Flange Patents (Class 285/405)
  • Patent number: 6810570
    Abstract: A duct assembly for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough. The assembly includes first and second duct sections. Each of the duct sections has sides extending between opposite ends. Each of the sides join an adjacent side and has a flange extending laterally outward from each end. The first and second sections are positioned in end-to-end relation so that the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the first section face the flanges extending outward from one of the ends of the second section to define flange pairs. The assembly also includes a plurality of connector pairs. Each of the connector pairs are positioned at one of the ends of the duct sections. Each of the connector pairs includes a first connector spanning adjacent flanges of the first duct section and a second connector spanning adjacent flanges of the second duct section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, Herbert J. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040164554
    Abstract: A pipe flange apparatus includes a first pipe flange having a frontal face surrounding a central bore passing through the flange, the face comprising an internal flange recess extending into the flange and surrounding the bore, and a groove extending into the flange and surrounding the internal flange recess, wherein the internal flange recess comprises a textured surface at least partially surrounding the bore. Some such apparatus may also have an internal flange having first and second portions surrounding a bore extending through the internal flange, wherein the first portion is positioned at least partially within the internal flange recess of the first pipe flange and in contact with the textured surface of the first pipe flange. In at least some embodiments the second portion extends into the bore, and a first sealing ring positioned at least partially within the groove surrounding the internal flange recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Jose Miguel Cabezas
  • Patent number: 6767036
    Abstract: A method and arrangement is provided to form a gas-tight joint between two housing portions, e.g. between an end flange and a tubular pole-unit housing for a circuit interrupter or an insulating support column. The joint is formed via a heat-shrink process to provide an interference fit. The housing is provided with grooves to retrain adhesive during the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignees: S&C Electric Co., MacLean Power, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James W. Barker, Jr., Michael R. Maroney
  • Publication number: 20040135368
    Abstract: A high-pressure fuel injection pipe has a connecting head with an outer circumference formed for a mating seat portion. A shallow annular groove is formed in the inner side of the connecting head while shaping the head. A connecting washer is fit on the outer circumference of the lower neck of the connecting head. The injection pipe is characterized in that the lower neck of the connecting head is provided with an at least two-stepped portion having no slope, and in that the connecting washer is provided with a stepped portion corresponding at least partially to the stepped portion of the connecting head, so that the stepped portions may abut against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Munekatsu Furugen
  • Patent number: 6758502
    Abstract: A flanged coupling ring for a duct element has a mounting section configured to be mounted or a connection portion of the duct element, and flange means extending outwards from the mounting section. The flange means has, along its periphery, flanged coupling portions for connecting two duct elements, each of which is provided with a coupling ring, by means of external coupling means configured to engage with the flanged coupling portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Lindab AB
    Inventors: Lars-Åke Mattsson, Kenneth Lennartsson, Sten Högman, Carl-Gustaf Sondén
  • Patent number: 6742816
    Abstract: A threaded pipe flange and piping system utilizing the same. The threaded pipe flange includes a base portion having a predetermined shape and at least two openings dimensioned to accept at least two mounting bolts. A shoulder portion extends from, and is integral to, the base portion and includes at least two substantially flat gripping surfaces that allow the flange to be attached using an open end wrench, adjustable wrench or pipe wrench. A threaded opening extends through the base portion and the shoulder portion and is sized to mate with the threaded pipe to which the flange is to be attached. In operation, the pipe flange is attached to the predetermined threaded pipe by aligning the threaded opening with the predetermined threaded pipe, gripping the gripping surfaces of the shoulder portion, and rotating the pipe flange until the flange is tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Taco, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Rocheleau
