Axially Bolted Patents (Class 285/412)
  • Patent number: 6979025
    Abstract: A metal pipeline section that has a metal flange at one end is lined with a plastic liner such that some of the liner extends beyond the flange end of the pipeline section. An annular plastic member is electrofusion joined onto the outside of the portion of plastic liner which extends beyond the flange end of the pipeline section and any liner extending beyond the annular plastic member is trimmed off to make the liner flush with the annular plastic member. The annular plastic member is then positioned adjacent the annular plastic member of another similarly prepared pipeline section and a containment ring is secured around them to restrain any outward movement of the annular plastic members when the pipeline is in use. The metal flanges are secured to each other such that the annular plastic members are compressed between them to prevent leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Lattice Intellectual Property Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert John Conder, Zahid Ahmed Shah
  • Patent number: 6979028
    Abstract: A pipe joint is made up of a hollow cylindrical joint body made of an elastic material with a prescribed length, a circular flange embedded into each of the ends of the joint body, through holes provided axially at prescribed intervals in the direction of the circumference of the flanges and the joint body, and both flanges connected to the joint body with a connecting appliance penetrating into these through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Tozen Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Muroi, Tateyuki Kuwata, Mitsuhiro Oyama
  • Patent number: 6957832
    Abstract: An elongate member (10) is provided having a first elongate portion (12), a second elongate portion (14) and an interconnecting joint (16). The interconnecting joint (16) is disposed at an acute angle to the first elongate portion (12) and rotation of the second elongate portion (14) about the interconnecting joint (16) allows a user access to an article (11) located at the upper end of the second elongate portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Safe Swivel Patent Co., Pty., Ltd
    Inventor: Robert John Pannekoek
  • Patent number: 6918619
    Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly includes a first and a second pipe coupling member with the first coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical convex seat portion, and the second coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical concave seat portion. Each flange includes a first plurality of pivot notches. The coupling assembly further includes a first and a second cylindrical spring ring. Each spring ring includes a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The body includes a main bore and a plurality of bolt bores extending therethrough. A plurality of pivot bearings extend from the first surface with each pivot bearing configured to engage a pipe section flange notch. A plurality of bolt bore seats are located in the second surface and coaxially aligned with the bolt bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Thompson
  • Patent number: 6810898
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a hose access port for a mobile unit configured to provide access for a hose through an exterior wall to extend to a toilet for flushing a holding tank. The hose access port includes a hose-holding duct portion, an outside-mountable flange and a sleeve member. The hose-holding duct portion includes a bore extending between opposite first and second end portions of the duct portion and operable to extend through a hole formed in the exterior wall between an outside surface and an inside surface of the exterior wall proximate the toilet in the mobile unit. The outside-mountable flange extends orthogonally from the first end portion of the duct portion and is operable to be secured against the outside surface of the exterior wall. The sleeve member includes securing structure and is coupled around the second end portion of the duct portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Kay L. Bullock
  • Publication number: 20040160056
    Abstract: A one-piece block connects flanged fluid-flow connectors. Each connector includes a central port and at least two tabs, the tabs having apertures for affixing the connector to the block. The dimensions of the block and the connector are such that the block can accommodate a given number of connectors in a smaller space than required in the prior art. Moreover, the maximum working pressure of the connector can still be as large as about 5000 psi. Channels formed within the block allow fluid communication from one connector to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David E. Albrecht, David E. Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6729660
