened with a wing nut. Should the wing nut loosen, the rocking bolt assembly contains internal springs that compensate for the loosened wing nut and maintain a relatively consistent tension in the rocking bolt assembly within a predefined range of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6508492
    Abstract: A swiveling hose coupling comprising first and second nipples and a cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell includes a swivel shell, and first and second retaining rings. The swivel shell is set between the first and second retaining rings. The first and second nipples are in proximity with one another within the cylindrical shell, but are separated by antifriction bearings. The first and second nipple rotate independent of one another to prevent inhibition of liquid flow in a hose coupled to the swiveling hose coupling. The first and second nipples are set in the cylindrical shell, using journal bearing grooves on the first and second nipple, in which the journal bearing grooves abut the first and second retaining rings. Reference points for the application of a hose coupling clamp are provided by an indexing ring on each of the nipples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Laurence Nixon, Martin Fickel, Benjamin Shelpuk
  • Patent number: 6499774
    Abstract: A radial wedge flange clamp comprising a pair of flanges each comprising a plurality of peripheral flat wedge facets having flat wedge surfaces and opposed and mating flat surfaces attached to or otherwise engaged with two elements to be joined and including a series of generally U-shaped wedge clamps each having flat wedge interior surfaces and engaging one pair of said peripheral flat wedge facets. Each of said generally U-shaped wedge clamps has in its opposing extremities apertures for the tangential insertion of bolts to apply uniform radial force to said wedge clamps when assembled about said wedge segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Southeastern University Research Assn.
    Inventor: Karl H. Smith
  • Patent number: 6499773
    Abstract: An articulated clamp connector is for interconnecting pipes, cables, etc. preferably underwater, where interconnecting ends of pipes are provided with connecting flanges with outer conical surfaces which interact with opposite surfaces of the clamp. When joining the pipes, the connecting flanges are pressed against each other and provide a metal seal between the flanges. The clamp connector has a set of outer articulated clamp halves for placing around the joining flanges, and a first tightening bolt for closing the outer clamp halves around the joining flange. Further, the clamp coupling has a split activating ring slideably arranged inside the outer clamp halves, a second tightening bolt arranged for tangential movement of the split activating ring, a number of spring elements arranged between the split activating ring and locking segments. These spring elements are placed in grooves, respectively, in the inner part of the split activating ring and the outer part of the locking segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Offshore Systems AS
    Inventor: Inge Östergaard
  • Publication number: 20020185869
    Abstract: A clamp device that is used to maintain a consistent clamping pressure on a flanged connection despite changes in temperature and changes in internal pressure behind the flanged connection. The clamp device contains a rocking bolt assembly that is manually tightened with a wing nut. Should the wing nut loosen, the rocking bolt assembly contains internal springs that compensate for the loosened wing nut and maintain a relatively consistent tension in the rocking bolt assembly within a predefined range of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6464268
    Abstract: A radial flange coupling for joining a turbo-charger unit end housing to a turbo-charger center (or bearing) housing and for joining a turbine housing to an exhaust outlet connection including first and second arcuate jaws containing first and second radially inwardly opening grooves for clamping together flanged elements as the jaws are moved from an open to closed position wherein the jaws are hingedly joined by a connection that includes an extension integrally formed at the end of one jaw and extends through an opening in the other jaw and back to the first jaw where the distal end of the extension is affixed to the one jaw. The other ends of the jaws include end projections. One projection includes a threaded nut permanently affixed thereto. A threaded bolt having a reduced diameter pilot is provided for self piloting during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Walter James Hough, Raymond L. Burnett
  • Patent number: 6390513