  • Publication number: 20040080162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a flanged member (1) for use in a pipe system, as well as a flanged member manufactured according to the method. The flanged member comprises a radially projecting flange (3), forming flange part (2), and comprises also a pipe part (4), said flange part having a front end surface (7) intended for assembly with another element forming a part of the pipe system, and a rear end surface (6) facing said pipe part. The rear end surface of the flange part is essentially plane in the radial direction and delimits the rear end of the flange part (2), against the pipe part (4), together with an extension (9) of the rear end surface (6) inwards, in the radial direction. The pipe apart has a free end (5), adapted to be assembled with the pipe system. Further, said flange part has a mass Mf and said pipe part has a mass Mp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Mats Webjrn
  • Patent number: 6715798
    Abstract: A one-piece, flanged, fluid-flow connector for connecting tube, pipe, hose or the like to a port face includes a base having a flat port face on one end, and a connection piece fixed to and extending from the other end. At least four tabs extend from the base, the tabs having apertures for mounting the connector. The base includes a reinforcement portion that transitions continuously from a lesser thickness adjacent the tabs to a greater thickness adjacent to the connection piece. The connector makes it feasible to provide a one-piece, four-bolt connector which occupies substantially less space than a comparable connector of the prior art, but which handles at least the same fluid pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: David E. Albrecht, David E. Albrecht Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040056485
    Abstract: An integral sheet metal flange system for fluid ducts including a tubular base with an outwardly projecting annular clamping surface, and an inwardly projecting annular sealing face, wherein the inwardly projecting annular sealing face has a surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The sheet metal flanges are made integral with the tubing and are comprised of aerospace alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin T. Love, John Randel Robison, Michael Ralph Storage, Antonio Salas Gonzalez, Mark Kevin Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040051310
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible pipe connecting unit which includes a part made of elastic workable material. The pipe connecting unit includes a wave-shaped or hose-shaped bellows (4) made of elastomeric material. The bellows (4) has respective projecting flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) at its respective ends. The flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) preferably are provided with a reinforcement insert (16; 16a, 16b) and annular-shaped pipe connecting pieces (flanges 18; 18a, 18b) are disposed behind corresponding ones of the flange collars. The pipe connecting unit (2) coacts directly with weld-on flanges as counter flanges (20; 20a, 20b) without additional seals or corresponding joining locations. For this purpose, the end sealing faces of the flange collars (14; 14a, 14b) are partitioned in the radial direction by a peripherally extending slot (28; 28a, 28b). In this way, at least two coaxial concentric annular-shaped sealing surfaces (14-I, 14-II) are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Fleck, Olaf Kluth
  • Patent number: 6672630
    Abstract: A flange (20) for connection between an axial compressor and high-pressure rotor disc unit (14) in a gas turbine (10), wherein the flange (20) has a body (22) with a frusto-conical shape which is joined to a shaft (12) of the axial compressor by means of a hub (24) which has a cylindrical shape and which, at the larger base of the frustum of the cone of the body (22) is connected to the rotor disc unit (14) by means of an extension (26) of the hub in the form of a circular ring, a circumferential recess (28) provided in a surface (29) of the extension (26) which faces the rotor disc unit (14) being connected by interference with a projection, which is complementary to the recess and is provided on the rotor disc unit (14); the body (22) has an outer generatrix which is inclined relative to the direction at right-angles to the axis (X) by an angle &agr;1 of between 25° and 35° and an inner generatrix which is inclined by an angle &agr;2 of between 12° and 18°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Holding S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Pinzauti, Carlo Bacciottini
  • Publication number: 20030193194
