Clamp Patents (Class 285/420)
  • Publication number: 20110018263
    Abstract: A band clamp used for forming a pipe lap joint. The band clamp includes a band, tightening mechanism, and gasket. The band extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end and is sized to fit over an outside pipe end. The tightening mechanism is connected to the band at the first and second end. The tightening mechanism includes at least one fastener to bring the first and second ends toward each other to tighten the band over the outside pipe end. The gasket is constructed to fit over an inside pipe end and within the outside pipe end such that the gasket is at least partially sandwiched between said inside and outside pipe ends. The gasket has an embossment extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the gasket and being constructed to be received at least partly within a slot of the outside pipe end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: NORMA U.S. HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, David Leo Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20110006522
    Abstract: Attachment system for a gas nozzle (33) on a gas nozzle mount (30) arranged on a welding torch (10), which is designed for the detachable attachment of the gas nozzle (33). To create such an attachment one part of the gas nozzle mount (30) is designed to be eccentric and for mounting a fixing element (35) and by means of an additional part of the gas nozzle mount (30) with at least one part of a penstock (31) of the welding torch (10) a guide is formed for the gas nozzle (33) and the gas nozzle (33) can be secured by means of a rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Bichler, Stefan Ehrenbrandner, Johannes Fuerlinger, Armin Gaspar
  • Patent number: 7861982
    Abstract: A clamp for a tubular hose or cable is disclosed. The clamp comprises a first clamp half, a second clamp half, and a hinge pin. The first clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a first concave semi-cylindrical face. The first end of the first clamp half carries means for mounting the clamp. The second clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a second concave semi-cylindrical face. The first clamp half and the second clamp half come together along a parting line and are retained together by a hinge pin. The clamp halves are provided with snap-in liners for easy use. Alternative mounts for mounting the clamp on subsea wire line or tubulars is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: International Clamps, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence M. McClure
  • Publication number: 20100320758
    Abstract: A pipe coupler has two arms, a gasket lacking a centered ridge, and clips upon the arms that grip pipes regardless of their end condition. The hinged arms define an annular opening that encircles the gasket and the ends of coupled pipes. The arms connect with a hinge located to the interior of the arms and with a rounded internal edge that minimizes pinching. The arms secure using a cam lever or tee handle. The cylindrical gasket, solid or split, with securing buttons, has an even number of concentric ridges, no ridge extending between the pipes. The gasket's inner diameter fits a pipe's outer diameter. The gasket has ends with a wavy surface that mate completely upon a radius and a self lubricating material. The clips bite into the pipes' surface for continuous grounding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: DAVID E. SISK
  • Publication number: 20100314864
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for connecting pipes of the same or different diameters. The coupling has a barrel sleeve with clamping rings on each end. The clamping rings each carry nested seals. An inner portion of each nested seal may be removed so as to adapt the clamping ring to different pipe diameters. Each clamping ring is hinged, but becomes iron-bound upon tightening, so that each ring eventually bends as a unitary ring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Andy Lemke, Branko Cumic
  • Publication number: 20100314870
    Abstract: A system for temporarily joining two pipe ends securely in a reversible manner, where the joined pipe will carry fluids or mixed fluids and solids under high pressure and volume. Two clamshell clamps each grip a pipe near its end where two pipes are to be joined and. The clamshell clamps have two mating bodies of semicircular cross-section, pivoting around a hinged edge, so that interlaced flanges on the bodies' other edges meet and between which mated flanges a conical pin is inserted to bias the mating clamp bodies together gripping the pipe inside the tubular enclosure formed by the mating clamp elements. The conical pins are connected so that if the pipes' ends are urged apart, the connected pins are urged between the clamps' flanges forcing the clamps' gripping faces together on the pipes. The clamps may have included gripping elements adjacent on its inner face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Curtis Wade Cromarty
  • Publication number: 20100308580
    Abstract: A fluid passage connection device includes a positioning mechanism that incorporates a male coupler attached to a stationary base member and a female coupler attached to a movable member, and that positions the movable member with respect to the base member so that it becomes possible to connect the male and female couplers, and a clamping mechanism that drives the movable member in order to clamp and fix the movable member with respect to the base member by the elastic force of a spring, and that also releases this clamping with the hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic cylinder; and the male coupler has a connection sleeve that is driven to retract by hydraulic pressure and is driven to advance by a spring, with a hydraulic passage being provided that interconnects a hydraulic pressure operation chamber of the connection sleeve and an unclamping hydraulic chamber of the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Takayuki Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7832776