    Abstract: A collapsible spacer pipe is for use between associated equipment items in generally opposing facing relation. The spacer pipe includes a flexible seal element having a main body and a pair of flange seals disposed at ends of the main body. The flange seals extend generally transverse to the main body and are configured to engage inwardly facing flanges of the associated equipment items. A pair of ferrules are configured to engage and cooperate with a respective one of the flange seals to compress the flange seal against the flange of its respective associated equipment item. The ferrules each have a locking leg for abutting and engaging the flange seal and a wedge portion in opposing relation to the locking leg. The wedge portions of the ferrules are in generally facing relation to one another when the ferrules are in place on the seal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventor: Yutaka Kaneko
  • Patent number: 6367849
    Abstract: A joint (and method) connects synthetic resin corrugated pipes, each of the corrugated pipes including a pipe wall having sectionally rectangular wall portions and sectionally circular wall portions disposed alternately in a longitudinal direction of the corrugated pipe. The sectionally circular wall portions each include an annular-shaped protrusion projecting outwardly from the sectionally circular wall portions disposed substantially at a center of the sectionally circular wall portion between adjacent sectionally rectangular wall portions in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tatsuta, Kazuya Yamashita, Takeshi Mochiduki, Kentaro Takenaka
  • Patent number: 6364372
    Abstract: A fitting for receiving a pipe end portion, typically in an irrigation system, has an integrally formed half clamp cooperating with a separate half clamp to secure the fitting and pipe against separation, the integral half clamp providing a ledge protrusion which positions a pipe disposed thereon for ready insertion into the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Ali Marandi
  • Patent number: 6354636
    Abstract: A tube connecting structure C1 including a gasket member 10 having annular, tub recesses 12, 13 tube members 20, 30 having folded edge portions 22, 32 formed by folding ends thereof over the outer circumference so that convex ends 23, 33 are brought into tight contact with the annular recesses of the gasket member, outer rings 40, 50 mounted onto the outer circumference of body portions 21, 31 of the respective tube members 20, 30 so that front ends 41, 51 are located behind the convex ends of the folded edge portions and rear ends 42, 52 are out of the folded edge portions, presser members 60, 70 having contact sections 61, 71 with the gasket member and outer ring pressing sections 62, 72 for pushing the rear ends of the outer rings toward the mating outer ring, and a clamp member 80 for compressing the respective presser members together with the gasket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Advance Denki Kougyou Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Matsuzawa, Kimihito Sasao
  • Patent number: 6338507
    Abstract: A synthetic resin pipe with a joint, includes a first pipe end portion to be connected, having an open guide cylinder, a large-diameter cylindrical portion formed in a deep portion thereof continuous with the open guide cylinder and having a diameter larger than front and rear walls extending in an axial direction of the synthetic resin pipe, and an outwardly facing projection disposed in a portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion. A separately produced engaging ring including an inclined guide surface, having a large inside diameter on a width-direction one end face side thereof and having a small inside diameter on a deep side thereof, the engaging ring further including a securing stepped portion formed on the deep side thereof, a plurality of cut-out portions, respectively formed by cutting out the inclined surface, and a projection projecting from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the engaging ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Amatsutsu
  • Publication number: 20010022448
    Abstract: A tube connecting structure C1 including a gasket member 10 having annular, tub recesses 12, 13 tube members 20, 30 having folded edge portions 22, 32 formed by folding ends thereof over the outer circumference so that convex ends 23, 33 are brought into tight contact with the annular recesses of the gasket member, outer rings 40, 50 mounted onto the outer circumference of body portions 21, 31 of the respective tube members 20, 30 so that front ends 41, 51 are located behind the convex ends of the folded edge portions and rear ends 42, 52 are out of the folded edge portions, presser members 60, 70 having contact sections 61, 71 with the gasket member and outer ring pressing sections 62, 72 for pushing the rear ends of the outer rings toward the mating outer ring, and a clamp member 80 for compressing the respective presser members together with the gasket member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Advance Denki Kougyou Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Matsuzawa, Kimihito Sasao
  • Patent number: 6139069
