Longitudinally Divided Patents (Class 285/373)
  • Patent number: 8505586
    Abstract: A disconnect transfer conduit comprising flexible tubing; a deformable sleeve surrounding a portion of the flexible tubing; wherein the sleeve is attached to the flexible tubing and is formed of a material having plasticity such that pressure applied to the sleeve causes the sleeve to deform about and seal the flexible tubing and upon continued application of pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve and flexible tubing are cut and the sleeve retains a deformed shape substantially sealing the tubing. Also provided is a method of sealing flexible tubing comprising applying pressure to a sleeve attached to flexible tubing to deform the sleeve and seal the tubing; wherein, applying further pressure to the sleeve to cut the sleeve and tubing, thereby leaving the tubing substantially sealed where cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Allpure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Zumbrum
  • Patent number: 8485924
    Abstract: A bicycle chain guide includes a first guide plate, a second guide plate, a first connection part and a second connection part. The first guide plate has a first chain engagement surface and the second guide plate has a second chain engagement to form a chain receiving area. The first and second connection parts extend between the first and second guide plates to connect the first and second guide plates together at first and second spaced locations, respectively. The first connection part is fixed to the first guide plate by a fastener. The first guide plate has a first abutment and the first connection part has a second abutment. The first and second abutments are arranged at a rear end of the chain guide to limit relative movement of the first and second guide plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Fujii, Yoshiaki Nanko
  • Patent number: 8430432
    Abstract: A pipe coupling with an anchoring arrangement for locking the pipes together axially. The anchoring arrangement comprises a tubular casing, a frusto-conical gripping ring with inwardly projecting gripping teeth and tensioning bolts for tightening the casing about the frusto-conical gripping ring. The frusto-conical gripping ring is formed of a plurality of arcuate segments which overlap to form a complete ring. By forming the gripping ring of segments, the gripping ring is able to adapt to pipes that are not truly circular in cross section and a better grip on the pipe may be achieved than with a single-piece gripping ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Taylor Kerr (Couplings) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Richard Webb, Neil John Thornton Taylor
  • Patent number: 8424528
    Abstract: A device used for ventilation includes a ventilation mask that can be connected to a respiratory gas hose. The ventilation mask has a respiratory gas hose coupling that is movably connected by a joint with the base of the ventilation mask. The joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which has an inner part that is shaped like a spherical segment and an outer shell for guiding the inner part. The outer shell is constructed from at least two shell segments that can be connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Weinmann Geräte für Medizin GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Eifler, Gerd Schulz
  • Patent number: 8424925
    Abstract: A pipe repair fitting comprising a mating pair of generally semi-circular segments, each formed by an arcuate wall having arcuate ends, the segment walls carrying compressible seals for sealing two pairs of mating arcuate ends of the segments and sealing on the outer periphery of the pipe, at least one threaded hole in each arcuate wall end, a common bolt threaded into each of the threaded holes of each pair of mating arcuate ends and serving to sustain hoop forces in the fitting imposed by fluid leaking out of the pipe and contained by said seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Pipe Line Development Company
    Inventor: Edward B. Smith
  • Patent number: 8408606
    Abstract: A pipe clamp assembly including a band having an inner annular seal element wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members extending from the band, tightening elements for clamping together the clamp members, the tightening elements passing through holders located at ends of the clamp members, and a keeper fastened to one of the holders at a first end of at least one of the tightening elements, the keeper having a cover portion that lies over the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eliezer Krausz Industrial Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 8360481
    Abstract: A housing pipe joint (1) for connecting a pair of pipes comprising: a pair of housings (3) each including a housing body (4) and a flange portion (5); fitting portions (4a) located in parallel on an inner surface of the housing body to fit with the pipes (P), each fitting portion including one stepped section (4a3) angled diagonally relative to the center axis line (C); and a positioning member (6) on opposed surfaces of the flange portion, the positioning member engaging with the other positioning member to position the housings at a first or a second position when one housing is rotated on a plane about a symmetric point (Sy); at the first position the distance between the opposed fitting portions is the closest and the pipes are movably coupled; and at the second position the distance is the largest and the pipes are fixedly coupled to the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Riken
    Inventor: Syuichi Mikami
  • Patent number: 8292331