    Abstract: An adjustable base unit includes a pair of upper and lower frameworks, a connection sleeve attached to the lower framework and having opposite end portions for extending into and providing flow communication through the unit and between an upper fill tube and a lower blower pipe of a silo filling apparatus, and elements for adjustably interconnecting and spacing apart the upper and lower frameworks with respect to one another. When the unit is interposed between the fill tube and blower pipe and the upper and lower frameworks are respectively detachably attached to the fill tube, connection sleeve and blower pipe, the upper framework can be angularly tilted by adjusting selected ones of the interconnecting elements in any one of several different orientations relative to the lower framework so as to correspondingly angularly adjust the mounting disposition of the fill tube on the blower pipe and thereby the position of the fill tube within the silo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Lancaster Level-Flo, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Musser
  • Patent number: 6722707
    Abstract: A loose flange for connecting pipes, the flange having radially inwardly oriented and elastically deformable oblique surfaces. The clamping force capacity of the loose flange is improved as a result. A method for producing the loose flange is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventors: Erich Schurmann, Ernst Doring
  • Patent number: 6715802
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting first and second tubular bodies comprising first and second flange assemblies, each of which has a hub and an annular flange in surrounding relationship to the hub, the hubs and flanges having engageable, complementary frustoconical surfaces that, when the first and second flange assemblies are subjected to compressive loading by means of threaded studs and nuts, cooperate to urge seal faces on the hubs into metal-to-metal sealing contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Publication number: 20040046391
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at an exhaust flange assembly comprising flanges formed by powder metallurgical methods for attachment to exhaust pipes. The first flange preferably comprising a first surface having a cavity and a pipe attachment surface opposite the first surface. The second flange comprises a sealing surface having a shape complementary to the cavity of the first flange and a pipe attachment surface opposite the sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Publication number: 20040036293
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for connecting two flanged pipes (10, 12) comprises at least one piston arrangement having a pair of opposed pistons (54, 56) slidable within a hydraulic cylinder (52). Each pair of pistons has a rod (64, 66) extending therefrom and is adapted to receive a threaded fastener (70) at its end remote from the piston. Each rod (64, 66) extends through an aperture at the respective cylinder end and is adapted to pass through a respective aperture (32, 34) in the flange (20, 22) of a flanged pipe Each piston (54, 56) has an associated biasing means (60) in the form of a spring or similar which urges the piston away from its respective cylinder end. Pressurisation of the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder (52) causes the piston to move towards its respective cylinder end against the urging action of the biasing means, to allow the hand tightening of the threaded fastener (70).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen John Flindall
  • Publication number: 20030234541
    Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly includes a first and a second pipe coupling member with the first coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical convex seat portion, and the second coupling member including a cylindrical flange and a spherical concave seat portion. Each flange includes a first plurality of pivot notches. The coupling assembly further includes a first and a second cylindrical spring ring. Each spring ring includes a body having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The body includes a main bore and a plurality of bolt bores extending therethrough. A plurality of pivot bearings extend from the first surface with each pivot bearing configured to engage a pipe section flange notch. A plurality of bolt bore seats are located in the second surface and coaxially aligned with the bolt bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lee Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030184092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flanged connection for jacketed high-pressure pipes rated for 300 to 10,000 bar, in which the jacket pipe end of at least one of the two jacket-side high-pressure pipe flanged connections is designed as jointed flange, said flange being fixed on the outer side of the high-pressure pipe by means of a jointed connection, said connection being suited to absorb the longitudinal forces in axial direction of the high-pressure pipe and the jointed flange being provided with the bores necessary for the bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Waldemar Hiller, Josef Hiltawsky, Joerg-Peter Koerner
  • Patent number: 6619702
    Abstract: An extension portion extending outwardly is integrally formed on the edge of an end portion of an exhaust pipe; a collar is fixed on the outer periphery of the end portion of the exhaust pipe by caulking; and the edge of the outer end of the collar is abutted against the extension portion. The aforementioned arrangement provides a connection portion of an exhaust pipe for an engine which is intended to rigidly connect the exhaust pipe to an exhaust port of the engine, to prevent gas leakage by eliminating the occurrence of clearance at the connecting portion, to reduce the flow resistance of exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe, and to reduce the production cost of the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Nozaki, Yuichiro Tsuruta, Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Yuji Maki