    Abstract: A pipe clamp that enables two pipes to be loosely connected together in a desired axially-aligned and rotationally-aligned configuration prior to tightening of the clamp. The pipe clamp includes a band having a first end and a second end, and a tightening mechanism connected to the band for drawing the ends of the band together. The pipe clamp further includes a latch having a base portion attached to the band and a clip portion that snaps over a button welded to the pipe to temporarily hold the clamp in place on the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Cassel, Michael E. Amedure, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Publication number: 20100283241
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping to two tubulars, each of the two tubulars including a component of a top drive system, the two tubulars threadedly connected together, the clamp for inhibiting relative rotation of the two tubulars, each of the two tubulars having at least one tubular projection projecting therefrom, the clamp including a clamp body having an interior surface, a plurality of clamp projections projecting inwardly from the interior surface of the clamp body for holding the at least one tubular projection projecting from each of the two tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald W. Yater, Lawrence E. Wells, Neil Edward West, Cliff Swiontek, Howard Ervin
  • Patent number: 7828338
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes pipe sockets of fluid-holding parts to be joined. The pipe sockets are provided with a peripheral locking rib, behind which a groove is formed and which has a conical front flank and a radial rear flank. The front flanks of the locking ribs lie opposite each other. The rear flank of one locking rib bounds a groove. The coupling assembly also contains a steel spring band, which is curved more than 240° and whose axial ends have inwardly directed flanges which engage behind the locking ribs and are interrupted on the side of the spring band opposite the ends of the spring band. The front flanks of the locking ribs enclose an angle <50° with the center axis, the radius of the smallest circumference of the front flanks is smaller than the inner radius of the flanges of the spring band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Janos Kertesz, Gerhard Wachter
  • Publication number: 20100276928
    Abstract: A tube tightening structure of a music instrument is disclosed. A plastic body is provided inside a metal hollow shell. The body has a through hole for the insertion of a tube. The body has an extension part that has a tightening part. A threaded element is connected with a rotating element outside the shell. The rotation of the rotating element displaces the threaded element, so that the tightening part tightly holds the tube in the through hole of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ming Yi Chang
  • Publication number: 20100270790
    Abstract: A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ONSET PIPE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Martin G. Ward
  • Patent number: 7818869
    Abstract: A method for joining pipe elements in end to end relation uses a coupling that includes interconnectable coupling segments having connection members at opposite ends. The connection members are tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Each segment has a concavity positioned between inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces that engage grooves in the pipe elements. The concavities house a sealing member that extends circumferentially around the pipe elements. Angularly oriented surfaces are positioned adjacent to the connection members. The surfaces on facing segments engage one another and cause the segments to rotate in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the pipe elements. The concavities are angularly oriented with respect to the axis so that when the segments rotate, the concavities are oriented substantially parallel to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, William A. Nagle, John W. Pierce, William M. McPoyle
  • Publication number: 20100268161
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) for a flexible tube, in particular an infusion tube, composed of a substantially U-shaped plastic band, the free end (111) of the first branch (11?) of the U being bent over, so as to form the head (11) of the clamp, to the free end (121) of the second branch, called the back (12), in such a way that, in the closed position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated resting under the free end (111) of the head (11), whereas, in the opened position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated at a distance above the free end (111) of the head (11), the clamp having a pair of openings (114, 134) to allow a flexible tube to extend through the clamp and be supported by the latter, and two opposite projections (113, 123) for obturating the flexible tube by compressing it when the clamp is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: FRESENIUS VIAL SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Traversaz