    Abstract: Segmented pipe couplings are formed by two or more identical arcuate pipe coupling segments. Each end of each segment is matable to either end of each other segment. Each end has a tongue and a recess generally on opposite sides of a longitudinal central plane of the segment. The positioning of the tongue and recess is reversed with respect to the central plane at opposite ends of each segment. Each recess is slightly larger than the tongue to receive the tongue of an identical coupling. A double tongue-double recess interfit is formed when any coupling segment is coupled together with an identical coupling segment. Either end of any coupling segment can mate with either end of other coupling segment and form a proper connection between segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Radzik
  • Patent number: 6125888
    Abstract: A a quick acting closure has two flanges. One of the two flanges has a groove for a flexible seal and the other has spaced cogs. The goal is to provide a quick acting closure in such a form that it can be used for the connection/closure of boiler or pipeline elements which can either have a round or a non-round cross section. In accordance with the invention, the two flanges are therefore connected to each other by individual clamps which are arranged at the circumference of the flanges and the number of which is equal to the number and the spacing of the cogs in the flange whereby the clamps are connected to each other two sheet rings, i.e. one lower and one upper sheet ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Ivaylo Popov
  • Patent number: 6076861
    Abstract: Each of the circular coupling segments 20 has pipe fastening parts 24, 25. One pipe fastening part 24 has a protrusion 26 to be in contact with the side surface 3a of the circumferential groove 3 of one pipe 4 nearer to the end of the pipe 4 in one of the end sections thereof with respect to a circumferential direction, and a protrusion 27 to be in contact with the side surface 3b of the circumferential groove 3 of the pipe 4 farther from the end of the pipe 4 in the other end section thereof with respect to the circumferential direction. The other pipe fastening part 25 has a protrusion 28 to be in contact with the side surface 3b of the circumferential groove 3 of the pipe 5 farther from the end of the pipe 5 in one of the end sections thereof with respect to the circumferential direction, and a protrusion 29 to be in contact with the side surface 3a of the circumferential groove 3 of the pipe 5 nearer to the end of the pipe 5 in the other end section thereof with respect to the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: The Victaulic Co., of Japan, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shintaro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6070912
    Abstract: A dual seal is provided for establishing fluid tight engagement between conduits subjected to both internal and external pressure. The dual seal comprises four seal portions disposed between an inner and an outer cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Reflange, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Latham
  • Patent number: 6062610
    Abstract: A device for coupling together pipes, which at their end have an outwardly directed bead, comprises an annular clamping strap (1) and a clamping mechanism (4-6) arranged at the ends (2a, 2b) of the clamping strap. Between the ends (2a, 2b) of the clamping strap (1), a sealing element (7) is arranged for sealing the joint between the ends (2a, 2b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Lindab AB
    Inventors: Pontus Andersson, Werner Andresen
  • Patent number: 6056332
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for engaging a pair of abutting flanges from a pair of pipes has a pivot end of a first clamp portion pivotally joined to a pivot end of a second clamp portion by a pivot pin, such that the first and second clamp portions may be mutually rotated into an open attitude for enabling one of the first and second clamp portions to be placed in contact with the abutting flanges. The pivot pin then enables the first and second clamp portions to be alternately mutually rotated into a closed attitude for enabling the other of the first and second clamp portions to be placed in contact with the abutting flanges, the clamping portions thereby being drawn into mutually opposing positions so as to place a clamp end of each of the clamp portions in mutual proximity. The clamping apparatus further includes a rocking bolt and rocking nut hingbly attached to one clamp end to removably engage a rocking slot in an opposite clamp end so as to secure the clamp portions in the closed attitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Clark Foster
  • Patent number: 6045033
    Abstract: A method of forming lengths of pipe for assembly together to form fluid flow conduits includes the steps of providing a pipe having a first inner diameter and a central longitudinal axis, providing a ferrule which has an annular first end, having an inner diameter equal to the pipe inner diameter and having a second end formed into a flange adapted to form a flange coupling when abutted against and connected to another similar flange. The flanges have end faces countersunk approximately 1.degree. to 5.degree.. The first end of each ferrule is welded to an end of a pipe, whereby the end face of the flange assumes an orientation wherein the end face is substantially normal to the central longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tri-Clover, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D Zimmerly
