Simultaneous Patents (Class 285/382.2)
  • Patent number: 11927233
    Abstract: A leaf spring device includes a plurality of leaf springs, in which a restricting protrusion is provided on one leaf spring, a recessed part is formed on the other leaf spring, a first side surface of the restricting protrusion and a third side surface of the recessed part face each other in a plate width direction, a second side surface of the restricting protrusion and a fourth side surface of the recessed part face each other in the plate width direction, a first inclined surface is formed on one of the first and third side surfaces to be further away from the other thereof from a central portion toward a first direction, and a second inclined surface is formed on one of the second and fourth side surfaces to be further away from the other thereof from the central portion toward a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Eguchi, Yusuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 11898664
    Abstract: A universal pipe connection system includes a fitting with a tubular body and an annular bulge defining an annular groove on the inner side of a tubular body, which houses a sealing gasket. The tubular body receives the end portion of a pipe so that a pressing tool having opposite pressing jaws can engage the tubular body and generate a circumferential band adjacent to the bulge by mechanically clamping the tubular body in the circumferential and axial directions and causing a deformation of the annular bulge, which presses the gasket, and generates a seal between the tubular body and the end of the pipe inserted therein. The annular bulge and the corresponding annular groove have a geometry and size adapted to cooperate with two different types of pressing tools, one with a M profile and one with a V profile, which may be present in the alternative or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventors: Silvio Pozzetti, Stefano Nosé
  • Patent number: 11174968
    Abstract: A pipe connecting apparatus includes: a connector including a large diameter part having a hollow, into which a pipe is inserted, therein and in which at least any one of opposite ends of the hollow has a larger inner diameter such that an accommodation space is formed inside the one end of the hollow, and a pressing part continuously formed along a lengthwise direction of the large diameter part in a direction in which the pipe is inserted, having a smaller diameter than the large diameter part, and formed to surround an outer peripheral surface of the pipe; a ring-shaped sealing member provided in the accommodation space and surrounding the pipe on the outside of the pipe; and a grip member provided in the accommodation space to be adjacent to the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: JUNGWOO METAL IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kwang Won Lee
  • Patent number: 10907587
    Abstract: A turbo duct is disclosed that includes a primary body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and an internal air passageway that communicates therebetween. An anti-crush ring is operably associated with at least one of the inlet and outlet ends. The inlet and outlet ends of the primary body are dimensioned to receive a cuff for connection of the turbo duct within an engine assembly. The anti-crush ring is situated on an outside surface of the turbo duct so as to form an intermediate anti-crush structure between the contact surfaces of the turbo duct and the cuff attached thereto. Also provided is a process for manufacturing the turbo duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: ABC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Michael Stemm, Danny Cacciacarro, Stanley S. Marosek, Scott A. Wellman
  • Patent number: 10539257
    Abstract: A fitting for use with metal, corrugated tubing having peaks and valleys, the fitting includes a nut configured to receive the tubing; a sealing member for placement in a valley of the tubing, the sealing member including a sealing surface; and an adaptor configured to be press fit into the nut, the adaptor including an adaptor sealing surface; wherein upon assembly, the adaptor is press fit into the nut and the tubing is compressed between the adaptor sealing surface and the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: OMEGA FLEX INC.