  • Patent number: 7815513
    Abstract: An enclosed slide extending between a deck located above a ground surface and the ground surface. The enclosed slide includes a number of elongate sections extending between the deck and the ground surface. The sections are connected together in abutting end-to-end relations respectively. Each section includes a body and one or more flanges extending outwardly from the body and ending in notched edges, each flange being positioned substantially at one of the ends. The enclosed slide also includes a number of clamp rings. Each clamp ring includes one or more notched portions for mating with the notched edges of each pair of adjacent flanges respectively. Each clamp ring is adapted for securing the adjacent flanges in each pair to each other respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Frederick Rieber
  • Patent number: 7802821
    Abstract: A device includes a clamping collar having a belt that has two substantially cylindrical faces and that is suitable for being tightened around an article to be clamped; and at least one positioning including a securing plate that is disposed facing a first face of the belt while being retained relative to the belt; and a positioning portion that is suitable for positioning the device relative to the article to be clamped. When the collar is in its initial, non-tightened state, the securing plate is braced against the first face of the belt, wherein at the beginning of tightening, the plate deforming causes the bracing effect to cease, thereby allowing the belt and the plate to move relative to each other. The plate is suitable for being deformed while the collar is being tightened onto the article so as to present curvature that matches the curvature of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Nicolas Rigollet, Fabrice Prevot, Eric Mesnard
  • Patent number: 7789434
    Abstract: A concave bearing surface for use with lugs of pipe coupling segments and a method of joining pipe ends. The concave bearing surface is positioned on the lug and surrounds an aperture which receives a fastener attaching the coupling segments together end to end surrounding pipe ends to be joined. Either the nut or the head of the fastener that engages the concave surface may be rotated to tighten the fastener. Engagement between the concave surface and the rotating member reduces the torque required to tighten the fastener and effect a stiff, fluid tight joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: William A. Nagle, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7784834
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping to two threadedly-connected items, and, in one aspect, two threadedly-connected components of a top drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Yater, Lawrence E. Wells, Neil Edward West, Cliff Swiontek, Howard Ervin
  • Publication number: 20100213708
    Abstract: An adjustable pipe coupling assembly (10) has a first clamp (30), a second clamp (32), and means (38, 40, 44) for rotating the clamps independently about a first common axis shared by the clamps and extending vertically. The first clamp (30) includes a first pair of opposed ears (52, 54) spaced apart so as to allow a first pipe (16) to be located therebetween. Each one of the opposed ears (52, 54) has a hole (56, 58) formed therethrough. The pair of holes (56, 58) share a second common axis extending in a first horizontal plane and are adapted to receive first pivot means, such as a bolt (60), therethrough for engaging the first pipe (16). The first pipe (16) is, as a result, pivotable in a first vertical plane about the second common axis. The second clamp (32) includes a second pair of opposed ears (52, 54) spaced apart so as to allow a second pipe (18) to be located therebetween. Each one of the opposed ears has a hole (56, 58) formed therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Douglass Alan Esdaile
  • Patent number: 7770937
    Abstract: A pipe clamp that is used over a ball joint formed between a balled end of a first pipe and a flared end of a second pipe. The pipe clamp has a band and a tightening mechanism. The band extends axially from a first edge to a second edge, and extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end. The band has a step formed circumferentially in a body of the band between the first and second edge. The step accommodates a stepped seam that is produced between the balled end and the flared end when they are overlapped with respect to each other. The tightening mechanism draws the first and second ends of the band toward and away from each other in order to respectively tighten and loosen the pipe clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure
  • Publication number: 20100194109
    Abstract: A method for joining pipe elements in end to end relation uses a coupling that includes interconnectable coupling segments having connection members at opposite ends. The connection members are tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. Each segment has a concavity positioned between inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces that engage grooves in the pipe elements. The concavities house a sealing member that extends circumferentially around the pipe elements. Angularly oriented surfaces are positioned adjacent to the connection members. The surfaces on facing segments engage one another and cause the segments to rotate in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the pipe elements. The concavities are angularly oriented with respect to the axis so that when the segments rotate, the concavities are oriented substantially parallel to the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Michael V. Porter, Scott D. Madara, William A. Nagle, John W. Pierce, William M. McPoyle
