Axially Bolted Patents (Class 285/368)
  • Publication number: 20110121567
    Abstract: A split ring restraint device having dual pipe size capability for securing the connection between adjacent pipes in water piping systems to prevent leakage or failure of the pipe connection. The restraint device comprises an interlocking, stepped joining interface that can be assembled in one orientation to fit a pipe having a first outside diameter and assembled in another orientation to fit a pipe having a second outside diameter. The restraint device can be used without modification on pipes having different outside diameters. The restraint device can be installed more rapidly than current state-of-the art split ring restraint devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Zachary J. Gentile, JR., Earl Sinjon Bradberry, Adam Pennington, John K. Lonergan
  • Patent number: 7828339
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is disclosed for joining pipe elements to one another end-to-end. First and second rings are attached to an end of each pipe element. Each ring has an outwardly facing surface with a groove which receives a sealing member. A band is positioned in overlying relation surrounding the rings when the pipe ends are arranged in end-to-end relationship. The band has an inwardly facing surface engaged with the sealing members. The band also has oppositely disposed end faces. End plates are attached to each end face. The end plates project radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with the rings to retain the pipe elements in end-to-end relation within the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7828301
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an annular seal (e.g., an o-ring) and a backup ring to provide support to the annular seal. A gland is provided to accommodate the backup ring and the annular seal. The gland has a contact surface which is adapted to contact a corresponding contact surface of the backup ring upon inserting the backup ring into the gland. The diameters of the contact surfaces of the backup ring and gland are sized such that the contact surface of the backup ring radially interferes with the contact surface of the gland, thereby urging the backup ring out of the gland. A retention mechanism, such as interlocking grooves, protrusions, ridges, notches, slots, or the like may be provided in the backup ring and gland respectively to prevent the backup ring from completely exiting the gland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: IntelliServ, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Briscoe, James McPherson, David S. Pixton
  • Patent number: 7819437
    Abstract: A flange hose fitting assembly and method wherein a captive flange is attached to a flexible hose nipple after the nipple has been crimped to the flexible hose. The flange, which may be selected from different types of flanges, is slipped over the front end of the nipple that is crimped at its back end to the flexible hose, and then locked to the nipple by a suitable retaining device, such as a retaining ring, spring, screw-on or glue-on ring, press-fit ring, piston-ring, shaft seal, U-shaped halves or other split configurations arranged around a locking groove in the nipple, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Weil, Patrick Smith, Mathew Johns, Peter Rutz
  • Patent number: 7798788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of high rotation speed vacuum pumps, which are fastened to and connected to a structure such as a vacuum enclosure or a pipe to generate a hard vacuum. It consists in an annular fixing flange including holes cooperating with headed bolts to fasten a vacuum pump to a structure. The flange comprises an upper ring and a lower ring cooperating to clamp the end of the pump body between the upper ring and the lower ring, and at least one first cavity in a face of the upper ring that is in a plane perpendicular to that of the face of the upper ring intended to come into contact with the wall of the structure. The invention also consists in a fixing system comprising an annular flange disposed coaxially with the pump body around the inlet orifice of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Nicolas Varennes, Olivier Dauvillier
  • Patent number: 7789431
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (1) includes a pipe-shaped sleeve (2) being provided with a protruding flange (4) at least in one end, said flange having a tapering end face (6). The pipe coupling further including an annular gripping ring (13) divided into ring segments (17), an annular resilient sealing ring (12) provided between the flange (4) and the gripping ring (13), a pressure ring (8) and tightening means of the bolt/nut type (26, 27). The pressure ring (8) is divided into a number of separate, mutually interspaced ring segments (10) each provided with an abutment face (9) adapted to displaceably abut the end face (6) of the flange (4). The bolts (26) extend through elongated, radially extending openings (30) in the flange (4) and through clearance holes (32) in the pressure ring segments (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Aage V. Kjaers Maskinfabrik A/S
    Inventor: Erling A. Freudendahl
  • Publication number: 20100187816