    Inventor: Dean W. Rivest
  • Patent number: 10145420
    Abstract: A joint structure includes a shaft member and a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member includes a plurality of first crimped portions crimped along a plurality of axial grooves provided in an axial direction of the shaft member, respectively, and a second crimped portion which fits the axial grooves and is crimped along a circumferential groove, the circumferential groove being provided on a circumferential surface of the shaft member by reducing a diameter of an axially intermediate portion of the cylindrical member in a radial direction. Each of the first crimped portions project from an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member as a projection. A position of a tip of the projection in an axis direction of the projection is set displaced from a position of a lowest point of the circumferential groove such that the tip is not located at the lowest point of the circumferential groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawahara, Sumio Sugita
  • Patent number: 9976395
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore, using expandable tubular to form a sealed connection. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to forming a seal between a radially expanded tubular and a receptacle, wherein annular-shaped, radially extending protrusions are present between the tubular and the receptacle to form a durable sealed connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Paul Noffke
  • Patent number: 9964241
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first fitting to a second fitting to provide a fluid coupling between the first fitting and the second fitting includes providing a first fitting having an exterior surface; providing a second fitting having an interior surface and an annular groove provided on the interior surface; positioning the first fitting at least partially within the second fitting; and deforming the first fitting in a generally annular direction to form an annular ridge extending at least partially into the annular groove to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Keltech, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Lutz, Larry Hartman
  • Patent number: 9587729
    Abstract: A press connection which includes a carrier and at least one sleeve-shaped structural component of sheet metal seated at least with a press seat on the carrier. At least one indentation is formed on the surface of the carrier and the indentation is at least covered by at least one wall section of the sleeve-shaped structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Baier, Andreas Ziegler, Otmar Weber
  • Patent number: 9580981
    Abstract: An improved liner hanger system is disclosed. The improved liner hanger system comprises a liner hanger positioned within a casing. The liner hanger comprises a spiked portion having one or more spikes, wherein the spikes comprise a flat portion. At least one of the one or more spikes is expandable and the flat portion of each of the one or more spikes interfaces with the casing when the spike is in the expanded position. A liner is coupled to the liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Allan Zhong, Daniel Keith Moeller
  • Patent number: 9400068
    Abstract: A pipe connection accessory 1 comprising a sleeve 4 designed to be crimped onto one end of a pipe tube and designed to engage at least indirectly with another pipe element, is characterized in that that surface 4A of the sleeve which is intended to come into crimped contact with the end of the tube comprises an adhesive-coated portion 10 comprising an adhesive made up of at least two components, one of which is encapsulated. This adhesive-coated portion is advantageously set back, preferably with projecting collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: PERMASWAGE
    Inventors: Stephane Heraud, Christian Bernardot, Daniel Lecroc
  • Patent number: 9291072
    Abstract: A journal housing including a series of housing threads defined on an outer radial surface. The series of housing threads may be adapted to threadably engage a series of casing threads defined on an inner radial surface of a casing. A shoulder may extend radially-outward from the outer radial surface, and the shoulder may be disposable axially-adjacent the casing and adapted to receive at least one first mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: Andrew J. Ranz
  • Patent number: 9249907
    Abstract: A fitting (1) for connecting a pipe which includes a hollow body (2) made in one piece, which extends in a pipe insertion direction (X) about a longitudinal axis (L). The hollow body (2) includes at least one pressing section (3), which can be plastically deformed in a radial direction (Y) using a press tool (4), which can be attached prior to pressing and which can be detached after pressing. The pressing section (3) includes a circumferential bead (5), which projects outwardly in a radial direction, and which, on the inside, forms a groove (5a) for accommodating a sealing ring. The pressing section (3) further includes at least two cutting blades (6, 7), one arranged upstream of the bead (5) and one arranged downstream from the bead (5), relative to the pipe insertion direction (X). A sufficiently tight sealing is thus ensured, even when using a lead and nickel-free alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: VIEGA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Reiner Mester
  • Patent number: 9200604
    Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines. The fuel injector includes an electromagnetic actuating element having a solenoid coil, a core and a valve cover as external solenoid circuit component, and a movable valve-closure element, which cooperates with a valve-seat surface assigned to a valve-seat body. The core and a connection pipe are fixedly connected in an inner opening of a thin-walled valve sleeve by being pressed into place, and the valve cover at the outer circumference of the valve sleeve is firmly connected to the valve sleeve by being pressed onto it. The firm press-fitted connection of in each case two of these metallic components of the fuel injector is characterized by the fact that at least one of the partner components has in its press-fitting region a structure with score marks, and/or the particular press-fitting region has an intake rounding in at least one transition to an adjoining component section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Marc-Jean Derenthal, Wolfgang Koschwitz, Johann Bayer
  • Patent number: 9145992
    Abstract: A crimp fitting comprises a metal tube wall that forms both a cylindrical tube portion and an adjacent annular O-ring channel portion. The tube wall has a first wall thickness along the cylindrical tube portion and a second wall thickness along at least part of the O-ring channel portion. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. The cylindrical tube portion and O-ring channel are configured and adapted to encircle a cylindrical end portion of a tube when such end portion of the tube is inserted into the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Cerro Flow Products LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Arment, Michael Joseph Duggan, Forrest Nixon, Michael J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8925978
    Abstract: An assembly may include a fitting, a first pipe, and a first seal. The fitting may include an annular body having a first insertion end and an inner diametrical surface having a first knurled portion disposed adjacent the first insertion end. The first pipe may include a first end portion that is received into the first insertion end of the body and an outer diametrical surface including knurls formed thereon. The knurls of the outer diametrical surface may engage the first knurled portion of the fitting. The first seal element may be disposed within the fitting and may sealingly engage the first pipe and the fitting body. The engagement between the inner diametrical surface of the fitting and the outer diametrical surface of the pipe may a press fit and/or an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy L. Jamison, Kevin Neil Young, Robert McKenzie, Marcus Robert Elmer
  • Patent number: 8870237
    Abstract: A fitting for coupling with a pipe in a sour environment includes a coupling body, a ring positioned to fit over an end of the coupling body, a main seal formed on an inner surface of the coupling body, a transition section positioned adjacent the main seal, an inboard seal formed on an inner surface of the coupling body, and an outboard seal formed on an inner surface of the coupling body. The transition section is formed as an indentation on the inner surface of the coupling body and has a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter, with the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. When the ring is fitted over the at least one end of the coupling body via force, the ring and coupling body apply a coupling force to the main seal, the outboard seal and the inboard seal to connect the pipe to the coupling body in a non-leaking manner. The fitting is made of a low alloy carbon steel material. The main seal includes a first seal, a second seal, and a third seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lokring Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Mark John Sindelar
  • Patent number: 8783735
    Abstract: A method for improving conductance on hydraulic fittings by incorporating a soft metal interlayer between the fitting and a hydraulic tube, wherein the soft metal interlayer is located in an area where the fitting engages the hydraulic tube upon swaging or installation under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eddie Kwon, Michael E. Rorabaugh, Benjamin A. Johnson, James P. Irwin, Robert E. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8745872
    Abstract: A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100?, 100?) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Hein, Alexander Kogan, Jens Keller
  • Publication number: 20130292939
    Abstract: A fitting for thick-walled pipes, having a contact region and a pressing region, the pressing region being arranged on the side of the contact region facing towards the pipe insertion opening, and the wall thickness in the pressing region being at least in sections less than the wall thickness in the contact region. The invention also relates to a method for producing a fitting for thick-walled pipes, in which a thick-walled pipe is radially widened in a fitting region arranged at one pipe end so that the internal diameter of the fitting region corresponds substantially to the external diameter of the pipe and the wall thickness in the fitting region corresponds substantially to the wall thickness of the rest of the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Ulrich Arning, Bernd Koschig
  • Patent number: 8550504
    Abstract: A fluid fitting for attachment to a tube includes a cylindrical first sleeve having a tapered outer end surface and an inner surface defining an axial bore for receiving the tube. A cylindrical second sleeve creates an annular space for receiving the tube between the first and second sleeves when the second sleeve is placed within the axial bore. The axial bore has substantially equal diameter throughout. A swage ring has a tapered inner surface that axially swages the swage ring to the first sleeve, second sleeve and tube. A first sleeve shoulder restricts axial movement of the swage ring. A first portion protrudes from the inner surface of the first sleeve to restrict axial movement of the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Designed Metal Connections, Inc.