  • Patent number: 7762246
    Abstract: A paintball gun preferably includes an adjustable, clamping feed tube. The feed tube can, for instance, include a lever for closing and opening a clamp, thereby tightening or loosening a receiving end of a feed tube to secure or release a hopper neck. The feed tube also preferably includes a finger adjustable nut for adjusting the size of the receiving end to accommodate differently sized hopper necks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward S. Telford
  • Patent number: 7731242
    Abstract: A pipe clamp includes a deformable cylindrical sealing sleeve having a continuous side wall with a slotted opening extending 180 degrees around the circumference of the side wall adapted to receive a gate valve plate. The slotted opening has protruding lips bordered by clamping wedges. Clamps are provided for clamping the sealing sleeve to a pipe. Pressure members are provided. A clamping force with pressure members upon the clamping wedges to clamp the lips into a closed position thereby creating a fluid tight seal when the gate valve plate is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 7726703
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining pipe elements end-to-end is disclosed. The pipe coupling is formed of segments attached to one another circumferentially straddling the pipe elements. The segments are formed from sub-sections connected to one another end-to-end. Each sub-section has a surface region disposed to engage the outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Each surface region has a different radius of curvature from a surface region on a neighboring sub-section. The radii are selected so that when the coupling segments are deformed around the pipe elements, portions of surface regions of selected sub-sections contact the pipe elements, while portions of surface regions of those sub-sections between the selected portions remain in spaced relation away from the pipe elements. A constant and minimal torque is required to bolt the segments together as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Michael V. Porter, Craig Haney, Scott D. Madara, Douglas R. Dole, John W. Pierce
  • Patent number: 7722092
    Abstract: A pipe joint device using flanges is provided. The pipe joint device includes: flanges mounted to ends of pipes to be coupled together or ends of both a pipe and a pipe joint to be coupled together, the flange having at least one ring groove around an outer circumferential surface thereof; a packing mounted to the flanges and having inner rings around an inner circumferential surface thereof to closely engage with the ring grooves of the flanges; and a clamp having a packing seat to seat the packing therein, with a support sidewall formed by a radial inward extension of each side of the clamp, the clamp being divided into a plurality of clamp parts so that the clamp parts are placed around the packing and are fastened together by a locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Su Gen Kim
  • Patent number: 7717479
    Abstract: A tightenable band clamp with a clamping band and a tightening head with two clamping jaws which are a certain circumferential distance apart and which can be moved toward each other by a tightening device. For this purpose, at least one clamping jaw, in the area of its radially inside surface, has at least one projection which extends in the circumferential direction toward the other clamping jaw and which projects into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Goran Lebo, Detlef Henrich, Heinz Peter Wolf, Stephan Mann
  • Patent number: 7708490
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping a cylindrically shaped structure within a hollow cylindrical structure includes means to maintain the angular and axial position of the structures fixed while the clamp is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Trevor J. Rossi
  • Patent number: 7690698
    Abstract: An improved system and method for facilitating pipe and conduit coupling comprises a clamp having at least one screw hole for insertion therethrough of at least one screw for insertion for a further clamp for being screwed to fasten the clamps together on ends of pipes to be coupled, at least one gasket between the clamps and pipe and including at least one retainer to engage with the screw to prevent the screw from displacement prior to being screwed into fastening relationship with the gasket and the pipe. An improved method for facilitating pipe coupling comprises providing clamps fastenable together around ends of pipes, a gasket to be placed between the clamps and the pipe ends and providing at least one retainer to engage the screw to prevent it from being displaced through a screw hole prior to fastening the clamps around the pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Shapco Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Curran
  • Patent number: 7661730