    Abstract: An electrolysis-resistant coupling assembly for connection with a line fitting of a fluid line includes a fitting having a first mating surface and having an aperture extending therethrough, wherein the fitting is configured to be aligned with and face the line fitting for coupling thereto. The assembly also includes a coupler having one end provided with an outer coupler flange, the fitting being loaded onto the coupler such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture. The assembly also includes a substantially non-compressible, electrically non-conductive rigid captive ring. The captive ring is positioned against the outer coupler flange and interposed between the fitting and the coupler to provide electrical separation between the fitting and the coupler, wherein the fitting is held against the captive ring when the fitting is interconnected with the line fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 7757366
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting pipes, having a seal, flanges, a threaded portion and a nut, where the end portion of the pipe is equipped with a concentric press surface located immediately proximal to the periphery of the pipe and designed to be able to take an axial pressure from a preloading tool, which pressure is distributed evenly or point-by-point about the periphery of the pipe. The preloading tool has two end sections connected to two or more rods, each rod being equipped with a hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Marine Direct Consultants Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Vorley, John S. Giles
  • Patent number: 7748751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for making connections between pipe sections. In one embodiment, a pipe connection consists of a pair of flanges having conically tapered sealing surfaces and a tapered seal ring. A first one of the flanges has a male nose extending forward from the face of the flange, while a second one of the flanges has a female pocket which is recessed into the flange. The seal ring has conically tapered surfaces complementary to those of the flanges so that, when the connection is assembled, a seal is created between the seal ring and each of the flanges. The nose of the male flange extends forward so that, when the connection is assembled, the nose makes direct contact with the pocket of the second flange, forming a substantially gap-free conduit through the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Erik M. Howard
  • Patent number: 7744133
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus for allowing pre-close-out access to the head of a Stirling machine and facilitating subsequent close-out welding of the head. The head is axially separable into removable and fixed portions that engage each other. Each portion has an annular flange extending radially outwardly at its engaging end, and each flange has an annular groove. O-rings are seated in the grooves. A temporary sealing ring surrounds and engages the O-rings. Clamping rings seat against axially opposite sides of the abutting annular flanges. Fasteners draw the rings together, thereby drawing the fixed and removable portions of the head together and securing them against relative axial movement. For close-out of the machine, the clamping rings, temporary sealing ring, and O-rings are removed and the grooved annular flanges serve as weld reliefs for final hermetic close-out welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gary Wood, Joseph P. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20100155169
    Abstract: A flanged joint (1) of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, is provided for fastening a tubular body (4) of the exhaust system to another component (5). The flanged joint includes a tube bell (2) formed at the end area of the tubular body (4) as well as a ring-shaped flange (3), which surrounds the tubular body (4) on a side of the tube bell (2) facing away from the other component (5) and which has a plurality of fastening sites (6, 7) for connection to the other component (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Robert HANITZSCH, Arnulf SPIETH
  • Patent number: 7726702
    Abstract: Assembly for connecting a pipe having a flanged end in fluid communication with an opposing part. The assembly includes an insert received coaxially within the pipe end and having a forward end face extending axially beyond the pipe end, a clamp ring received coaxially over the pipe end, and a flange piece which is fastenable to the opposing as received coaxially over the clamp ring. As the flange piece is fastened to the opposing part, the forward end face of the insert is urged into a sealable engagement against a confronting surface of the opposing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin GmbH & Co. AG
    Inventors: Dieter Schulze, Peter Rutz, Norbert Steinmeyer, Martin Ziehl, Andreas Udhofer
  • Patent number: 7722092
    Abstract: A pipe joint device using flanges is provided. The pipe joint device includes: flanges mounted to ends of pipes to be coupled together or ends of both a pipe and a pipe joint to be coupled together, the flange having at least one ring groove around an outer circumferential surface thereof; a packing mounted to the flanges and having inner rings around an inner circumferential surface thereof to closely engage with the ring grooves of the flanges; and a clamp having a packing seat to seat the packing therein, with a support sidewall formed by a radial inward extension of each side of the clamp, the clamp being divided into a plurality of clamp parts so that the clamp parts are placed around the packing and are fastened together by a locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Su Gen Kim
  • Patent number: 7712797
