Clamp Patents (Class 285/420)
  • Patent number: 7490871
    Abstract: A pipe clamp for connecting two pipe ends together. The pipe clamp includes a clamp component in the form of an open band of metal extending from a first flange to a second flange. A sleeve is located within the band, and the pipe clamp includes a tightening mechanism for drawing the two flanges together to tighten the clamp. The clamp and sleeve components each have first and second openings that are aligned with the openings in the other component. These openings are sized to receive a button located on the outer surface of each of the pipe ends to thereby allow the clamp to be loosely attached to the pipe ends prior to tightening of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Aleksandar Avram, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Publication number: 20090026766
    Abstract: A pipe clip for fastening a pipe to a wall, ceiling or another support comprises a clip body which can be attached around a pipe. Outwardly extending first and second flanges are formed integrally with the ends of the pipe clip. The head of a tightening element engages with the first flange of the clip body and the shank of the tightening element engages with the second end The first flange is curved with a relatively large radius of curvature in such a way that the free end of the flange extends substantially in the radial direction and the other end of the first flange merges seamlessly in the tangential direction of the clip body. A recess is formed in the first flange for the shank of the tightening element. There is formed in the clip body a recess which adjoins the recess in the first flange and through which the head of the tightening element fits. The clip body is configured resiliently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Jan VAN WALRAVEN
  • Publication number: 20090026757
    Abstract: An improved gas riser assembly for transmitting gas from an underground gas service line to a meter manifold includes an elongated plastic tube having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be connected below ground to the underground gas service line and the second end is adapted to be disposed above ground. A protective casing is annularly received about the elongated plastic tube. The protective casing has a first end adapted to be disposed below ground and a second end disposed above ground. An adapter is sealingly connected to the second end of the elongated plastic tube for fluidly connecting the elongated plastic tube to the meter manifold. The adapter is also sealingly and weldiessly connected to the second end of the protective casing. To assemble the gas riser, an insert member of the adapter is connected to the second end of the elongated plastic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Robin N. Borland
  • Patent number: 7475919
    Abstract: A pipe clamp which includes an open band of metal, a pair of opposed flanges located at the open ends of the band, and a tightening mechanism for drawing the flanges together. Each flange extends radially from a body portion of the band to a loop formed by a portion of the band material folded back onto itself. The flanges each have an aperture at a location intermediate the loop and the body portion to accept a fastener for tightening of the band. The loops are disposed adjacent each other such that the flanges are separated by a gap that is greater at the apertures than at the loops. One or both of the flanges can have a slot that extends into the body portion of the band so that the slotted flange comprises two flange portions that can be tightened somewhat independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Bruno Hiernard, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7469939
    Abstract: A muff coupling intended for vehicle couplers includes two components formed with ring-shaped flanges, as well as a muff consisting of at least two arch parts tightenable against each other, each having an inner flute formed between two inwardly turned bulges, which flute is delimited by obliquely inclined side surfaces to, upon radial tightening of the arch parts against each other, be pressed against analogously obliquely inclined shoulder surfaces on the flanges and thereby, by wedge action, transfer axial component forces to the same, pressing the ends of the components in close contact against each other. The arch parts are formed with double sets of bulges for cooperation with double flanges on the respective component, whereby forces that are transferred between the components via the muff are distributed to a plurality of axially spaced-apart pairs of contact surfaces in an axial train of forces near the outside of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Dellner Couplers AB
    Inventors: Anders Westman, Gunnar Jernberg, Mats Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20080314381
    Abstract: Positive locking device for components of snorkels and other equipment such as diving regulators, buoyancy compensator hoses and the like. The locking device in a preferred embodiment comprises a hard plastic C-shaped ring or clamp which is preferably mechanically and/or chemically bonded into a soft plastic component connector during molding of that component. The ring or clamp provides an effective locking feature which prevents inadvertent demating of components during a dive or other activity that could otherwise result in a dangerous loss of function. An additional embodiment of the invention provides an optional indexing feature which serves the useful function of audible and tactile feedback during adjustment of components having the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Dean R. Garraffa
  • Patent number: 7458619
    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: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Scott T Cassel, Michael E Amedure, Brian T Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7445253