    Abstract: In order to attach a fuel system component such as a pipe nipple to a fuel tank having a polyethylene outer layer, the fuel system component is made from a first material which may have desirable characteristics such as resistance to creep, but which may not be easily weldable to the polyethylene outer layer of the tank. The flange member is used for attachment to the body portion of the fuel system component by welding and for attachment to the polyethylene layer of the tank. To inhibit hydrocarbon vapour flow through through the flange member, the flange member includes a barrier layer which extends from one side of the flange to the other and which surrounds the central aperture. In another embodiment of the invention, the flange member is made from a material which has the necessary barrier properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Changize Sadr
  • Patent number: 6629521
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes a sensor assembly having a housing with a sensor chamber, a sensor having a sensor element exposed to the sensor chamber, and a sleeve disposed in a passage extending from a combustion chamber of the outboard motor to the sensor chamber. The sleeve can have three flanges supporting the sleeve within the passage. Additionally, the sleeve can have an extension so as to allow the overall length of the sleeve to be varied in accordance with the desired resonance frequency of the sensor chamber. An engine of the outboard motor can also include a control system configured to control an air/fuel ratio of fuel charges delivered to a combustion chamber within the engine based on an output of the combustion condition sensor when the engine is in a first operational state and to control the air/fuel ratio, irrespective of the output of the combustion condition sensor, when the engine is in the second operational state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Kato
  • Publication number: 20030173778
    Abstract: A connecting portion (10c) of a container (10) of a catalyst converter is formed with a joining portion (15) to be joined to a joining portion (16) of a flange member (11) by spinning working, and the joining portion (15) formed by the spinning working is joined to the joining portion (16) of the flange member (11) by friction welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Tatsuya Sakamoto, Seiji Ishizu, Kazushi Wakide
  • Patent number: 6561553
    Abstract: A method and apparatus secure together a pair of opposing angle plates which are each mounted on one of an opposing pair of flange connectors that are each attached to the end of a different one of the opposing ends of a pair of sheet metal ducts. The apparatus includes a pair of interfitting members that include a cam surface to interlock the members to compress together the opposing pair of flange connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Patent number: 6547287
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for connecting the ends of sheet metal ducts wherein each duct end is provided with an integral frame. Corner connectors defining perpendicularly extending arms are associated with each frame, and bolts or other fasteners are utilized for connecting the connectors and integral frames. The sections include an upturned portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the duct wall, a second portion bent rearwardly from the outer end of the first portion, a third portion extending from the outer end of the second portion and forming an L-shaped double wall portion. When the frame is formed in this fashion, it is adapted to receive the side edges of respected arms of corner connectors whereby the ducts may be efficiently assembled by locating corner connectors in place and thereafter applying the fasteners used for maintaining the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Ashok Shah, Richard Blum
  • Patent number: 6540266
    Abstract: A cylindrical workpiece (20) is mounted onto and connected to a mandrel (14) that is itself mounted for rotation about a vertical axis (12). A first end portion of the workpiece (20) is housed within the mandrel (14). A second end portion-projects axially outwardly beyond a radial forming surface (60) on the mandrel (14). A first forming roller (30) is mounted on a swing post (52) that is positioned by an adjustable length strut (56). The strut (56) is elongated to swing the post (52) downwardly and place the roller (30) inside the second end portion of-the workpiece (20). Then, a lead screw (28) is used for pulling on a base (50) that supports the post (52). This pulls a convex face portion (32) of the roller (30) against the inside of the second end portion of the workpiece (20). Lead screw operation moves the roller (30), causing it to stretch the second end portion of the workpiece (20) and move it up onto and then move it radially outwardly along the forming surface (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: MacDonald-Miller Inc.