    Abstract: An universal fluid coupling assembly is provided that includes a coupler housing that has an inner bore extending along an axis of, and opening onto a mating end of, the coupler housing. The coupler housing has an outer perimeter that includes an outer coupler flange that extends about the outer perimeter and that is located proximate to the mating end. The outer coupler flange has a periphery that follows a predetermined circumferential envelope and that has at least one discontinuity therein to define a blank area in the envelope. The assembly further includes a fitting member with an aperture there through. The aperture has an inner diameter that is smaller than the circumferential envelope of the outer coupler flange. The fitting member is loaded over the outer coupler flange onto the outer perimeter of the coupler housing by orienting the fitting member in a non-orthogonal relation with the coupler housing such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Lum
  • Publication number: 20100078933
    Abstract: A connection of an exhaust manifold section to an opening of an internal combustion engine block generally consisting of an end portion of the exhaust manifold received in a recess of the engine block opening in engageable and sealing relation with a surface thereof, and portions received in diametrically opposed undercuts of the recess; a threaded bolt having an axis disposed in a plane of and at an acute angle to a centerline of the exhaust manifold section, and an end portion engaging the exhaust manifold section; a bearing element in which the bolt is threaded having an arcuate surface disposed radially relative to an axis disposed at a right angle to the axis of the bolt and a section of the engine block having a recess in which the bearing element is disposed, having an arcuate bearing surface engaged by the arcuate surface of the bearing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Xaver Stemmer
  • Patent number: 7677611
    Abstract: A flanged joint for a pressure medium. The flanged joint includes a first component and a second component having an interior. Also included is at least one flat gasket held between facing surfaces of the first and second components. An annular groove and a radially opposed working diameter are located between the interior and the at least one flat gasket. At least one lamella ring is held in the annular groove and biased, essentially without a gap, against the working diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fey Lamellenringe GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Peter Holzheu
  • Publication number: 20100032945
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting first and second tubular members, the first and second tubular members having end faces and registering seal ring grooves, formed in the end faces, both of the tubular bodies having an externally threaded portion extending away from the end faces, a first annular hub having an internally threaded portion threadedly received on the first tubular body, the first hub having radially outwardly facing frustoconical surface, a first annular flange in surrounding relationship to the first hub, the first flange having a radially inwardly facing frustoconical surface that mates with the frustoconical surface on the hub, a second hub having a internally threaded portion for mating with the externally threaded portion on the second tubular body and having an annular radially inwardly facing frustoconical surface, a second flange in surrounding relationship to the second hub, the flange having a radially inwardly facing frustoconical surface for engaging the frustoconical hub surface, a seal r
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20100013220
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a fluid coupling includes: (a) a generally planar, substantially rigid seal retainer with opposed first and second faces, having an annular first groove formed in the first face; (b) a first resilient seal disposed in the first groove; and (c) an annular first backup ring positioned radially outboard of the first resilient seal and secured to the first resilient seal, wherein the first backup ring is substantially harder than the first resilient seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Justin Sanjay Rao, Scott Richard Zearbaugh
  • Patent number: 7644961
    Abstract: A tube joint for connecting two pipes comprises two enlarged openings formed at two pipes to be connected; a sealing pad between the two enlarged openings; each of two ends of the sealing pad are formed with a reduced stepped portion; a shape of the stepped portion being matched to the enlarged openings so as to be received in the enlarged opening; thereby the stepped portion can seal the enlarged opening; a middle section of the sealing pad being between the two reduced stepped portion and being protruded between the two enlarged openings; and two covering plates. Each covering plate encloses around a periphery of the enlarged opening and a periphery of the middle section of the sealing pad. Two first annular lips are installed around an outer periphery of the stepped portions of the sealing pad, and each sealing pad may be formed with a second annular lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Amber Ho
  • Patent number: 7641240
    Abstract: A removable pressure sealing assembly for connecting two pipes includes a single piece cylindrical cover placed over a gap between the pipes, the pipes being aligned with each other. Various annular seals are positioned on the pipes to create a sealing mechanism in the gap between the cover and the pipes before the cover is finally positioned over the gap between the ends of the pipes. Once the annular seals are correctly positioned, the cover can be moved over the gap and end piece rings bolted to both the pipes and the cover to secure the assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan David Seaton