    Inventor: May Danhash
  • Patent number: 8490261
    Abstract: A method for the pressing of a press fitting, with a tube inserted into the press fitting, by means of a pressing tool, wherein the press fitting has an encircling bead in which an O-sealing ring is placed, wherein the tube ends within the press fitting and a first pressing is carried out within the bead, wherein, furthermore, a further pressing is carried out on the tube-insert side of the press fitting at a distance from the bead, the further pressing leading to the press fitting and the tube obtaining a conicity which prevents them from being pulled off and runs in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Gustav Klauke GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Frenken, Frank Wilsdorf, Michael Schmitz, Stefan Wascheszio, Ulrich Meyer
  • Patent number: 8177262
    Abstract: An expandable tubular connection includes a pin member and a box member. The pin member includes a pin thread formed on a small step and a large step and a first seal surface formed between the small step and the large step. The box member includes a box thread formed on a small step and a large step and a second seal surface formed between the small step and the large step. The pin thread and the box thread are wedge threads. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member a selected gap exists between the first seal surface and the second seal surface. The gap is selected such that, when plastically radially expanded by a selected amount, a seal is formed between at least a portion of the first seal surface and the second seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hydril Company LP
    Inventors: Robert S. Sivley, IV, Gary W. Ward, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8146960
    Abstract: An assembly including two symmetrically-disposed expandable threaded tubular joints. The joints including a male tubular element at one end of a tube and equipped with a male thread, a first annular lip having a first axially abutting surface, a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and a second abutting surface; and a female tubular element equipped with a female thread, a second annular lip having a third abutting surface, a second outer surface and a second inner surface, and a third inner surface and a fourth axially abutting surface which, together with the second outer surface, defines an annular housing homologous to the corresponding first lip. The two female tubular elements form two opposing ends of a female/female-type sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Laurent Dubedout, Benoît Duquesne, Eric Verger
  • Patent number: 8136216
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 8100438
    Abstract: An exhaust system of a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to an inner exhaust pipe that is inserted into an outer exhaust pipe in an overlap region, and the two exhaust pipes are crimped in the overlap region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Manfred Grimm
  • Publication number: 20120007359
    Abstract: A hose coupling and method of manufacturing same are disclosed. The hose coupling includes a stem to which is staked a ferrule. The stem includes a radially inwardly directed groove into which a radially inwardly directed wedge of the ferrule is staked. The wedge includes a width that is greater than the width of the groove before staking. Moreover, the groove includes a bottom surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a first angle, while the wedge includes an inner surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a second angle. The first and second angles are not parallel but within five degrees of one another. The stem and ferrule form at least six distinct regions of surface contact to guard against rotation of the ferrule relative to the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron T. Brill
  • Patent number: 8056940
    Abstract: A pipe connector comprises a tubular pin member having a frustoconical outer surface and a tubular box member having a frustoconical inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the pin member and which overlies the frustoconical surface of the pin member when the members are fully engaged. The members are provided with inter-engageable annular projections and grooves on the said peripheral surfaces for axially locking the members together when they are fully engaged together. The projections and grooves are spaced apart along the surfaces. The inner tubular surface of the pin member and an outer tubular surface of the box member each include at least one of a recess and/or a protrusion/radially enlarged section which reduces and/or increases the thickness of the tubular wall along the length of the associated member so as to balance the displacement of the members at different points along the length thereof under injection pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Oil States Industries (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: David James Edward Morgan, David Malcolm Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8042842
    Abstract: A tubular joint, with a first male tubular element, with a male thread, a first annular lip, with a first axial abutting surface, a first internal surface, a section of a first external surface, a second abutting surface and a second female tubular element, with a female thread, matching the male thread, a second annular lip, with a third abutting surface, a second external surface, arranged to face the first internal surface, a second internal surface and a fourth axial abutting surface, supporting the first abutting surface and defining, in particular with the second external surface, an annular housing, matching the first lip. The second and third abutting surfaces being conical with effectively identical inclines and which permit generating a first radial sealing contact of the first internal surface or external surface against the second external surface, or the third internal surface, and, with expansion, provides a second sealing contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Laurent Dubedout, Benoit Duquesne, Eric Verger, Gregory Molins