    Abstract: A sleeve-shaped anchoring element for pipe couplings sealing pipes, with an essentially cylindrical housing and a sealing element of rubber-elastic material that is arranged in the housing. The anchoring element is arranged in the housing and has individual longitudinal supports connected to each other by means of deformable webs and having a C-shaped longitudinal section. Ends of the longitudinal supports are configured as limbs angled radially inwards. Free ends of the limbs can be brought into engagement with at least one of the pipes when the pipe coupling is clamped. Only one single web is provided between two adjacent longitudinal supports, and the two webs of a longitudinal support are arranged offset with respect to each other in the axial direction for connection to the adjacent longitudinal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Straub Werke AG
    Inventor: Damir Sudar
  • Publication number: 20120217743
    Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly includes a pair of casing members each having a first end including a first continuous exterior surface edge defined by a first radius, and a second end including a second continuous exterior surface edge defined by a second radius. The first radius is smaller than the second radius so that a tapering, continuous, exterior surface extends therebetween. A gasket is to be positioned adjacent first and second pipe sections, and within the pair of casing members. A sleeve has a tapering interior surface to be positioned over the tapering, continuous, exterior surfaces of the pair of casing members. The second end of at least one of the pair of casing members includes a sleeve locking tab extending outwards from the second continuous, exterior surface edge so that the sleeve is lockable in position surrounding the pair of casing members by engagement with the sleeve locking tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: JOSEPH SALVATORE PARISI
  • Patent number: 8210210
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular pipe repair, the method comprising attaching two enclosure halves over a leak in a pipe to assemble a first repair enclosure and determining if another repair enclosure is needed for another leak in the pipe. If another repair enclosure is needed, the method further comprises drilling in the first repair enclosure drill hole passages in selected angled grooves thereof to connect to a primary groove in the enclosure, attaching a second repair enclosure to pipe, drilling in the second repair enclosure drill hole passages in selected angled grooves thereof to connect to the primary groove in the second enclosure, and attaching hub clamps to the first repair enclosure and the second repair enclosure. Finally, the method comprises injecting sealant into a plurality of injection points to fill the selected angled grooves and the primary grooves in the repair enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Colt Services, LP
    Inventors: John W. Clark, Jerry Robb
  • Patent number: 8172277
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a pipe coupling device for joining two pipe segments including a cylindrically shaped gasket for receiving the pipe segments and a cylindrically shaped clamp having a first and second semi-cylindrical segment attached by a hinge that extends along a length of one side each segment parallel to the axis of the cylinder. The clamp includes an inner wall having at least one groove forming a channel aligned in each of the semi-cylindrical segments and extending about the circumference of the inner wall of the clamp. A second side of the semi-cylindrical segments includes flanges that extend radially away from the segments. The flanges include complementary apertures and bolts that are received through the apertures for sealing the flanges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Saro Sarkisyan, Armond Sarkisyan
  • Patent number: 8151828
    Abstract: A pipe-clamping tool (100) comprises a tool body (102) and first and second tool jaws (104, 106). The tool further comprises a bar (110) in threaded engagement with a portion of the tool body. One end of the bar engages with a boss (108) on a side of the first tool jaw opposite the curved surface thereof. The tool jaws may be closed and opened by rotation of a handwheel (112). The first tool jaw has projections (111A, 111B) which engage respective grooves (101A, 101B) on opposite sides of the tool body; together with the bar and boss, these inhibit rotation of the first tool jaw with respect to the tool body. The pipe-clamping tool may be used to stop a leak in a pipe by applying a layer of deformable material around the pipe and clamping it in place using the tool. The tool enables a substantially complete (360°) azimuthal seal around a pipe with only a single operation on the tool (i.e. rotation of the handwheel to close the tool jaws). The tool jaws remain mutually aligned as they are opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Leak Mate Distribution Limited
    Inventor: Carl Trevor Parton
  • Patent number: 8128126
    Abstract: A coupling device formed of two identical sides is disclosed. Each of the two sides have a snap fitting mechanism which engage each other to releasably secure the sides together thereby forming the coupling device. The coupling device as formed has a main body communicating with at least two openings. Each opening is sized to engage an end of a corresponding conduit. Generally, the conduits are corrugated such that the openings engage one corrugation to form the friction fit. The openings may be conically shaped with pre-scored cut lines that can be cut at different diameters to engage conduits of different diameters. The openings of the coupling device have pre-score cut lines that may be cut in order to create the friction fit with corrugated conduits having different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: IPEX Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Poupore, Eric Leclerc Boutin, Younes Youssef