  • Patent number: 7625017
    Abstract: A coupling having two or more mating components with alignment of the mating components provided by mating projections and recesses. The components include extensions having bolt hole that align to form a bolt pathway when the components are properly aligned, and that do not align to form a bolt pathway through the extensions when the components are improperly aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventor: Joseph G. Radzik
  • Patent number: 7604217
    Abstract: An electrolysis-resistant coupling assembly for a valve within a fluid line. A line flange within the line includes a first mating surface and a fluid passageway therethrough. A valve flange downstream from the line flange includes a second mating surface. The valve flange has an aperture passing therethrough with first and second bores forming a lip. A valve coupler has an upstream end provided with a coupler flange having a third bore. A substantially non-compressible, non-metallic captive ring is interposed between the lip, and the flange and body of the valve coupler. Bolts and nuts assemble the valve flange to the line flange with a gasket therebetween, compressing the lip against the captive ring and the coupler flange. The valve is either sweat fitted or threadably attached to the downstream end of the valve coupler. Various configurations for the valve flange, the captive ring, and the valve coupler are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Lum
  • Patent number: 7591490
    Abstract: A coupling device provides a quick-release coupling of hose-like or tubular pipes to a connecting part at an outlet for a pressurized fluid. The connecting part has a locating face against which the end face of a flange positioned at the end of the pipe can be pressed by means of clamping screws. A sealing element is held between the flange and locating face. The clamping screws are anchored in the connecting part. The locating face of the connecting part is embodied by the base of a recess surrounding the outlet. The flange, at the end of the pipe, is housed in the recess such that the edge of the recess secures the flange against radial displacement. The clamping screws directly cooperate with the face of the flange opposite the end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Wilkendorf
  • Patent number: 7566080
    Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling pipes made of dissimilar materials in applications that are subject to large variations in temperature. In one embodiment, a connection comprises a first flange made of a first material and a second flange made of a second material. Each flange is designed to be welded to a pipe of the same material. One of the flanges has a male mating surface, while the other flanges as a female mating surface. The male flange is made of the material that experiences greater expansion or less contraction when the temperature of the connection is changed from a connection temperature to an operating temperature. The female flange is made of the other material. A sealing ring having elastic properties is preferably used between the mating surfaces of the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Erik M. Howard
  • Patent number: 7540502
    Abstract: A metallic seal or gasket for use in the joining of cryogenic fluid conduits, the seal or gasket having a generally planar and serpentine periphery defining a central aperture. According to a preferred embodiment, the periphery has at least two opposing elongated serpentine sides and two opposing arcuate ends joining the opposing elongated serpentine sides and is of a hexagonal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Moore, Charles Edwin Reece
  • Publication number: 20090127851
    Abstract: A pipe joint is disclosed and can include a first pipe having a flange and a second pipe having a flange. A first sleeve can be installed within the first pipe and a second sleeve can be installed within the second pipe. Moreover, an annular ring can be disposed between the flange of the first pipe and the flange of the second pipe. The annular ring is configured to engage the first sleeve and the second sleeve and create a sealing engagement between the annular ring, the first sleeve and the second sleeve when a compressive force is applied to the first sleeve, the second sleeve, or a combination thereof along a longitudinal axis of the pipe assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicants: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION, SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS ASTI
    Inventors: Yves Stefani, Roland Lucotte
  • Patent number: 7527306
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting a pipe to a flange associated with another pipe in a sealed manner. The pipe (10) is formed with circumferential groove (10a). The coupling comprises a gasket (20), a mounting ring (18), and a mounting flange (22). The ring (18) is elastically expandable, e.g. by being split, and formed with projecting rib (18a) adapted to fit into the groove (10a) and hold the ring affixed to the pipe (10). The mounting flange (22) is tightened against both the ring (18) and a counter-flange (12), through matching cone-shaped surfaces (18c, 22a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Arkal Filtration Systems C.S. Ltd.