  • Publication number: 20110215567
    Abstract: A hose fitting assembly is provided, wherein the components are operably engaged with a length of hose to form a sacrificial construction. An end fitting having an insertion stem is disposed within a portion of the hose, wherein a clamping sleeve receiving a length of the hose threadingly engages the end fitting. A swaging collar is slide along the hose to threadingly engage the clamping sleeve, such that complete threaded engagement of the swaging collar and the clamping sleeve circumferentially compress and deform a portion of the clamping sleeve to clamp a portion of the hose intermediate the clamping sleeve and the insertion stem, and partially deformed threads on at least one of the clamping sleeve and the swaging collar. The hose fitting assembly can cooperatively engage a flexible high pressure metal braided hose, wherein the metal braid is formed of a less than full tensile strength steel, such as half hard stainless steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MAGNUM SHIELDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott L. Hurwitz, Chad S. Conklin, Mark L. Frisicano
  • Patent number: 8011698
    Abstract: A tubular joint in which radial expansion caused by the passage of an expander, inclined shoulder fittings formed respectively on a peripheral surface of the female element facing radially inwards and on a peripheral surface of the male element facing radially outwards, are subjected to a relative axial displacement towards each other to be urged into sealed mutual contact with radial interference. The tubular joint is, for example, useful in hydrocarbon wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Eric Verger, Albert Bruneau, Antoine Durand
  • Patent number: 7954861
    Abstract: A tubing termination comprises a termination portion adapted to make a fluid connection and a tube attachment portion, adapted to receive a tube and to be crimped or swaged. The tube attachment portion comprises a retention mechanism that is adapted to be manipulated during crimping or swaging to bite the tube so as to lock the tube attachment portion relative to the tube. This retention mechanism may take the form of a deformable bite ring, a deflectable c-insert, irregularities defined on an inner surface of the tube attachment portion, and/or the like. The tube attachment portion also may include a resilient sealing mechanism adapted to provide a seal between the tube and the tube attachment portion, and thereby a fluid-tight connection between the tube and the termination portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan C. Swift, Todd A. Eyster, Geoffrey R. Keast, Donald R. Gilbreath
  • Patent number: 7931311
    Abstract: An expandable tubular joint including a male element with a male thread, a first annular lip having a first axially abutting surface, a first inner surface and a first outer surface, and a second abutting surface; and a female element with a female thread, a second annular lip having a third abutting surface, a second outer surface and a second inner surface, and a third inner surface and a fourth axially abutting surface which, together with the second outer surface, defines a first annular housing. The male tubular element includes a local added thickness at a fourth inner surface projecting out from the second abutting surface. After screwing, the first lip is housed in the annular housing and the abutting surfaces rest against one another, in order to enable the formation of an annular shoulder at the first outer surface during diametral expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Laurent Dubedout, Benoit Duquesne, Eric Verger
  • Patent number: 7823932
    Abstract: A press fitting arrangement includes a sealing ring to be housed within a bead of a press fitting into which a tube is to be inserted. There is at least one gap between the press fitting together with the sealing ring and the tube which is closed by pressing at least one portion of the press fitting. The sealing ring has at least one first portion along the majority of its circumference. Each first portion of the sealing ring has an outside diameter (SOD1) prior to fitment into the press fitting bead which is larger than the inside bead diameter (BID) and an inside diameter (SID1) prior to the insertion of the tube which is less than the tube outside diameter (TOD). Additionally, the sealing ring has at least one pair of diametrically opposing second portions, each second portion of the sealing ring comprising a recess between the two projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: IBP Conex Limited
    Inventors: Steven Paul Webb, Alan Richard Glaze
  • Publication number: 20100253066
    Abstract: A coupling installed by crimping has an angularly oriented conical surface at an open end surrounded by a ring which receives a pipe element. Dies move radially toward the coupling on jaws of a crimping tool and engage the conical surface along a single line of contact to effect a crimp which secures the coupling to the pipe. The radially applied force has radial and axial components. The radial component effects the crimp, the axial component deforms a channel in the coupling in which a seal is located. The seal is deformed between the coupling and the pipe to effect a fluid tight joint. The coupling may have a circumferential rib which projects radially outwardly. Registration dogs engage the coupling and provide a reaction surface against the axial force component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Cygler, III, Vance W. Henry, Matthew A. Bowman, Charles E. Wilk, JR., Scott D. Madara
  • Patent number: 7805837