  • Patent number: 6581984
    Abstract: A corrugated spiral pipe with a coupling device comprises a pipe body 10, a pair of flanges 20, and a pair of binding bands 30. The pipe body 10 has a cylindrical shape and is prepared to have a spirally corrugated shape 11. The pair of the flanges 20 are formed in one body of outer circumferences of both end portions of said pipe body 10, each of the flanges 20 having a large outer diameter portion at an end portion of the flange 20 and a small outer diameter portion 21 at a longitudinally inside portion of the flange 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Seongho CSP, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoon Seung-Kyu
  • Patent number: 6543818
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an axisymmetric structural component, one of the ends of which is fitted with an inner circular flange for assembling, by bolting. The axisymmetric structural component with a second axisymmetric structural component. The flange comprises housings for receiving fixing elements such as bolts, pins or threaded rods. The housings are arranged on the circumference of the said flange at regular intervals. Each housing is, in longitudinal section (A—A) along a plane passing through the rotational axis of the component, T-shaped and consists of a first essentially cylindrical portion which is longitudinally open on the inner face (x) of the axisymmetric structural component and transversely open on the contact face (y) of the flange in the assembly. A second essentially semi-cylindrical portion is mounted on the flange which is also longitudinally open on the inner face (x) of the said structural component having an essentially D-shaped transverse section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignees: Techspace Aero S.A., Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Frédéric Leman, Guy Vieillefond, Mathieu Bos, Sébastien Ryhon
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6467811
    Abstract: The present invention is a flanged connection repair device and method for flanged pipe joints and the like that produces axial compression against the flanges of the joint so that the flange bolts may be removed and replaced, while simultaneously producing radial pressure on the sealant between the flanges, mechanically and radially compressing the sealant into the joint, directing the sealant around the full perimeter of the flanged joint. By providing both axial and/or radial compression the invention stops leaks in the pipe without interrupting the use of the pipe, duct work, and the like, and can be used permanently or temporarily, repeatedly, and under a variety of conditions including moderate to high internal pressures, vacuums, and temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Omega Multi National
    Inventor: Jessie Q. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6467820
    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. A set of tabs extends 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, two-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: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: David E. Albrecht, David E. Albrecht, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6460573
    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: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Engel Industries
    Inventors: Joshua D. Fischer, Dale R. Foster, Herbert J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6454318
    Abstract: To provide a connection portion of an exhaust pipe for an engine, which is intended to rigidly connect the exhaust pipe to an exhaust port of the engine, to prevent gas leakage by eliminating occurrence of clearance at the connecting portion, to reduce the flow resistance of exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe, and to reduce the production cost of the connection portion. An extension portion extending outwardly is integrally formed on the edge of an end portion of an exhaust pipe; a collar is fixed on the outer periphery of the end portion of the exhaust pipe by caulking; and the edge of the outer end of the collar is abutted against the extension portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Nozaki, Yuichiro Tsuruta, Yasuhiro Matsumoto, Yuji Maki
  • Patent number: 6419279
    Abstract: A ball and socket misalignment coupling includes a socket flange, ball member, retaining flange, threaded studs, and threaded retaining rings of limited shear strength. The threaded retaining rings function to permit the coupling to be pre-assembled. When the pre-assembled coupling is installed into service by using the threaded studs and associated nuts to bolt the coupling to a standard flange, the threaded rings are stripped out and remain in the assembly without obstructing the function of the coupling. The threaded retaining rings fit into recesses in the flanges through which the studs insert. The threaded retaining rings may made as a single-piece construction made from a material that has a yield and shear strength lower than that of the threaded studs about which they are mounted, or may be made as a two-piece threaded ring having inner threaded portion and a separate outer portion, each with differing material construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond E. Latham