    Inventor: Raanan Ben-Horin
  • Publication number: 20090085351
    Abstract: This invention relates to a connecting structure comprising a high-pressure line having a load-bearing shell and a sealing inner cladding, as well as a coupling, which coupling comprises a flange section having a ring part and a flange which extends radially outwards with respect to the ring part, a connecting element by which the loadbearing shell of a pipe is connected to the flange section, as well as a sealing element which the inner cladding of the high-pressure line is connected to the flange section, which sealing element end in the free end of the flange section which is turned away from the high-pressure line. The sealing element comprises a sealing sleeve which is situated between the inner cladding of the pipe and the ring part of the flange section. The present invention also relates to a coupling for a high-pressure line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: PIPELIFE NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Jeroen CLOOS, Lambertus Gerrit Peter Dalmolen
  • Patent number: 7490868
    Abstract: A device and method variously and separately used for achieving a correction between the fluid-flow interfaces of the pipe segments, pump housings and valves in pipe systems when inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: John M. Prestridge
  • Patent number: 7478843
    Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly including a fitting having an opening surrounded by an inwardly facing conical surface. A pipe element has an end portion with an outwardly facing conical surface that fits within the opening and engages the inwardly facing conical surface. A shoulder is positioned on the pipe element. A retaining ring surrounds the pipe element and engages the shoulder. A fastener connects the retaining ring to the fitting. The fastener is adjustably tightenable to draw the retaining ring toward the fitting and force the pipe end portion into engagement with the fitting. One or more seals may be positioned between the engaged conical surfaces. The seal may be made of graphite for high temperature applications. An adapter ring that fits between the pipe and the fitting is also disclosed. The adapter ring has conical surfaces that engage the conical surfaces of the pipe and the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Frank J. Cygler, III
  • Publication number: 20090015010
    Abstract: Each of ridges 7 on respective opposite side surfaces of a gasket 4 has a trapezoidal cross sectional shape defined by an outer tapered face 7a providing an outer peripheral surface, an inner tapered face 7b providing an inner peripheral surface and a flat face 7c providing a top end surface. The hardness of the gasket 4, the angle between the tapered faces 7a, 7b of the ridge 7, the height of the ridge 7 and the area of the flat top end face 7c of the ridge are so determined that the value of thrust for tightening up the coupling is between a predetermined minimum value and a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shigeru Itoi, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Kenji Tsubota, Tadanobu Yoshida, Susumu Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7458618
    Abstract: A spray deflecting joint of fluid conveying structures has a spray obstructing structure lying in the path of any fluid that might spray from the joint in any direction within a range of directions, wherein the spray obstructing structure is permanently attached to one of the fluid conveying structures, is shaped to reduce the momentum of liquid sprays and/or has a surface treatment to reduce the momentum of liquid sprays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies
    Inventors: Glenn Mahnken, Paul H. Dobson
  • Patent number: 7455331
    Abstract: A multipurpose coupling is made of two pieces incorporating a partitioning washer ring between them. The coupling is provided with a centrally located interlocking, doubled-up mechanical mechanism, comprised of two mechanisms, where each mechanism performs its intended function in sequence to connect the two pieces of the coupling body, and to secure the coupling to the ends of two pipes simultaneously. The first part of the doubled up mechanism includes two main radial flanges on the inner end of each piece of the coupling body which are held together face to face between secondary radial flanges by means of fasteners extending between the secondary radial flanges. The second part of the doubled up mechanism includes a cylindrical cover having intermittent inner radial shoulders which are interlockable upon rotation of the cylindrical cover with radial flange shoulders positioned intermittently around the main radial flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Ajit Singh Gill
  • Publication number: 20080174113
    Abstract: A connection assembly for connection to the mouth of a flexible container comprising of an inner ring having an inner flange around its external diameter and an outer ring having a recess around its inner diameter sized to engage the inner flange. The inner and outer rings being adapted to interengage to trap the mouth between the inner and outer rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: EZI-DOCK SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael R. Brimson
  • Patent number: 7401821
    Abstract: A bolt-ring pipe connector system for connecting stub end pipe particularly thermoplastic pipe is shown. The bolt-ring has an outer vertical rim portion, an inner vertical rim portion and an interconnecting web portion provided with spaced bolt holes. The top side of the bolt-ring has a beveled and angular top surface. The bottom side of the bolt-ring has a contoured recess that provides a variable cross sectional diameter. The new, deformable, variable geometry, hollowed, bolt-ring can be flexed by slight deformations under constant bolt-load. As a result, all anticipated initial and operating changes in high-density polyethylene stub-end dimensions, such as those caused by bolt-up and thermal strain, are managed by the bolt-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Independent Pipe Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey E. Svetlik