    Inventor: Ulrich Pakker
  • Publication number: 20030057702
    Abstract: A flange (20) for connection between an axial compressor and high-pressure rotor disc unit (14) in a gas turbine (10), wherein the flange (20) has a body (22) with a frusto-conical shape which is joined to a shaft (12) of the axial compressor by means of a hub (24) which has a cylindrical shape and which, at the larger base of the frustum of the cone of the body (22) is connected to the rotor disc unit (14) by means of an extension (26) of the hub in the form of a circular ring, a circumferential recess (28) provided in a surface (29) of the extension (26) which faces the rotor disc unit (14) being connected by interference with a projection, which is complementary to the recess and is provided on the rotor disc unit (14); the body (22) has an outer generatrix which is inclined relative to the direction at right-angles to the axis (X) by an angle &agr;1 of between 25° and 35° and an inner generatrix which is inclined by an angle &agr;2 of between 12° and 18°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Massimo Pinzauti, Carlo Bacciottini
  • Publication number: 20030025332
    Abstract: A cylindrical flange for the end of an air duct is produced by compressing a panel by differing amounts to cause the panel to take on an arcuate cylindrical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Patent number: 6494503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sealing an end of a pipe, to an external sealing surface. The method includes providing a pipe assembly which includes a pipe and a flange. The pipe includes a proximal pipe end and a flared end region. The flared end region is integral with the pipe and is proximate to and continuous with the proximal pipe end. The flange is non-integrally disposed around the pipe distal to the pipe's flared end region. The method further includes securing, non-integrally and distally to the pipe's flared end region, the flange to the pipe so that proximal movement of the flange relative to the pipe is restricted. The flange is drawn toward the external sealing surface, which causes the flange sealing surface to bias the pipe's flared end region into sealing contact with the external sealing surface. Pipe assemblies which include a backup ring having a tapered inside surfaces and a flange having tapered outside surfaces are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Non Metallic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn C. Heubach, Jay D. Tripp
  • Patent number: 6475625
    Abstract: In a structure for joining a first plastic part and a second plastic part, the first plastic part is composed of at least one resin such as polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), while the second plastic part is composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Between the two parts, a metamorphic polyethylene layer exhibiting a good joining property for both the first and second plastic parts is interposed to join the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuharu Muto, Hiroshi Osaki
  • Patent number: 6471256
    Abstract: A duct assembly made from multiple duct sections for transporting pressurized fluid therethrough which can be formed simply by laborers at a building site or elsewhere and has a strong joint resistant to leakage. The joint rigidizes each duct section and the duct assembly, permitting duct assemblies including a greater number of joined duct sections to be put together and lifted into place The joint is formed by passing fasteners through a corner flange connection member associated with one duct section, through integral flanges of the one duct section and other duct section arranged in end-to-end relation with the one duct section, and through a corner flange connection member associated with the other duct section. The act of installing the fastener tightly pulls together the integral flanges and makes and integral connection between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Engel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6454317
    Abstract: A solid plate of material has an outer side and an inner side. A hole is disposed in and through the solid plate, the hole being capable of receiving from the outer side one end of an exhaust pipe. The inner side of the solid plate has a collar capable of being received within an annular edge of a catalytic converter housing. The outer and inner sides of the end plate have an area outside the circumference of the catalytic converter housing that contains at least one hole capable of receiving a bolt or other fastening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Joe Myers, Jeffrey B. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 6428056
    Abstract: A method and apparatus shapes and dimensions the flanges of angle plates to ensure that the plates can be stacked without nesting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Patent number: 6364374
    Abstract: Methods and devices for joining two or more panels together are provided. The methods allow joining of panels of material such as glass fiber board, and are particularly useful for forming ducts or tubes. Fasteners provided have two planar members, joined together, and the planar members have protrusions that are integral to the planar members and are intended to at least partially protrude the panels joined by the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Noone, Thomas J. Cuthbertson
  • Patent number: 6361080
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for coupling a stub end flanged connector to a fiber reinforced plastic pipe. The method includes tapering an end of the fiber reinforced plastic pipe on the outside surface of its fiber overwrap. An inside surface of a stub end connector is correspondingly tapered. The stub end connector is then bonded to the fiber reinforced plastic pipe. A liner of the plastic pipe is then flared to correspond to a flared end of the stub end connector. Then at least one stiffness transition layer is bonded over the plastic pipe and the stub end connection, over an axial span at least including a termination of the taper in the stub end connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Walsh, Joel D. Shaw, Chris A. Lundberg, Harris A. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020008387