  • Patent number: 8075024
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting a fluid joint. The fluid joint includes confronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members, each of which has a ferrule fixedly attached thereto, and a sleeve circumferentially surrounding the ferrules. The coupling assembly includes a pair of coupling members, a hinge assembly configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position where the coupling members surround the sleeve, a pair of bonding wires, each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members, and a releasable latching assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Wern, Clifton P. Breay, Richard L. Statler, III
  • Patent number: 8070190
    Abstract: A security splicing system of aligned pipes against an expansion and/or contraction thereof due to variations in temperatures, has a flange unit providing a stability and watertightness of a splice, and including a double flange with two identical fastening elements gripping an outer face of an end area of two previously spliced pipes with a watertight connecting flange, so that an accidental displacement of the watertight connecting flange is prevented in an event that dimensions of the end area of the pipes vary due to an expansion or contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: Elisabet Patricia Pires Cabado, Barbara Ines Pires Cabado
  • Patent number: 8056583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sealing means made of a plastically deformable material for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses (2) of elastic material by means of an appliance having at least two jaws, at least one of which is movable towards and away from the other and which, when moving towards each other, crimp the sealing means against the hose (2) for contamination-tight sealing of the same, the sealing means (20) comprises at least one sealing member (4, 4?; 44, 44?; 64, 64?; 74, 74?; 84), which has two opposite ends and an opening (40, 40?) that extends between said ends to allow the at least one sealing member to be slipped onto the hose (2) to be sealed. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a sealing means and an appliance for sealing of hollow hoses and to a method for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Alf Lofving, Jan Davidsson, Anders Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8047577
    Abstract: A hose coupling employs a tailpiece, a sleeve and collar to prevent the hose to be removed from the coupling. The tailpiece includes an exterior having: a first sinusoidally shaped (in cross-section), partially diamond shaped knurled contour, and, a cylindrically shaped interior. The sleeve includes an interior second sinusoidally shaped contour reciprocal to the first undulating contour of the tailpiece. The sleeve includes first and second halves each having two sets of fingers which interengage the fingers of the other half. A hose is disposed between the sleeve and the tailpiece and the hose includes a grounding wire which engages the collar or the sleeve. The collar includes first and second halves and each of the halves of the collar interengage the sleeve urging the sleeve against the hose compressing the hose against the contour of the tail piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: All-American Hose LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Zeiber
  • Patent number: 8042839
    Abstract: The invention relates to a joining arrangement for connecting a pipe to a system, especially a hydraulic clutch disengagement system. The joining arrangement comprises a joining member which can be fixed to a final section of the pipe and is to be connected to an opposite piece that is fastened to the system. The joining member positively embraces at least one radially prominent protrusion of the pipe for fastening purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Rammhofer, Urban Panther
  • Patent number: 8042816
    Abstract: The invention relates to the external sealing and joining of piping. More particularly, the invention provides an improved seal profile which is suitable for use inside pipe couplings. The invention provides a twin-lip seal profile particularly useful in combination with a pipe coupling, the seal comprising: a substantially flat base element, having a first (inner) face and a second (outer) face and two outer edges. Two spaced-apart support blocks projecting upwardly from the first face of the base element, each support block having an outer and an inner face. Two lip members projecting from the outer edges of the base element, the lip members overlapping and resting on the closest support block and leaving a hollow space between the base element, the lip member and the outer face of the support block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Eliezer Krausz Industrial Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 8020898
    Abstract: A band clamp that connects overlapping pipe ends includes a band, a tightening mechanism, and a gasket. The band has a radially protruding rib, a first lateral section that extends from a side of the rib, and a second lateral section that extends from another side of the rib. The tightening mechanism connects to the band and is operable to tighten the band, and the gasket is received in the rib. In one example, an axial width of the lateral sections are within a range relative to an axial width of the rib, and in another example, the lateral sections are angled inwardly with relative to an axis of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7938457