  • Publication number: 20080164696
    Abstract: In a carburetor mounting structure, a stud bolt is implanted in a carburetor mounting portion, a screw hole is provided in the carburetor mounting portion, first and second mounting flanges include first bolt holes through which the stud bolt passes, and second bolt holes into which a tap bolt is screwed, and the first bolt hole of the first mounting flange is formed into a notched shape so as to allow the stud bolt to be inserted into the first bolt hole from an outside of the first mounting flange. Thus, it is possible to provide a carburetor mounting structure wherein mounting of a carburetor by a stud bolt is possible even if only a small space exists outward of an outer end of the stud bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeki EDAMATSU, Yasunori Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20080136179
    Abstract: Seal assembly comprising (a) two or more seal elements, each element having having a coefficient of thermal expansion; and (b) a clamping element having a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting segment between and attached to the first and second segments, wherein the two or more seal elements are disposed between the first and second segments of the clamping element. The connecting segment has a central portion extending between the first segment of the clamping element and the second segment of the clamping element, and the connecting segment is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the connecting segment is intermediate the largest and smallest of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the two or more seal elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Minford
  • Patent number: 7380842
    Abstract: A spherical flange assembly is disclosed. The spherical flange assembly comprises a seat member, a heel member, a seal gland and at least one nut and bold assembly. The seat member includes a concave portion. The heel member includes a convex portion and a seal gland opening. The seal gland is disposed within the seal gland opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Maynard Stangeland, Ronald Urquidi
  • Publication number: 20080048445
    Abstract: A universal coupling assembly is provided including a housing having an inner bore that extends along an axis through a fluid port and a flange formed integral with the housing and the inner bore. The flange extends radially outward from the axis and has a mating surface. A nipple extends from the flange along the axis toward the fluid port. The nipple has a mating interface at an end thereof, and the nipple has a junction portion extending at least partially about the nipple and located between the mating interface and the flange. The junction portion and the mating interface are configured to receive at least two different types of interchangeable fittings based on a type of mating joint, and the junction portion is matable with one of a flange fitting, a threaded union fitting, a sweat fitting, an NPT fitting, and a barb fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Ken Lum
  • Publication number: 20080036209
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first member with a reduced lip male gland, and a second member with a female bore configured to receive and mate with the reduced lip male gland. A spring-energized polymeric seal is disposed between the first and second members. The male gland of the first member and the female bore of the second member are configured to help lead-in the first member into engagement with the second member. The aligning function of the assembly helps decrease damaging contact between the spring-energized polymeric seal and a boss face of the second tubular member when the male gland is introduced into the female bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Joseph Bulkovitch
  • Publication number: 20070296213
    Abstract: Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies are provided, which are designed for application to the adjacent ends of connected pipe sections in spanning relationship to the joint therebetween. The assemblies include a plurality of clamp bodies configured for placement about the adjacent pipe section ends and carrying a plurality of pipe-engaging teeth; a clamping mechanism is operably coupled with the clamp bodies to cause the teeth to grippingly engage the pipe section ends. The teeth are oriented so as to exert an increasing gripping force on the pipe sections ends in the event of relative separation movement between the ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: James W. Jones, Meir Snir, Hooshang Jozavi, Hersehel Evans, Nasbi Guzman, Mike Litschewski, Chris Cha, Rick Larson
  • Patent number: 7249790
    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: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Potts, Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure
  • Patent number: 7207075
    Abstract: A faucet spout assembly providing multiple spouts with different heights and curvature which are interchangeable within the same faucet. Laminar flow from the spout is achieved with a flow control device upstream of the spout outlet A check valve is optionally used in the inlet to the spout to promote greater flexibility in placement of the flow control device within the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Speakman Company
    Inventors: Graham H. Peterson, Michael W. Boyer
  • Patent number: 7195289
    Abstract: A fluid distribution system comprising a hollow pipe section having at least one bore extending longitudinally therethrough. At least one longitudinal boss extends along the pipe section. An end fitting comprises a body configured to be received in the bore and a shoulder extending radially from the body. At least one bolt hole extends through the shoulder and is configured to align with the at least one longitudinal boss. A secondary component is configured for connection to the end fitting. Alternatively, an outlet plate fitting is configured for attaching a secondary component to a fluid pipe section. The fluid pipe section includes opposed flanges that define a receiving groove. The outlet plate fitting comprises a main body and an engagement platform having a planar surface with a seal member. Rotation of the engagement platform within the receiving groove causes the planar surface and seal member into sealing engagement within the receiving groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Gunter Gray Matt, James Christopher Collins, Michael Patrick Cain, Paul Harry Adkins