    Abstract: Flanges formed by powder metallurgical methods are used for joining, for example, exhaust pipes, instead of manufacturing flanges by stamping, forging and/or machining. This offers a number of advantages, including the ability to produce flange shapes which cannot be obtained by stamping, forging and/or machining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 6279969
    Abstract: A mounting adaptor for coupling a gas pressure regulator outlet to a gas meter inlet includes a plate having through-bores alignable with internally threaded blind holes which surround the meter inlet in the meter wall. The plate has a planar surface surrounding the outlet opening of the regulator and is adapted for contact engagement with a planar surface on the meter exterior wall surrounding the inlet opening. A groove in the planar surface of the plate holds a sealing ring to effect a seal. In an alternate construction, a tube extends from the plate into the meter inlet opening and an annular groove on the tube exterior holds a sealing ring for engagement with a cylindrical wall extending into the meter from the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: American Meter Company
    Inventors: Wayne L. DeKock, Timothy J. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6270045
    Abstract: A perimeter weld flange comprising an inner and external perimeter wall surface and a perimeter weld lip on said flange for welding said flange onto a receiving surface. The perimeter weld flange herein is particularly suitable for weldable metal-gasketed ultra-high vacuum joints, and is also conveniently welded onto tubes, cones, ellipsoids, plates and other shapes, including even irregular shapes, in addition to spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kimball Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6264251
    Abstract: A segmented flange coupler is disclosed for connecting the free end of a grooved pipe to a fitting having a flange connector. The segmented flange coupler is formed of end-to-end connected individual coupling segments which are configured to move both circumferentially and radially into concentricity during the tightening of their connecting bolts. This is achieved by providing complementary surfaces of revolution about their overlapped bolt receiving apertures. These surfaces of revolution are preferably in the form of mating convex and concave conical surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventors: Donald R. Kunsman, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 6254140
    Abstract: A flange structure formed from a plurality of joined flange segments is provided. The joined flange segments form a generally circular opening for a conduit. The flange structure can be connected to a substrate by fasteners extending through two oval shaped openings connecting the two forces. At least one shim is attached to the flange segments through narrow bridge connections which can be fractured by hand or with a hand held tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Erwin's LLC
    Inventor: Roger D. Erwin
  • Publication number: 20010003398
    Abstract: There is provided a high-pressure metal pipe which has a connecting head capable of solving the risk of cavitation erosion in the inside of the connecting head by changing the contour shape of a pocket or notch to be formed in the inside of the connecting head during head working into a contour shape having a shallow depth and a gentle cross section. A reduced-diameter connecting head having an outside circumferential surface which is a seat surface having a truncated conical or spherical shape corresponding to a mating seat is provided at a connecting end portion of a thick-walled steel pipe having a comparatively small diameter. An annular concave groove to be formed in the inside of the connecting head during the formation thereof has a contour shape having a shallow depth and a gentle cross section, and the high-pressure metal pipe has a sleeve washer having a cylindrical portion which covers the outer circumferential surface of the reduced-diameter connecting head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventor: Shoichiro Usui
  • Patent number: 6205778
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe assembly for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is made up of a plurality of exhaust pipes made of steel whose upstream ends are connected to a flange provided for connection to a cylinder head, a collecting case to which downstream ends of the exhaust pipes are connected, and a coupling flange interposed between the exhaust pipes and the collecting case. The coupling flange is made of a thin steel plate and has upward burred portions which are circular in shape and into which respective downstream ends of the exhaust pipes are separately inserted for welding with the burred portions, and a downward bent portion whose peripheral edge portion is fitted onto an upper outside end portion of the collecting case for welding with the bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Yutaka Giken, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manabu Akaba, Kazuhiro Furuhashi, Hideo Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 6155045
    Abstract: A flange for attaching an exhaust manifold to an engine block. The flange having two layers of sheet metal plates accurately connected to each other and having openings which are aligned with the cylinder outlets of the engine block, and attachment openings which are placed on stay bolts on the engine block. The flange includes at least two flange portions, whereby the plates of adjacent flange portions overlap in the area at least of one attachment opening. The contact surfaces can have a slide coating in the overlap area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Heinrich Gillet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerd Durr, Wolfgang Baudisch, Georg Reuther
  • Patent number: 6119956
    Abstract: In a snow gun, each of air and water are discharged through V-jet nozzles in the form of generally flat and V-shaped jets or sprays. The nozzles are spacially positioned and angled so that the air jet intersects the water spray along a line of intersection where they are of equal width. This provides efficient atomization of the water with the result that snow can be made at milder freezing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Vernon Lorne McKinney