    Abstract: An open clamping ring (11) is provided for connecting tubes (1) that are provided with terminal flanges (2). The clamping ring is drawn together with the aid of a clamping lock that is provided at the open ends of the clamping ring. The clamping (10) substantially has the shape of a U whose legs that are composed of an inner leg section (12) and an outer leg section (14) are bent such that a clamping edge (13) is formed in the central area between the leg sections (12 and 14). The inventive clamping ring (10) thus approximately has the shape of an X. The clamping edges (13) rest more or less linearly on the outside of the final flange sections (2a) such that the friction between the clamping ring (10) and the terminal flanges (2) is reduced when the clamping ring is assembled while force is transmitted and distributed in an optimal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Metu Meinig AG
    Inventor: Manfred Meinig
  • Publication number: 20100013221
    Abstract: A clamp is disclosed which structurally replaces a cracked P3a weld in the piping of a BWR's core spray line. The clamp includes upper and lower clamp bodies that are joined together by clamp bolts held by keeper nuts with crimp collars engaging the bolts. Upper and lower curved jaws of the clamp bodies contact the piping at a plurality of contact points to form gaps between the piping and curved jaws to thereby ensure that the clamp engages the piping and seals the cracked weld. Conically shaped ends of stop bolts inserted into the upper curved jaw seat into conical holes machined in the core spray line piping to prevent the piping cracked weld from separating after the clamp is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Grant Clark Jensen
  • Publication number: 20100013217
    Abstract: A substantially leak free joint connecting conduits in an exhaust system of an engine. The joint connects a first exhaust conduit extending between a first distal end and a first join end, and a second exhaust conduit extending between a second distal end and a second join end. The joint comprises a substantially circular bead formed by a tip of the first join end curled radially outward and around until it contacts an outer surface of the first exhaust conduit. A mating surface formed in the second join end that defines an at least partially axially open seat flared radially outward from the second exhaust conduit. At least a portion of the seat shaped to substantially conform to at least ninety degrees of a circumference of an external surface of the substantially circular bead. The external surface of the bead directly contacts the seat of the mating surface such that the portion of the seat curves around a portion of the circumference of the bead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Petkovsek, Walter J. Ormond
  • Patent number: 7635139
    Abstract: A lateral displacement preventing device for a stabilizer, the device including a flat plate having a first end portion and a second end portion and having an upper surface which contacts the stabilizer and a lower surface at a side that is opposite from the upper surface, and cut-out step portions formed by recessing each of an upper surface of the first end portion and a lower surface of the second end portion. The flat plate is wrapped, along a surface of the plate, around an outer periphery of the stabilizer at a predetermined position thereon and clamped, the cut-out step portions are overlapped, and both of the end portions are fixed at overlapping portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Narishima, Masahiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7631908
    Abstract: A clamping ring is used to mount an air bag gas generator cartridge on a support plate. A tensioning ear is formed in the clamping ring. Further, a wave is formed in the ring to increase the holding force between the ring and the cartridge. The wave consists of two convex arches projecting outward from the ring and an inward convex arch therebetween, the apex of the inward arch being at least tangential to the circle defined by the remaining portions of the ring in the initial condition of the ring. This type of clamping ring mounting is capable of withstanding torques between the cartridge and the support plate of well above 10 Nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventors: Ulrich Meier, Thomas Berlep
  • Patent number: 7625018
    Abstract: An end clamp housing for attachment to a cylindrical body, the side end housing being a unitary metal casting comprising; an open annular base element provided with a first, ingoing flange at a first side of the base element and a second ingoing flange at a second side of the base element. The second ingoing flange having a cross-section forming a loop extending outwardly beyond the base element; and a pair of clamp members projecting outwardly from the base element. The clamp members being positioned face to face and having an aperture to allow the insertion of a tightening element which can be operated to reduce the distance between the two ends of the open annular base element and thereby press an annular seal element against the outside of a pipe inserted through the seal clamp housing, which after release of the tightening element returns to its original dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Krausz Metal Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7617585
    Abstract: Clamping devices and methods for supporting pipes that experience biaxial loading forces are provided. The clamping device transmits forces from the pipe to surrounding supporting frame structure. In one embodiment, a clamp apparatus includes a first piece having first and second staggered notches and a second piece having first and second staggered notches. The first and second pieces are placed in contact with each other with the first staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other and the second staggered notches of the first and second pieces contacting each other. The clamp apparatus forms a cavity for receiving a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy R. W. James, Lance A Cutler