  • Patent number: 7185670
    Abstract: An improved wall faucet, which is to put through the locking ends on both sides of water faucet to connect the locking units and position the water faucet on the shutter of the granite counter; in addition, the locking screw cap would be jointed closely with the non-returning pad after being locked on the locking end of the water faucet to prevent the water's effusion from the locking end. In accordance with the structure, because the locking unit is designed direcly on the locking end to make water can be guided directly and vertically to the locking screw cap and perforation and position the water faucet on the shutter of the granite counter, the interval between the shutter and wall can be shortened properly for saving space and costs in connection materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Chiu-Chih Chung
  • Patent number: 7168743
    Abstract: An apparatus to seal terminal ends of the two half oversized sleeves, positionable on the external circumferential side of affected riser pipes. The apparatus comprises of a pair of flange bodies integral to the two half oversized sleeves and a pair of terminator bodies. Each flange body includes a semi-circular collar with a plurality of bores and a semi-circular lip. The terminator body includes a semi-circular collar with a plurality of bores and a semi-circular recess structured and configured to receive the respective semi-circular lip. Two semi-circular graphite strips are introducible into the semi-circular recess. The terminator body is secured against the flange body by tightening of nuts and bolts introduced between the bores in the flange body and the terminator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignees: Petronas Research & Scientific Services SDN. BHD., Orinippon Trading Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Nagendran A/L C. Nadarajah, Renata Anita De Raj, Leong Kok Hoong
  • Patent number: 7144049
    Abstract: A spherical flange assembly is disclosed. The spherical flange assembly comprises a seat member, a heel member, a seal gland and at least one nut and bold assembly. The seat member includes a concave portion. The heel member includes a convex portion and a seal gland opening. The seal gland is disposed within the seal gland opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Maynard Stangeland, Ronald Urquidi
  • Patent number: 7118139
    Abstract: The invention relates to couplings for fluid flowlines and more particularly to couplings that can be dismantled comprising flanges and a static ball-and-socket joint for use with flowlines having a diameter lying in the range 40 mm to 200 mm and transporting fluids (gases or liquids) of high penetrability, at high temperature of up to 800° C., and at high pressure of up to 450×105 Pa. Teh device comprises a flanged coupling device with a static ball-and socket joint comprising a first coupling member (1) having a conical sealing surface (8), a second coupling member (3) having concave sealing surface (10) of spherical shape, a two-barrier metal gasket (2) disposed between the sealing surface (8, 10) of the first and second coupling members (1, 3), and assembly means (4) for assembling the first and second coupling members (1, 3) together so as to hold the gasket (2) between their respective sealing surfaces (8, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Snecma Moteurs, NPO Energomash
    Inventors: Boris Ivanovitch Katorgin, Vladimir Konstantinovitch Tchvanov, Boris Mikhailovitch Gromyko, Eygueni Mikhailovitch Matveev, Igor Alexandrovitch Mikhaliov, Youri Vassilievitch Mitioukov, Ivan Denissovitch Postnikiov, Olga Nikolaevna Jelezniak
  • Patent number: 7037065
    Abstract: An arrangement for cooling or heating of a flange bolt for turbines comprises one or more boreholes, that extend through the bolt, and inlet and outlet pipes that are connected to each end of the borehole. A cooling or heating medium such as air, steam or any other fluid flows through an inlet pipe into and through the borehole thereby cooling or heating the bolt, and exits from the borehole via an outlet pipe. The cooling or heating arrangement enables direct cooling or heating of the bolt itself and ensures stable bolting forces throughout the operation of the turbine. The flange bolts with this arrangement may be applied to gas turbines or steam turbines operated at elevated steam temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Alstom Technology LTD
    Inventor: Martin Reigl
  • Patent number: 7029037
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for connecting and sealing duct sections is adapted for connecting and sealing round ducts (100), round oval ducts (200), and other commonly used ducts. The apparatus includes first and second connectors. Each connector includes a tubular member (20) having an outside diameter that is incrementally smaller than the inside diameter of the duct to which it is attached. An O-ring (40) carried in an O-ring channel defined in the tubular member makes an air-tight seal with the duct. A radially directed annular flange (50) extends outwardly from an outer end of the tubular member. An outer perimeter of the flange forms a rolled edge (60). A gasket (70) may be carried between the outer surfaces of adjacent flanges of first and second connectors associated with first and second ducts to be joined. Duct sealer (80) may also be carried between the outer surfaces, with or without a gasket. A plurality of fasteners (90) may be used to fasten the flanges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Stamped Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E Poole