    Abstract: A connection assembly for a hose end. The assembly includes a fitting, a connector, and a shell formed of a pair of closable halves. The a fitting includes a nipple having a first end insertable in the hose end and a second end, a flange surrounding the nipple, and a sleeve disposed over the nipple first end. With the hose end being inserted between the sleeve and the nipple, the second nipple end being slidably received coaxially in the connector, and the shell halves being closed over the fitting with the flange being received in a first cavity portion thereof, and with the connector being received in a second cavity of the shell, the fitting is slidably movable in the shell responsive to fluid pressure from a release position to a locked position wherein the flange interferingly engages the first cavity portion preventing the shell halves from being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Weinhandl, Maxim Levin
  • Patent number: 7887097
    Abstract: Coupling device for a fluid circuit in a motor vehicle, the device including: a functional member of a plastic material that is provided with two or more types of connection, at least one of which includes a manually-accessible member projecting from the outside surface of the functional member; and a protective metal housing formed by two shells joined by a seam around the functional member, the housing being provided with a window giving access to the manually-accessible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Legris SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Blivet
  • Patent number: 7837239
    Abstract: A pipe coupling including an annular clamp having an opening at least one end of its axial length for inserting therein a pipe, the annular clamp including two clamp members, an annular inclined surface extending axially from each of the clamp members, a wedge-shaped gripper arranged for sliding and abutting against the annular inclined surface, and a fastener that fastens the clamp members towards each other in a direction transverse to the axial length so as to apply a radially-inward clamping force on the pipe inserted in the opening and a radially-inward clamping force on the annular inclined surface that moves and wedges the wedge-shaped gripper in an axial direction between the annular inclined surface and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Krausz Industries Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7798535
    Abstract: A pipe clamp for reinforcing a welded joint between two pipes, having a plurality of circumferential clamp segments that are bolted together around the joint. One axial end of the clamp has circumferentially extended ridges that project inward and seat in corresponding circumferential grooves in a pipe on one side of the joint. The other axial end of the clamp has circumferentially spaced fingers that extend inward and fit into corresponding pockets on the other side of the weld joint. Either or both the ridges or the fingers have a taper whose cross-section reduces in an inward direction and fits in complimentary grooves or pockets on either side of the joint. The taper forces the opposite sides of the weld joint toward each other as the clamp segments are tightened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Co. LLC
    Inventor: Gregory L. Calhoun
  • Patent number: 7789434
    Abstract: A concave bearing surface for use with lugs of pipe coupling segments and a method of joining pipe ends. The concave bearing surface is positioned on the lug and surrounds an aperture which receives a fastener attaching the coupling segments together end to end surrounding pipe ends to be joined. Either the nut or the head of the fastener that engages the concave surface may be rotated to tighten the fastener. Engagement between the concave surface and the rotating member reduces the torque required to tighten the fastener and effect a stiff, fluid tight joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William A. Nagle, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7748753
    Abstract: A band coupling for straight line interconnection of flangeless pipes and a built in pipe grip mechanism to resist axial separation forces is provided. The band-clamp coupling comprises an outer housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the walls thereof facing the center of the pipes, and a low-wall inner channel fitting into the outer channel. The inner channel being provided with spaced-apart inwardly-facing projection adjacent to each of the inner channel walls, each projection having a first sloping side axially facing the line of pipe abutment and a second sloping side axially facing away from the line of pipe abutment. A sloped internally-toothed grip washer is disposed along each of the projection second sides; and a seal member is disposed inside the inner channel and extending along the major portion of the width thereof to abut both the first sides axially facing the line of pipe abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Krausz Industries Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7735875
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device that secures a first pipe to a second pipe. The pipe coupling device includes a collet disposed within a collar having a fastening mechanism. The collet includes a first collet portion that interlocks with a second collet portion to form a seal that fastens the first pipe securely to the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Jimenez
  • Patent number: 7722087