  • Patent number: 6030005
    Abstract: In a method of coupling a first pipe with a second pipe having a circumferential bead, use is made of an annular clamping band which is applied on the outside of the end beads and is tightened around the end beads when the pipes are placed end to end. The clamping band has on its inside a sealing ring, which is arranged against the end beads. A first recess of the sealing ring is formed on and held on the outside of the end bead of the first pipe in such a manner that a second recess of the sealing ring is arranged axially outside this end bead. The second recess of the sealing ring is then formed on the end bead of the second pipe, and finally the clamping band is tightened around the end beads with the sealing ring placed between the clamping band and the end beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lindab AB
    Inventors: Pontus Andersson, Werner Andresen
  • Patent number: 5908210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for securely fastening joints in pressure vessels, pipes, and other structures intended to isolate internal volumes from the external environment. It can join a blank cover to a pressure vessel or it can join tubular members. It may be used in any application currently utilizing standard bolted flanges. It provides a flange retaining clamp for remotely disconnecting and remotely connecting flange members disposed on a pressure vessel, in which one of the flange members is disposed on the pressure vessel and the second flange hub end is applied in a gasketed, sealing relationship thereto, in which the flange hub ends each have a outwardly extending flange hub, wherein, the clamp has at least two clamp segments which are moveable from a closed, sealing, flange member retaining position to an open, unsealed, flange member liberating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Kelly Fetzer
  • Patent number: 5873611
    Abstract: A clamping device is disclosed for coupling peripheral flanges of a pair of tubular members together. The clamping device has a retaining member for coupling the peripheral flanges of the tubular member together, with first and second coupling ends being releasably coupled together by a latch assembly from an open position to a closed position. The latch assembly has a connecting member with a pivoting end and an anchoring end. The pivoting end of the connecting member is pivotally coupled to the first coupling end about a pivot axis between an unengaged position where the anchoring end is spaced from the second coupling end and an engaged position where the anchoring end is removably coupled to the second coupling end. The latch assembly further has a retention member coupled to the pivoting end of the connecting member for retaining the connecting member to the first coupling end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: EG&G Pressure Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Munley, Jeffrey E. Swensen, H. Steve Graham
  • Patent number: 5868442
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of pipe joints fixing ring, comprising two master fixing blocks, an adjusting bolt connecting the two master fixing blocks, several slave fixing blocks, several connecting levers linking the master and slave fixing blocks, and several rollers fixed inside the master and slave fixing blocks, the inside two surfaces of said rollers are tapered planes, two pipe joints and a center ring with an O-ring that are clamped inside the master fixing blocks and the slave fixing blocks, the surfaces contacting the two joints and the rollers are tapered planes, so that by rotating to adjust the distance between the two master fixing blocks, the tapered planes on the rollers inside the master fixing blocks and the slave fixing blocks will push the tapered planes on the two joints, thus the two joints are securely tightened, to enable such integral features as evenly distributed tightening force, labor-saving tightening process and wider range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Yen-Tseng Lin
  • Patent number: 5865475
    Abstract: A connection between a building component in the form of a pipe, a mounting part, a housing or the like and a pipe-shaped line element of metal. The building component has an essentially radially extending, ring-shaped contact surface, against which a ring-shaped collar arranged on the line element is tensioned by fastening means that grip behind the collar. In the region between its inside and outside diameter, the collar has at least one axial thickening that extends ring-shaped around the axis for the line element, and that the thickening is produced by axially compressing at least one radially outward extending and at least one radially inward extending annular undulation, arranged adjacent in axial direction, of the wall that forms the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Wilfried Winzen, Eberhard Wildermuth