    Abstract: A method of installing a mandrel, useful in high voltage cable splicing and termination operations, wherein said mandrel exhibits a tapered surface and longitudinal ribs for assembly onto a high-voltage cable to be connected to a premolded or extruded high-voltage component. As the premolded high-voltage component is passed over the mandrel, the mandrel expands the internal cavity of the high- voltage component and may further reduce the loss of lubrication within the internal cavity of the high-voltage component thereby allowing for the high voltage component to be easily installed onto the high-voltage cable. After the high voltage component passes over the apparatus, the high-voltage component may return to a lesser-expanded shape providing a snug fit around the cable member. The high-voltage component may then compress around the cable, with a uniform layer of lubricant remaining in between interior cavity of the high-voltage component and the outer layer of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Patent number: 7798536
    Abstract: An expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars that provides a high bearing pressure seal at a specific area along the pin and box members is disclosed. The invention utilizes a “groove” in a surface of the box member and a corresponding “rib” on the pin nose. The radial expansion of the tubulars causes the pin to become shorter in length, thereby causing the pin nose to retract from the back of the box member. As the pin nose retracts, the rib on the pin nose moves backward until a portion of the rib contacts a portion of the groove in the box member. The point of contact between the rib and the groove creates a metal-to-metal seal between the pin and box members. Because the point of contact between the rib and the groove is a relatively small area, the force acting on the point of contact generates a high bearing pressure that is equal to or greater than the internal pressure within the expandable tubulars and, thus, generates a high pressure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, Simon J. Harrall, Lev M. Ring, Merle E. Evans
  • Publication number: 20100207387
    Abstract: A hose fitting that includes a body having a connection portion configured for connection to an external component, a tubular nipple portion configured for insertion into an end of a hose, and a union portion joining the nipple portion to the connecting portion. The socket also has a crimp portion extending from the union portion of the socket. A swage collar having a tapered inner surface radially inwardly deforms the socket when the swage collar is moved axially over the socket to retain a hose between the socket and the nipple portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter J. Stroempl, Nagarajan Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 7699361
    Abstract: A tubular joint in which radial expansion caused by the passage of an expander, inclined shoulder fittings formed respectively on a peripheral surface of the female element facing radially inwards and on a peripheral surface of the male element facing radially outwards, are subjected to a relative axial displacement towards each other to be urged into sealed mutual contact with radial interference. The tubular joint is, for example, useful in hydrocarbon wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Eric Verger, Albert Bruneau, Antoine Durand
  • Publication number: 20100052319
    Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable tubular connection that may be expanded to large degrees of expansion (i.e., 15-25%) in highly constrained conditions, such as Fix-Fix conditions, by hydraulic means and produces a metal-to-metal seal after expansion. The expandable tubular connection incorporates a combination of elastomeric and metal-to-metal sealing components in the sealing system. The elastomeric sealing component provides sealing of the connection during hydraulic expansion and allows control of deformation rates of pin and box members to achieve a high stress interference contact between pin and box members resulting in a metal-to-metal seal after expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: MOHAWK ENERGY LTD.
    Inventors: Scott A. Benzie, Andrei G. Filippov
  • Patent number: 7654588
    Abstract: A pipe connection includes a metal locking ring which can be pushed onto the external pipe of two interlocking metal pipes to connect the latter. The inner face of the locking ring has a leading section that tapers conically in a radial direction in opposition to the direction of application; a trailing section that tapers conically in a radial direction in opposition to the direction of application and that causes the pipe to be radially compressed, when the ring is in the locking position; and a central section lying between the leading section and the trailing section. A central section with a conical configuration improves a pipe connection of this type so that the tensile strength of heavy duty pipe connections or pipe connections consisting of pipes of material with low elasticity becomes mechanically more stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: VULKAN Lokring Rohrverbindungen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Schwalm
  • Patent number: 7621570
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. Threaded connections are machined into pre-expanded ends of tubulars. Once the threaded connections are machined into the pre-expanded ends, two joints of tubulars are connected using the threads, thus creating a pre-expanded threaded connection. After a tubular string is made up and lowered into a wellbore, the entire length of the string is expanded using known methods for expanding tubulars. During the downhole expansion operation, the pre-expanded threaded connections experience minimal expansion. The minimal downhole expansion of the pre-expanded threaded connections allows the threaded connections to maintain their sealing ability and coupling strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Ghazi J. Hashem
  • Patent number: 7610667