    Abstract: A coupling for joining pipe elements in end to end relation is disclosed. The coupling includes interconnectable coupling segments having connection members at opposite ends. The connection members are tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Each segment has a concavity positioned between inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces that engage grooves in the pipe elements. The concavities house a sealing member that extends circumferentially around the pipe elements. Angularly oriented surfaces are positioned adjacent to the connection members. The surfaces on facing segments engage one another and cause the segments to rotate in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the pipe elements. The concavities are angularly oriented with respect to the axis so that when the segments rotate, the cavities receive the sealing member without distorting it. A method of joining pipe elements end to end is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, William A. Nagle, John W. Pierce, William M. McPoyle
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100117360
    Abstract: Apparatus for joining a first conduit to a second conduit comprising a first coupler for attachment to an end of the first conduit, a second coupler for attachment to an end of the second conduit and for engagement to the first coupler, and a snap-fit fastener for fastening the first coupler to the second coupler. The snap-fit fastener is arranged in at least two portions to fit around the periphery of the first and second couplers when the first and second couplers are engaged. The apparatus enables relative movement between the first coupler and the second coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Sun Chan
  • Publication number: 20100102549
    Abstract: A pipe coupling and gasket, a pipe coupling system, and installation method for joining and sealing adjoining pipes having different outer diameters. The gasket including three flanges extending radially inward, with the middle flange acting as a fulcrum against the outer surface of the larger pipe to cause distension of the opening of the gasket receiving the smaller pipe, to permit easy entry of the smaller pipe into the gasket. The gasket is then slid over the larger pipe so that the middle flange slips over the edge of the larger pipe to relax the opening of the gasket receiving the smaller pipe. The middle flange can also form a sealing surface on the outer diameter surfaces of the larger pipe or on both the larger and smaller pipes. The middle flange can also form a sealing surface against the radially extending end surface of the larger pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph G. Radzik
  • Patent number: 7690698
    Abstract: An improved system and method for facilitating pipe and conduit coupling comprises a clamp having at least one screw hole for insertion therethrough of at least one screw for insertion for a further clamp for being screwed to fasten the clamps together on ends of pipes to be coupled, at least one gasket between the clamps and pipe and including at least one retainer to engage with the screw to prevent the screw from displacement prior to being screwed into fastening relationship with the gasket and the pipe. An improved method for facilitating pipe coupling comprises providing clamps fastenable together around ends of pipes, a gasket to be placed between the clamps and the pipe ends and providing at least one retainer to engage the screw to prevent it from being displaced through a screw hole prior to fastening the clamps around the pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Shapco Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Curran
  • Publication number: 20100072749
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for clamping together two support members of, for example, a roll bar or roll cage assembly, a method for assembling a roll bar or roll cage assembly using such a clamp assembly, and a clamp device that is part of the clamp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: ORIC HOLDING, L.P.
    Inventor: Bret VOELKEL
  • Publication number: 20100059990
    Abstract: A fitting includes a body having at least two portions coupled together to form a body having a passage through the body. The passage allows at least a portion of a conduit to be located at least substantially lengthwise within the body. A first seal is located on the passage wall proximate a first end of the body. A second seal is located on the passage wall proximate a second end of the body. A translatable ring is located on the passage wall between the first and second seals. The ring moves along the passage wall when the first seal is activated so that the second seal is activated. The first and second seals provide a seal in the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Fred L. Avery, Bruce E. Morris
  • Patent number: 7665773
    Abstract: Improved self-tightening clamp assemblies 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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: James W. Jones, Meir Snir, Hooshang Jozavi, Herschel Evans, Nasbi Guzman, Mike Litschewski, Chris Cha, Rick Larson
  • Patent number: 7661731
    Abstract: An apparatus according to which the apparatus includes a pair of connected arcuate members for clamping around a pipe, with each arcuate member including at least one protrusion. The arcuate members have a first material hardness and at least a portion of the at least one protrusion has a second material hardness that is greater than the first material hardness so that the portion penetratingly engages the pipe when the arcuate members are clamped around the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: EBAA Iron, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl Terence Bradley
  • Patent number: 7654587
    Abstract: A preassembled mechanical pipe coupling having spacers is disclosed. The coupling has a plurality of interconnectable segments that straddle the ends of pipe elements to be joined. The segments have arcuate surfaces that engage outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Spacers, positioned between the segments, maintain them in spaced apart relation sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted between the segments. The segments have adjustably tightenable connection members for connecting the segments and drawing them to one another. When the connection members are tightened and the effect of the spacers is overcome, the arcuate surfaces are brought into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7591055