  • Patent number: 6109665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a butt joint between two circular or flat, oval air duct sections (10) each with a connection flange (32) at each end and a ring (34) clamping the connection flanges together. Said connection flanges (34) are moulded, to form one part, to the duct wall (12) of each air duct section (10) and each have an outwardly-projecting annular edge (14) and clamping legs (24) drawn together by corresponding side legs (38) of the clamping ring (34). Each annular edge (14) forms an angle of 80.degree. to 90.degree., preferably 87.degree. to 89.degree., with the associated duct wall (12). Each connection flange (32) can also have another or a plurality of supporting legs (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: METU-System Meining KG
    Inventor: Manfred Meinig
  • Patent number: 6102450
    Abstract: A coupling half for interconnecting fire or other hose to a reciprocal connection mounted on another hose or on a fixed object. The coupling half includes two slots which enable the manufacture of the coupling half quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively. Only two molds are used to cast the coupling half compared with the traditional three molds. The molds are in contact with each other at three radial points with each radial point being separated by the mold cavity. Machining is greatly reduced as the coupling half is made from one piece as compared with the traditional two pieces. Slots in the locking collar enable the coupling half to be made of one piece resulting in less machining and a superior product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Harcourt
  • Patent number: 6076864
    Abstract: A light weight flange for compensator couplings which includes a generally circular ring-like structure having first and second rings. A plurality of arms interconnect the first and second rings. The arms are separated by a first plurality of apertures. The arms are provided with a second plurality of apertures for accommodating assembly bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventors: Guy Levivier, Yves Levivier
  • Patent number: 6010327
    Abstract: A fuel control system, parts therefor, and methods of making are provided. The fuel control system includes a fuel control valve unit (FCU) and a fuel conduit having an end secured in a fuel outlet opening in a housing of the fuel control valve unit. The end of the conduit is disposed in a certain desired axial position in the fuel outlet opening relative to the housing, the housing has a movable part. In a first position of the movable part, the end of the conduit can be axially moved from a position outside the housing to the certain desired axial position. In a second position, the movable part cooperates with a securing device on the end of the conduit to secure the end in the certain desired axial position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Jay Katchka
  • Patent number: 5967566
    Abstract: Improved convoluted flanges including one embodiment having a metal inset in a polymer casing in which the inset has a convoluted configuration similar to the outer convoluted configuration of the casing and another embodiment of a convoluted, slip-on, welding flange for welding to a pipe having a cross sectional, convoluted contour that is configured using stress analysis to shift the effective loading of connecting bolts from the centerline of the bolt holes in the flange to a locus closer to the pipe to which the flange is welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Gunter Schlicht
  • Patent number: 5909904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flange joint assembly for connecting together cylindrical duct sections. A tubular slip collar fits within opposing sections which engage an exterior projecting bead encircling the exterior of the slip collar. Opposing flange clamps are mounted on the ducts having leaf elements pressing against the duct surfaces. Opposing band clamps are mounted around the leaf elements securing the leaf elements to the duct surfaces. Opposing V-band ring locking devices encircle the flange clamps. In the alternative, Van-Stone flange rings secure the flange clamps together by means of locking bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Shea Technology
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Shea
  • Patent number: 5893588
    Abstract: A connection of a coupling collar to the ends of hardened conveying pipes for fluidically conveying solids, such as, sands, gravels and concrete, includes a coupling collar with a connecting piece which is glued in a tension-proof manner to the outer surface of the end of a pipe and at least one wear ring is placed at least in the length portion of a connecting flange of the coupling collar at the end face of the pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Esser-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Esser
  • Patent number: 5865478
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling two or more ducts together includes a number of frames each having four beams secured together for forming a square shape and for securing onto the ducts. The beams each includes a flange extended upward and each includes a panel formed on each of two ends and inclined relative to the beams. A number of fasteners may secure the panels together for allowing the beams to be secured to the duct. A number of blocks may be engaged between the panels for allowing the beams to be secured to the duct of greater size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Hung Da Lin
  • Patent number: 5704509
    Abstract: A full contact floating roof for a storage vessel includes a plurality of panels wherein each panel includes a core disposed between upper and lower skins. A plurality of closures are provided wherein each closure is secured to perimeter edges of a panel by welding the closure to at least one of the upper and lower skins. A plurality of fasteners connect adjacent closures thereby forming the floating roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Allentech, Inc.