  • Publication number: 20020074800
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting first and second tubular bodies comprising first and second flange assemblies, each of which has a hub and an annular flange in surrounding relationship to the hub, the hubs and flanges having engageable, complementary frustoconical surfaces that, when the first and second flange assemblies are subjected to compressive loading by means of threaded studs and nuts, cooperate to urge seal faces on the hubs into metal-to-metal sealing contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Patent number: 6394507
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting first and second tubular bodies comprising first and second flange assemblies, each of which has a hub and an annular flange in surrounding relationship to the hub, the hubs and flanges having engageable, complementary frustoconical surfaces that, when the first and second flange assemblies are subjected to compressive loading by means of threaded studs and nuts, cooperate to urge seal faces on the hubs into metal-to-metal sealing contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: William J. Baker
  • Patent number: 6382106
    Abstract: The present invention describes an improved skeletal frame for a revolving vehicle platform turntable. The improved device is used to support a vehicle turntable and easily installed in any location. The skeletal frame includes a cylindrical circular tubular body made of 2 semicircular sections, a main frame structure including web arms are connected to both sides of the cylindrical circular tubular body, a roller chain pulley sprocket assembly is attached to the center cross section of the main structure frame for driving the skeletal frame. It is preferably installed below ground level so that the upper level of the turntable is level with the ground. Another improved component of this invention is the absence of welded parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Elijah Knight
  • Publication number: 20010052703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an axisymmetric structural component (1), one of the ends of which is fitted with an inner circular flange (2) for assembling, by bolting, the said axisymmetric structural component (1) with a second axisymmetric structural component (10), the said flange comprising housings (60, 61, 62, . . . ) for receiving fixing elements (70, 71, 72, . . . ) such as bolts, pins or threaded rods, the said housings (60, 61, 62, . . . ) being arranged on the circumference of the said flange (2) at regular intervals, characterized in that each housing (60, 61, 62, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Mathieu Bos, Sebastien Ryhon
  • Patent number: 6315335
    Abstract: The inventive loose flange (1) consists of two half flanges (2, 2) overlapping each other in two overlap areas. A connector screw hole (4, 5), traversing both half flanges (2, 3), is located in one of the two overlap areas. Another connector screw hole (6, 7) is disposed in each of the two half flanges (2, 3), said screw hole being set at a 90° angle to the first. The overlap areas of both half flanges (2, 3) have stepped, interlocking profiles (21, 22, 31, 32) which serve to absorb shearing force. By using connector screws to connect two loose flanges, for instance, in both half flange (2, 3) overlap areas, all connector screws, i.e. even those arranged in screw holes (6, 7) located outside the overlap areas, can be tightened to a substantially greater degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Etoile Holding AG
    Inventor: Peter Seedorff
  • Patent number: 6302452
    Abstract: A pipe connector system for connecting stub end pipe particularly thermoplastic pipe, the pipe connector system using a common engagement ring and either a flange connector system or a shell-type coupling connector system to interconnect two segments of stub end pipe or to connect stub end pipe to a pipe fitting, the alternate connector systems allowing flexibility and versatility depending on the situation, the common engagement ring being formed as either a full ring or split ring, the split ring permitting the connector system to be utilized when the pipe has a stub end pre-installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Gunter Schlicht
  • Patent number: 6244630
    Abstract: A pressurized leaking flange joint is sealed with a ¼ circle load support structure, a jacking bolt extending therethrough and applying a radial load to a sealing plug between the flange gap. The sealing plug is a graphite packing ring placed into the flange gap on either side of a gasket centering ring, and a carbon steel compression ring (two ⅛ circles placed end-to-end) placed on top of the packing ring on either side of the gasket centering ring. The load support structure is installed such that the jacking bolt is centered over the flange gap. The jacking bolt is torqued and subsequently applies a radial load to the compression ring, which radial load is transferred to the load support structure and then to two flange bolts against which the load support structure bares. The radial load on the compression rings compresses the packing material into the pathway of the leak, thereby sealing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Johnny D. Baucom, Michael D. Sullivan, Michael K. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6176663