    Abstract: A preassembled mechanical pipe coupling for joining pipe elements in end-to-end relationship is disclosed. The coupling is formed from a plurality of interconnectable segments that are initially maintained in spaced apart relation. The segments have arcuate surfaces that project inwardly. Connection members in the form of lugs and fasteners are mounted on the segments. The connection members are adjustably tightenable for drawing the coupling segments together and forcing the arcuate surfaces into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Notches are formed at ends of the arcuate surfaces to provide clearance allowing the pipe elements to be inserted between the segments when they are in the pre-assembled, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole, Michael S. Pigott
  • Patent number: 7571940
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved coupling having an innovative pipe grip preventing inadvertent separation of the two items being coupled. The improved releasable band-clamp coupling comprises a central housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the housing being curved to be larger than the outer diameter of a pipe, two curved outer clamp members each configured to contact a wall of the housing and to support a ring seal member and to support a sloped mechanical grip ring, there being further provided proximate to the ends of the curved outer clamp members a pair of substantially parallel pair of clamping extensions, and a sloped internally-toothed grip ring comprising a plurality of spaced-apart wedge-shaped gripper units, each unit being connected to both adjacent gripper units by a flexible element to complete said grip ring; and screw clamping elements in contact with said clamping extensions to reduce the distance between said substantially parallel clamping extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Krausz Metal Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7549681
    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 recess is formed in the bore at the end of each of the tubular members. A seal ring extends into each of the conical recesses. A clamp with two halves, each with cam surfaces that engage the flanges and pull the tubular members axially toward each other. Bolts extend from one clamp half into the other. A retainer ring on each bolt retains the bolts with one of the clamp halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Matzner
  • Patent number: 7497485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe joint which provides a seal after joining pipes, thus preventing water from leaking. The pipe joint includes a body part (10) and a coupling part (20). The pipe joint further includes a locking means (30) to couple both ends of the body part (10) to each other, and a reinforcing unit (40) which is reduced in thickness at both ends thereof. The pipe joint further includes sealing units (11) and (41) which are provided inside the body part (10) and the reinforcing unit (40). In the pipe joint of the present invention, the body part and the coupling parts comprise an integrated plate. As such, the pipe joint of the present invention greatly affects both producers and consumers due to its economic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Byung-moo An
  • Patent number: 7490871
    Abstract: A pipe clamp for connecting two pipe ends together. The pipe clamp includes a clamp component in the form of an open band of metal extending from a first flange to a second flange. A sleeve is located within the band, and the pipe clamp includes a tightening mechanism for drawing the two flanges together to tighten the clamp. The clamp and sleeve components each have first and second openings that are aligned with the openings in the other component. These openings are sized to receive a button located on the outer surface of each of the pipe ends to thereby allow the clamp to be loosely attached to the pipe ends prior to tightening of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandar Avram, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7475919
    Abstract: A pipe clamp which includes an open band of metal, a pair of opposed flanges located at the open ends of the band, and a tightening mechanism for drawing the flanges together. Each flange extends radially from a body portion of the band to a loop formed by a portion of the band material folded back onto itself. The flanges each have an aperture at a location intermediate the loop and the body portion to accept a fastener for tightening of the band. The loops are disposed adjacent each other such that the flanges are separated by a gap that is greater at the apertures than at the loops. One or both of the flanges can have a slot that extends into the body portion of the band so that the slotted flange comprises two flange portions that can be tightened somewhat independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Bruno Hiernard, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7464728