  • Patent number: 7600791
    Abstract: An exhaust system comprises first and second pipes and a sealing ring. The first pipe comprises a first pipe. The second pipe comprises a second pipe extending into the first pipe. The sealing ring is positioned between the first and second pipes so as to establish a sealed connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Emcon Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Anton Berchtold, Martin Adldinger
  • Patent number: 7581753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining clamp (2) for securing objects, in particular gas storage cylinders (1) for airbags, having a clamping ring (3) which encircles the object and engages around the object in a clamping manner in particular by means of mechanical deformation upon installation (clamping means 11) and, in the process, bears with at least one contact surface (16) against the object, the contact surface (16) being provided at least in some regions with a roughening (17) which improves the retaining effect between the retaining clamp (2) and the object, and/or having a clamping securing bolt (press-in screw 5) which extends through an opening (40) of the clamping ring (3) and has a head (9) lying in the interior of the clamping ring (3), the head (9) having at least one rotation-preventing edge (38) which is arranged opposite the inside (36) of the clamping ring (3) in order to prevent rotation of the clamping securing bolt (press-in screw 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen- und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Ulrich Meier
  • Publication number: 20090200802
    Abstract: A clamp is disclosed which is for mounting upon a cylindrical member such as a sub-sea riser or umbilical 12. The clamp has a set of outer clamp shells 14 shaped to be arranged around the cylindrical member 12, and preferably adapted to be secured to one another in this configuration e.g. by means of bolts 16. Within the structure thus formed are inner clamp members 24 shaped to seat upon the cylindrical member e.g. through part-circular inner faces. The inner clamp members are biased into engagement with the cylindrical member by means of spring elements 20 pre-stressed upon assembly of the clamp between opposed surfaces of the respective outer clamp shell and inner clamp member. Preferably, the spring elements 20 each act along a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Louvain-Walters, Jonathan Fox
  • Publication number: 20090189392
    Abstract: A band clamp that connects overlapping pipe ends includes a band, a tightening mechanism, and a gasket. The band has a radially protruding rib, a first lateral section that extends from a side of the rib, and a second lateral section that extends from another side of the rib. The tightening mechanism connects to the band and is operable to tighten the band, and the gasket is received in the rib. In one example, an axial width of the lateral sections are within a range relative to an axial width of the rib, and in another example, the lateral sections are angled inwardly with relative to an axis of the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Publication number: 20090140516
    Abstract: A pipe saddle having a pipe compression pad suitable for sealing engagement with any of a range of different diameter irrigation pipes with the pipe saddle having pliable pipe straps integrally formed to the compression pad to provide a continuous surface for compressive engagement of an external surface of an irrigation pipe thereto to thereby hold an irrigation pipe in position within the pipe saddle while a pipe tap is inserted into the irrigation pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: L. Herbert King, JR., James Keeven, Steven Rhea
  • Patent number: 7540540
    Abstract: A pipe coupling inc1udes a pair of half members which have a half-ring shape on the x-y plane and a thickness along the z axis, wherein the half member includes a first end on which a circumferential groove is disposed, the circumferential groove including a first groove surface and a second groove surface which are inclined over the x-y plane; and a second end on which a circumferential protrusion is disposed, the circumferential protrusion including a first protrusion surface and a second protrusion surface which are inclined over the x-y plane, wherein the first groove surface and the second groove surface are inclined over the x-z plane in the same angle and direction as the first protrusion surface and the second protrusion surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignees: Younwoo Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Ho Kwon, Taek Sung Lee, Gwang Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 7533910
    Abstract: A clamp that includes a collar having first and second ends from which first and second lugs extend. Each of the first and second lugs has a thick portion and a thin portion, and the lugs are connected by a fastener. The clamp is positioned around tubes, and the fastener is tightened to tighten the clamp around the connection. The fastener may be tightened from an open position OP, when the lugs are not touching, to a closed position CP, when the thick portions of the lugs are touching. The fastener may be tightened further to a third position, so that the thin portions of the lugs move closer to one another. The clamp may also include a hinge area in which a gasket seal may be attached to the clamp or one of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: R.G. Ray Corp.