    Inventor: David Jon Rosenkrantz
  • Patent number: 5667254
    Abstract: A device for connecting a container wall with a pipe which extends through the container wall. The device comprises a muff which is provided on the outside of the pipe. One end section of the muff is connected with the pipe and the container wall is connected with the muff at a point located at a distance from this end section. The one end section of the muff comprises a ring flange which is arranged for a sealing and releasable connection with a ring flange of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Moss Technology a.s.
    Inventor: John Rolland
  • Patent number: 5664809
    Abstract: A connector assembly principally for aviation fuel lines and pipes in which a connector body is conductive whilst a mounting flange is non-conductive. The body and flange are secured together during a moulding stage. The body generally has earthing lugs embedded in its surface to dissipate electrical static charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: James I. Bates
  • Patent number: 5653482
    Abstract: A seal system for joining the ends of two generally rectangular duct sections, including two frames secured to each other with a seal and attached to their respective duct end sections. The frame members each include four flange portions and four corner pieces. Each flange portion has an upstanding channel shaped leg portion and an angularly extending duct receiving leg portion. A corner piece connects adjacent flange portions to form the generally rectangular frame. The end portions of the ducts are inserted into longitudinal openings of the duct receiving leg portions. A seal, having four angular corner pieces and four linear pieces, is positioned between the frames to connect the duct sections. The overlap of the angular corner pieces and the four linear pieces establishes an effective seal to prevent air within the duct from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Vincent Ficchi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5603533
    Abstract: A tube flange assembly including attachment flanges associated by interlocking deformation with flared tubes. The flanges are placed with the attachment plates thereof arranged in juxtaposition with a tubular insert extending to within the tubes. A raised section on the tubular insert mates with the concavities formed in the annuluses of the flanges. The joint is drawn together by fasteners. Each attachment flange includes a fixing area for receiving the end of the tube. Outwardly of that fixing area, an annular channel forming a loop in cross section with the small circular gap provides tolerance to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Toshiomi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5564758
    Abstract: An angular plate for connecting channel shaped flanges at the ends of ducts and including first and second legs each having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and with an inner end portion of the first leg joined to an inner end portion of the second leg so as to establish an angle therebetween. Defined by the inner end portions is an opening for receiving a connector, the first leg has substantially parallel inner and outer edges extending between an outer end portion thereof and its inner end portion and the second leg similarly has substantially parallel inner and outer edges extending between an outer end portion thereof and its inner end portion. The outer end portion of the first leg defines structure projecting extending transversely from at least one of the inner and outer edges of at least one of the first and second legs. The projection engages a side wall portion of the duct's transverse flange to retain the plate in a desired position prior to crimping of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Tiberio
  • Patent number: 5513966
    Abstract: A liquid manifold for connecting to adjacent pumps, wherein the manifold has two sections. Each section is independently connected to a liquid pump and threadably secured to the pump at a position which provides the most precise alignment of the respective manifold sections. The manifold sections are then affixed together by fasteners through openings in one manifold section which are larger than threaded openings in the other manifold section. The larger openings permit a predetermined amount of misalignment to be present while still permitting a tight sealable connection to be made by the two manifold sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Duane Krohn