    Abstract: A two-part housing grips and surrounds a portion of a pipe, with ports at first and second ends of the housing through which the pipe extends. An annular end seal of elastomeric material at each end of the housing provides a seal between the pipe and housing. The end seals each have one slit for allowing the seals to be engaged transversely over the pipe. Each port has an annular recess for enclosing the respective end seals. The cross-sectional area of each end seal in a relaxed condition is greater than the cross sectional area defined between the outer surface of the pipe and the annular recess in the housing when the housing is closed around the pipe, so that the end seals are squeezed between the opposing surfaces of the pipe and housing when the two parts of the housing are secured around the pipe. Face seals extend between the end seals on opposite sides of the housing to seal the intersection between the two housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Patent number: 7464971
    Abstract: Pipe fittings, used in joining abutting ends of two pipe sections, comprise a pair of semi-cylindrical members that are adapted to fit around and engage the periphery of opposed ends of the two abutting ends of the pipe sections. Longitudinal edges of the two semi-cylindrical members are formed so as to mate with one another to form a mechanical means of locking the semi-cylindrical members together in tight engagement with the ends of the pipes. Each of the semicylindrical members has a seal mechanism formed of a resilient, elastomeric material which forms a mechanical, water-tight seal between the mutually respective pair of semi-cylindrical members as well as the opposite ends of the pipes to which the pair of semi-cylindrical members have been attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Lavon Bennett
  • Publication number: 20080211229
    Abstract: Two pipes ends with circumferential grooves are held rigid by a housing-type coupling with angled keys relative the central transverse plane of the coupling. Upon installation of the coupling, the angled keys engage both the inner groove wall nearest the pipe end and the outer groove wall farthest from the pipe end to hold the pipes rigidly without longitudinal, angular and rotational movement. The coupling advantageously installs in a position with both coupling halves' central transverse planes aligned with no, or very little, rotation, thereby preventing twisting of the internal gasket, which effects the gasket seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Howard Hagiya
  • Patent number: 7416227
    Abstract: Repair apparatus in the form of a tubular member composed of a semi-tubular lower section and a semi-tubular upper section which engage along the side edges. The semi-tubular sections have flared ends which surround the ends of a discontinuous conduit which have been severed to remove a damaged conduit section. The method of repairing a damaged conduit includes the step of applying an adhesive along the flared ends and edges of the semi-tubular sections for placement on the ends of the discontinuous conduit to form a tight, water-proof seal to encase electrical wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: William C. Earnest
  • Patent number: 7410192
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in connecting a pair of automotive exhaust pipe ends each having a circumferential rib. The pipe coupler includes a ribbed band and internal split sealing sleeve along with a tightening mechanism for clamping the band and sleeve over the pipe ends. The sealing sleeve fits within the band and both the sleeve and band have a pair of ribs positioned to fit over the ribs on the pipe ends. The sleeve extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end, and includes a tongue-and-groove sealing configuration located axially inwardly of the ribs at the first and second ends. Each tongue has a particular construction that accommodates larger clamp opening dimensions required to fit the coupler over the pipe ribs during assembly. The sleeve can include inwardly protruding sealing beads that help prevent leakage of exhaust gases from the pipe junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure, Alan Polaski, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 7401819
    Abstract: A preassembled mechanical pipe coupling having spacers is disclosed. The coupling has a plurality of interconnectable segments that straddle the ends of pipe elements to be joined. The segments have arcuate surfaces that engage outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Spacers, positioned between the segments, maintain them in spaced apart relation sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted between the segments. The segments have adjustably tightenable connection members for connecting the segments and drawing them to one another. When the connection members are tightened and the effect of the spacers is overcome, the arcuate surfaces are brought into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: John Gibb, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7396053
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (11) comprises a tubular casing (12) and a sealing gasket (13), which fit over the ends of the pipes to be coupled. The casing (12) is formed from a strip of rolled steel into a cylindrical shape, with a longitudinal gap (14). The free ends of the strip, which forms the casing, are bent outwardly to form radially projecting flange (15) along opposite edges of the longitudinal gap (14). The outer ends of the flanges (15) are bent back at right angles to form stiffening flanges (16) along the longitudinal outer edges of the flanges (15). A bridging member (18) fits inside the casing so as to span the longitudinal gap. Tensioning screw bolts (25) pass through reinforcing plate's (20) and the flange (15). A hexagonal nut (34) is threaded onto the end of each screw bolt. The nuts fit into the channel but are prevented from turning. The heads (35) of the bolts have a hexagonal recess to take an Allen key so that they can be tightened to clamp the coupling around the pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Kerr (Couplings) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Richard Webb, Neil John Thornton Taylor