    Inventors: Rufei Ma, Dan Liedtke
  • Publication number: 20090121480
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of an impulse therapy garment for use in pump therapy for enhancing venous and arterial blood flow. The garment may be advantageously fitted to a human foot, and may include a rotationally positionable heel-strap, an air inlet connector, separate dorsum straps, or other features. For example, other garments may include a washer having a center hole locatable around the stem and configured to be forcibly retained against the outer surface of the fabric by snap-fit using annular stem protrusions extending from an external surface of the stem. In further embodiments, a garment may include a bladder retention fastener configured to retain an end of the bladder to the fabric to allow substantially differential movement between the fabric and non-retained portions of the bladder during inflation and deflation of the bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: NOVAMEDIX DISTRIBUTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Gordon J. Cook, Graeme Follett, David G. Portsmouth, Ben Davies
  • Patent number: 7523963
    Abstract: A split ring assembly for maintaining a releasable pipe coupling, of the type having a female portion having two pivoted opposite cam lever arms and a circumferentially grooved male portion, in an engaged position comprising: two generally semicircular ring portions hinged together on one side and provided with a latch mechanism on a diametrically opposite side; wherein each ring portion is notched to receive a swinging end portion of one of the cam lever arms; and wherein each ring portion is sized to closely surround the female portion of the pipe coupling. Then when the ring assembly surrounds said female portion and the pivoted arms, closing the latch mechanism visibly ensures that the coupling portions remain locked together. The split ring assembly is a rugged visibly convincing assurance that a coupling will not inopportunely open. It can be manipulated by an operator wearing heavy gloves in subzero weather or during a snow storm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventors: Garry D. Draper, Robert T. Valiquette
  • Patent number: 7520539
    Abstract: A pipe clamp for connecting pipe ends together to form a gas tight seal. The clamp includes an open band, tightening mechanism, split sealing sleeve, and inner gasket. The band extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end and has a pair of axial ends. The band includes a radially protruding rib located inwardly of the axial ends, and this rib extends at least part way between the first and second ends. The split sleeve is disposed within the band and is located at least within the rib. The gasket is disposed radially within the sleeve such that it is located at least partially within the rib. Each of the pipe ends can have a protruding bead and the clamp can be placed over the two pipe ends during assembly such that the beads engage the gasket within the center rib region of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T Ignaczak, Scott T Cassel
  • Publication number: 20090079189
    Abstract: A pipe clamp that enables two pipes to be loosely connected together in a desired axially-aligned and rotationally-aligned configuration prior to tightening of the clamp. The pipe clamp includes a band having a first end and a second end, and a tightening mechanism connected to the band for drawing the ends of the band together. The pipe clamp further includes a latch having a base portion attached to the band and a clip portion that snaps over a button welded to the pipe to temporarily hold the clamp in place on the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: BREEZE-TORCA PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Cassel, Michael E. Amedure, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7501005
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment device is provided for a power system. The exhaust treatment device has an inlet module, a filter module, an outlet module, and a clamping element. The filter has a housing with at least one submerged flange. At least one of the inlet and the outlet modules also have at least one submerged flange. The clamping element is configured to engage the at least one submerged flange of the filter module and the at least one submerged flange of the at least one of the inlet and the outlet modules to connect the filter module to the at least one of the inlet and outlet modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Michael Thaler
  • Patent number: 7497485
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe joint which provides a seal after joining pipes, thus preventing water from leaking. The pipe joint includes a body part (10) and a coupling part (20). The pipe joint further includes a locking means (30) to couple both ends of the body part (10) to each other, and a reinforcing unit (40) which is reduced in thickness at both ends thereof. The pipe joint further includes sealing units (11) and (41) which are provided inside the body part (10) and the reinforcing unit (40). In the pipe joint of the present invention, the body part and the coupling parts comprise an integrated plate. As such, the pipe joint of the present invention greatly affects both producers and consumers due to its economic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Byung-moo An
  • Publication number: 20090050625
    Abstract: A fuel tank inlet device is for attachment to a fuel tank or filler neck. The fuel tank or filler neck includes a filler opening, a fuel tank or filler neck abutment surface and one or more projections extending inwardly into the filler opening. The fuel tank inlet device includes a clamping member and a mounting portion, the mounting portion being provided with a first clamping surface. The fuel tank inlet device is provided with an inlet for the ingress of fuel and an outlet for the egress of fuel into a fuel tank. One or both of the mounting portion and the clamping member is movable relative to the other of the mounting portion and the clamping member from a non-clamping configuration to a clamping configuration. In use, the clamping member engages a projection and the first clamping surface, engages with the fuel tank or filler neck abutment surface so as to secure the device to the fuel tank or filler neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: TruckProtect Limited
    Inventor: Richard Nigel Fowler
  • Patent number: 7495703
    Abstract: A surveillance camera comprising a camera mounted in a housing, a trim ring and dome assembly, a flexible member and a clamping member. The housing and the trim ring and dome assembly have first and second surfaces. One of the first surface of the housing and the first surface of the trim ring and dome assembly has an indentation, and the flexible member is positioned in the indentation. The clamping member can be tightened and is shaped to contact the second surface of the housing and the second surface of the assembly such that when the clamping member is tightened the clamping member causes the housing and the assembly to compress the flexible member so that the flexible member provides a seal between the housing and the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Pelco, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Arbuckle