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. Threaded connections are machined into pre-expanded ends of tubulars. Once the threaded connections are machined into the pre-expanded ends, two joints of tubulars are connected using the threads, thus creating a pre-expanded threaded connection. After a tubular string is made up and lowered into a wellbore, the entire length of the string is expanded using known methods for expanding tubulars. During the downhole expansion operation, the pre-expanded threaded connections experience minimal expansion. The minimal downhole expansion of the pre-expanded threaded connections allows the threaded connections to maintain their sealing ability and coupling strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Ghazi J. Hashem
  • Publication number: 20090218814
    Abstract: The press fitting (10) for a pipe, in particular a plastic pipe or a pipe made of a plastic/metal composite material, is provided with a fitting element (12) which comprises a supporting element (16) onto which a pipe (20) to be connected can be pushed. Furthermore, the press fitting (10) comprises a compression sleeve (30) which has a holding end (34) on which the compression sleeve (30) is held on the fitting element (12). On its circumferential surface the compression sleeve (30) has a compression region (66) adjoining the holding end (34), in which region a pressing tool (62) acts on the compression sleeve (30) during the compression thereof. The compression sleeve (30) is provided at its holding end (34) with edge cutouts (36) which are open towards the end face (38) of the compression sleeve (30) and which each have a bounding edge section (40) situated opposite the end face (38) of the compression sleeve (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Thomas Kern, Klaus Rippstein
  • Patent number: 7581766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-performance threaded tubular joint comprising a first, male tubular element (11) and a second, female tubular element (12) made up together by screwing. One of the tubular elements (11; 12) has a non-threaded lip (38; 5) extending between its thread and its free end and having a sealing surface (40; 7) in sealing-tight contact with the opposite surface (41; 8) of the other element after screwing together, diametric expansion, and then generation of springback forces of the first and second tubular elements. The joint has a tubular sleeve (34; 36) threaded over the second element (12) before screwing together and positioned to extend axially substantially opposite to the lip (3; 5) and, after diametric expansion, generating a springback force which is added to that of the second element in order to counteract the springback force of the first element, thus effecting at least the shrink-fitting of the tubular sleeve over the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Vallourec Mannesmann Oil & Gas France
    Inventors: Eric Verger, Albert Bruneau, Antoine Durand
  • Publication number: 20090211832
    Abstract: An exhaust system of a motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to an inner exhaust pipe that is inserted into an outer exhaust pipe in an overlap region, and the two exhaust pipes are crimped in the overlap region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Manfred GRIMM
  • Patent number: 7559582
    Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement and a method used for coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement comprising a first expandable tubing section defining a male portion; a second expandable tubing section defining a female portion, the first and second expandable tubing sections being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections including a restraining member for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section; and the first expandable tubing section including a tapered shoulder for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder of the second expandable tubing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason David Evans, Martin William Geddes, Colin McHardy, Wayne Rudd
  • Patent number: 7503595
    Abstract: A fitting for a fluid conduit includes a coupling body having an inside surface for engaging an outside surface of a fluid conduit and a shoulder portion for limiting axial insertion of the fluid conduit into the coupling body. At least one seal is formed on the inside surface of the coupling body. The at least one seal includes a proximal seal adjacent the shoulder portion. A ring is annularly disposed on the coupling body urging the at least one seal into the fluid conduit to seal and mechanically connect the coupling body to the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Lokring Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Albert A. McKay
  • Patent number: 7478844
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. Threaded connections are machined into pre-expanded ends of tubulars. Once the threaded connections are machined into the pre-expanded ends, two joints of tubulars are connected using the threads, thus creating a pre-expanded threaded connection. After a tubular string is made up and lowered into a wellbore, the entire length of the string is expanded using known methods for expanding tubulars. During the downhole expansion operation, the pre-expanded threaded connections experience minimal expansion. The minimal downhole expansion of the pre-expanded threaded connections allows the threaded connections to maintain their sealing ability and coupling strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Ghazi J. Hashem
  • Patent number: 7475918
    Abstract: A press fitting system for creating an unremovably sealed connection between smooth-ended pipes comprises at least one section that is embodied in a collar-type manner and at least one bead which is located on the terminal side of the collar-type section and accommodates at least one annular, rubber-elastic sealing element. The press fiting system is characterized by the fact that groove-shaped channels which communicate with each other like a maze in the unpressed state of the sealing element run through at least some areas of the surface of the sealing element, the channels being pressed against each other in an occluding manner when the sealing areas interrupted by the channels are in the pressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Kaimer GmbH & Co. Holding KG
    Inventors: Bernd Kaimer, Tom Herberg