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the bending stress imparted to threaded fasteners in flanged connections is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stress reducing washer positioned between the head of the threaded fastener and a counterbore in the backface of the flange. In a first embodiment, the stress reducing washer uses a tapered upper surface oriented with respect to the flange to compensate for flange deflection as the threaded fastener is tightened to a predetermined torque value. Second and third embodiments utilizing spherical and cylindrical surfaces are also shown. A fourth embodiment eliminates the need for the stress reducing washer and machines the tapered surface in the backface of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventors: Lan T. Nguyen, Stephen J. Walker
  • 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: 6126205
    Abstract: The assembly of a connection that uses cooperating grooved surfaces to provide an easily disassembled and assembled connection is improved by a tool that clamps separate brackets onto the two ends of the pipe connection and radially and axially aligns pipe ends as a bolt draws the two brackets together. Drawing the brackets together causes contact between alignment surfaces that provide radial and axial alignment of the separate connection halves for installation of pipe connection links. No additional clamping means is needed to provide any necessary force to keep the connector faces of the connection ends sufficiently close together for placement of the links and the addition of the locking ring or other retaining means. The tool prevents disengagement of the link members from engagement with the grooves on either connection end before the locking sleeve is placed over the links. The tool also provides a recess for retaining the locking ring until needed for holding the links in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gary A. Schulz, Jeffrey E. Burgard
  • 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: 6096121
    Abstract: A seal joint is for an arrangement for separating a gas and liquid mixture having a vessel with an inlet for entry of the gas and liquid mixture and an outlet for exit of a separated gas, and a centrifugal separation cyclone in the vessel for centrifugally separating the gas from the mixture. The joint requires the vessel to have an internal vessel flange defining a flange opening. An inlet tube extends into the flange opening. A first retaining ring having a first outer ring which engages the flange, also has a first inner ring portion extending around the inlet tube in the flange opening. A second retaining ring has a second outer ring engaged with the flange and a second inner ring extending around the inlet tube in the flange opening. An O-ring is engaged around the inlet tube and between the first and second inner rings and fastening bolts are use for fastening the first and second outer rings to the flange, around the flange opening for deforming the O-ring against the inlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hudson Products Corporation
    Inventor: George S. Millas
  • Patent number: 6085778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wall connection for connecting a fitting (2) to a water network, with a connecting piece (3) having on the wall side a connection part (4) with an inlet duct (6), and on the fitting side a connection part (5) with an outlet duct (7). The inlet duct (6) and the outlet duct (7) are preferably excentrically staggered with regard to each other. In order to make a wall connection available for the connection of the fitting to the water network, in which the connection between the wall connection and the fitting takes up as little place as possible and is at the same time simple to produce, the invention provides that a flange (9) with tapped holes (12, 13) is provided for connecting the wall connection (1) to the fitting (2) by means of fastening screws (10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 6024387
    Abstract: A tube connector comprising an elongate hollow body with an opening at both ends for receiving the end of a tube of a pair of tubes to be coupled to each other, which tube connector comprises means for providing, upon completion of the connection between the connector and the tubes to be connected, a passage for air from the interior of at least one of the tubes to the surroundings.The use of such connectors in installing glass fiber cables or bundles in a tube line consisting of more than one tube by means of a blowing technique has as an advantage that the course of the pressure gradient along the tube line is more linear than in the case where the connectors couple the successive tubes completely hermetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Koninklijke KPN N.V.
    Inventors: Willem Griffioen, Henk Nijstad
  • Patent number: 6016843
    Abstract: To produce a flanged pipe unit, a separate flange is put on a pipe and then the pipe is subjected to a punching to achieve an interlocked connection between the flange and the pipe. The flanged pipe unit produced by the method of the invention comprises a metal pipe including a larger expanded portion, a smaller expanded portion and a raised portion which are axially aligned so that the smaller expanded portion is placed between the larger expanded portion and the raised portion; and a metal flange having a through bore through which the pipe passes, the through bore including a larger diameter portion, a smaller diameter portion and a tapered end portion which are axially aligned so that the smaller diameter portion is placed between the larger diameter portion and the tapered end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Calsonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Wada, Susumu Sato
  • Patent number: 5961153
    Abstract: An exhaust repair kit, including methods of manufacture and use thereof, in mounting a damaged pipe end to a flanged pipe end in a vehicle exhaust system comprising a length of tubing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion being sized for engagement with the damaged pipe end. A replacement flange engages the second portion through a replacement flange aperture. The replacement flange aperture is of a sufficient diameter to allow the replacement flange to be freely movable axially and circumferentially about the second portion and enables the replacement flange to universally engage a variety of flanged pipe ends. Securing means for securing the first portion to the damaged pipe end. Locating means for locating the replacement flange about the second portion, said replacement flange being freely movable thereabout the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: David S. Foster
  • Patent number: 5948128
    Abstract: A device for draining condensate from a steam system while substantially eliminating the passage of steam. The device has flanged inlet and outlet ends and includes a unitary Y-shaped body defining a fluid flow conduit, a filter device disposed within the Y-shaped body, and flanged inlet and outlet body ends configured for corresponding bolted connection with the flanged inlet and outlet ends of the steam system. The device also has an insert housing removably connected within the Y-shaped body and abutting the flanged outlet end of the steam system, and a nozzle structure removably positioned within the insert housing and having a constricted passageway in fluid communication with the fluid flow conduit. The insert housing can only be removed from the Y-shaped body by first disconnecting the Y-shaped body from the steam system, providing added safety for steam system operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Engineering Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Panos N. Stavropoulos, Paul E. DiNardo
  • Patent number: 5755466
    Abstract: An annular clamping flange for use in clamping a first pipe end portion to a second pipe end portion in an engine exhaust system includes a first arcuate flange portion and a second arcuate flange portion co-operable therewith to form a pipe receiving aperture. Each flange portion has at least one clamping bolt receiving aperture having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe receiving aperture. Each flange portion also has opposite ends each having a connecting bolt receiving tubular lug on the laterally outer side thereof, the tubular lug having a longitudinal axis substantially tangential to the pipe receiving aperture. The two flange portions can be positioned around a first pipe end portion and connected together by connecting bolts passing through respective pairs of adjacent tubular lugs on the first and second flange portions, and the annular flange can then be secured to a second pipe end portion by clamping bolts passing through the clamping bolt receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: George C. Harth
  • Patent number: 5718460
    Abstract: Difference in internal diameters of flanged fluid-flow components, such as pumps and valves, are accommodated by the present flow adapter with a much lessened space requirement. The adapter is preferably formed as a metal casting with parallel faces, and with its tapered bore, which extends from one face to the other, surrounded by a pattern of tapped holes, into which the flanges of the fluid-flow components are screwed. No nuts are used; there is no need for access to the space occupied by the adapter, between the flanges of the two fluid-flow components. Results include a much lessened installation length with only a modest loss of fluid-flow efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignees: John C. Glunt, Cyrus S. Blackmore
    Inventors: P. Gordon Glunt, John C. Glunt
  • Patent number: 5702205
    Abstract: A marine riser system for a bottom-supported platform which can be installed by divers without the use of J-tubes or I-tubes. A flowline, e.g. steel pipeline, is laid between a subsea well or the like, and a jacket of a bottom-supported platform. The free end of the flowline is curved upwardly in a catenary amd is attached to the jacket at a depth which is below the turbulence zone but is one which is substantially above the marine bottom; preferably at a depth at which divers can safely work. After the flowline is structurally attached to the jacket, the free end of the flowline is fluidly connected (e.g. by divers) to a substantially vertical riser section which is clamped within the jacket and which extends through the turbulence zone to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Mahone, Bruce D. Chandler, Joseph P. Killeen, David L. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5685576
    Abstract: A connector for a composite pipe includes a male conical member to be inserted between inner and outer layers of the pipe. The outer layers have oppositely wound composite strips which are overlapped along the conical surface. The ends of the strips are braided and a cup located over the conical surface. A filler is injected between the cup and conical member to fill the voids formed between the overlapping strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Donald H. Wolfe, David R. Budney
  • Patent number: 5641185
    Abstract: An annular clamping flange for use in clamping a first pipe end portion to a second pipe end portion in an engine exhaust system, has first and second arcuate flange portions co-operable to form a pipe receiving aperture, each flange portion having at least one clamping bolt receiving aperture with a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe receiving aperture. The annular flange having an outer periphery of generally parallelogram shape with a pair of opposed acute angles and a pair of opposed obtuse angles, the parallelogram shape having rounded corners, one flange portion providing one side and portions of sides of the parallelogram shape adjacent thereto, and the other flange portion providing the opposite side to said one side and the other portions of said adjacent sides, each flange portion having a connecting bolt receiving tubular lug on each said adjacent side portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: George C. Harth
  • Patent number: 5580102
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a support system for thermoplastic pipe which includes two sleeves each securable to one of two pipe ends, each encompassing a portion of the pipe and having a connection member spaced apart from the pipe and interconnected between the sleeves. The system minimizes stress on the pipe and fittings associated with thermal expansion and contraction of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Stultz
  • Patent number: 5429397
    Abstract: A corrugated pipe has a solid joint which is formed fixedly on an end portion of the pipe by polymerization and solidification of a reaction solution which polymerizes quickly at room temperature in such a manner that the joint has a first cylindrical portion which has a first predetermined length from the end of the pipe in the axial direction, or the first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion which is elongated axially outwardly from the first cylindrical portion to a second predetermined length. The first or second cylindrical portion has a locking mechanism such as an annular groove or flange which is so formed as to detachably connect the joint to the joint (H) of another mating corrugated pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Shiro Kanao
  • Patent number: 5413389
    Abstract: A convoluted flange ring for a flange coupler in a piping system the flange ring having an annular bolting disk with an outer rim and an inner rim forming a U-shaped cross section, with the bolting disk having a transitional thickness for improved stress management, the thickness of the bolting disk increasing from the outer rim to the inner rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Gunter Schlicht
  • Patent number: 5368344
    Abstract: A coupling stud assembly for coupling together a pair of flanges. A stud ing a tapered surface is inserted into respective overlapping through-holes provided in the flanges so that a space is defined between the stud and inner walls of the holes. A wedge is fitted into the space and is pressed by a wedge spacer so as to tighten contact between the stud and the inner walls of the through-holes. Nuts are provided on threaded ends of the stud to securely couple the flanges together. This arrangement provides a tight, vibration-free coupling between the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gus F. Plangetis
  • Patent number: 5333917
    Abstract: A clamp system for maintaining an end of a high temperature fluid bearing tube in substantially sealing engagement with a surface and in substantial alignment with an aperture in the surface positioned substantially transverse to the tube. A bracket member is provided to hold the end of the tube against the surface. An annular flange is provided on the end of the tube, to form the seal and provide a surface against which the bracket member pushes. The annular flange is advantageously configured so as to position the seal radially away from the tube so as to reduce transmission of heat from the fluid within the tube to the seal, to, in turn, protect the material of the mating surfaces from heat degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Senior Engineering Investments, B.V
    Inventors: Mark J. Davey, Michael R. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5330328
    Abstract: A coupling device vertically couples one shaft which is substantially axially aligned to a second shaft. The device includes a flexible coupling unit attached to an end of one shaft, with a coaxial flange thereupon. The end of the second shaft has a concentric locating bore and a diameter. A split coupling is provided to the second shaft and includes two half flanges. Each half flange has a depending half cylindrical member attached thereto. A bolt extends through a diametrical through bolt hole provided in the end of the second shaft, and through a pair of bolt holes in the depending half cylindrical members, positioned such that the upper faces of the half flanges of the split coupling are substantially aligned with the upper end of the second shaft. Pilot flange is provided between the coaxial flange and the half flanges. The pilot flange has a center cylinder which is sized to match and to be received in the concentric locating bore of the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Paul V. Cooper