    Abstract: A clamp (1) has been provided for fastening and connecting tubes (2,3), especially for fastening a connecting tube to a heat exchanger for a motor vehicle. At least one terminal area (8) of the inventive clamp (1) is bent back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Behr France S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Holger Auchter, Michel Brun
  • Publication number: 20080258464
    Abstract: A fitting tube including a fitting body (12) having a support sleeve (14) for connecting a tube thereto, a press sleeve (16) surrounding the support sleeve (14) and at least one holding element (18) for holding the press sleeve (16) to the fitting body (12). The holding element (18) engages a circumferential receiving groove (26) formed on the fitting body (12). The press sleeve (16) has at least two receiving openings (24) which, with the press sleeve (16) held to the fitting body (12), are arranged substantially in the radial plane defined by receiving groove (26). The holding element (18) includes two legs (22) which extend through the receiving openings (24) in order to hold the press sleeve (16) to the fitting body (12), and project in a circumferential direction into the receiving groove (26), and/or extend tangentially thereto through substantially diametrically opposite partial regions of the receiving groove (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventors: Bernd Kaufmann, Thomas Kern
  • Publication number: 20080246279
    Abstract: A pipe clip for fastening a pipe to a wall, ceiling or other support, including a clip body having an opening for fitting the pipe clip around the pipe, which opening is delimited by a first and a second end of the clip body. The pipe clip further includes a tightening element, which is connected to the first end of the clip body or acts upon the first end of the clip body and has a shank. The pipe clip further includes a female fastening element, which is fitted on the second end of the clip body and into which the shank of the tightening element pokes. The female fastening element includes a base plate having a pass-through opening for the shank, as well as at least one clamping plate, which extends at a distance from the base plate and which is provided with a pass-through opening for the shank. The clamping plate is connected to the base plate by means of a resilient hinged part. In an unloaded state, the pass-through openings in the base plate and the clamping plate partially overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: J. van Walraven Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Jan van Walraven
  • Patent number: 7427083
    Abstract: A device for fixing a clamp to a hose comprising a body (2) a hose-fixing component (4) provided with a hose-embracing region (3), the hose-fixing component (4) comprising a first open fixation portion (5) and a second open fixation portion (5?), the first and second open fixation portions (5, 5?) being positioned adjacent to each other, jointly defining the hose-embracing region (3) and being moveable from an initial position varying the extent of the embracing region (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Progeral Industria de Artefatos Plasticos LTDA
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Pina, Marco Antonio Vieira De Campos
  • Patent number: 7422246
    Abstract: A remote pipe coupling system includes a first pipe, a second pipe and a pipe coupling. The pipe coupling is adapted to couple the first pipe and the second pipe and it has a loose position and a tightened position. A guide is operably connected to the pipe coupling and the first pipe such that the pipe coupling can move from an open position to a coupled position. The system includes a device to remotely move the pipe coupling along the guide from the open position to the coupled position. The system also includes a device to change the pipe coupling from the loose position to the tightened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Straub Tadco Inc.
    Inventor: Fred M. Tadros
  • Publication number: 20080203728
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy R.W. James, Lance A. Cutler
  • Patent number: 7415765
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a flange coupling in which the height of a horizontal portion of an L-shaped pipe is made as small as possible. The present invention provides a flange coupling having a flange formed with an attaching bolt hole and a pipe connection hole and an L-shaped pipe installed in the pipe connection hole, wherein the L-shaped pipe is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and a horizontal portion of the L-shaped pipe is molded so that a lower face thereof is at the same level as or at the level close to a plane including the upper surface of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ohtsuka Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichi Ozawa
  • Publication number: 20080191477
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a first section of trunking to a second section of trunking is disclosed. The connector has an extension portion which is adapted to extend through a first opening in an end of a first section of trunking and through a second opening in an end of a second section of trunking when the end of the trunking sections are engaged with each other. There is also a retaining portion for preventing the extension portion from being pulled from said first trunking section through said openings to said second trunking section. The connector also has a clamping device for applying a clamping force at a plurality of separate locations around said first and second opening to retain said first and second trunking sections in engagement with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Richard John Thompson
  • Patent number: 7410192
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in connecting a pair of automotive exhaust pipe ends each having a circumferential rib. The pipe coupler includes a ribbed band and internal split sealing sleeve along with a tightening mechanism for clamping the band and sleeve over the pipe ends. The sealing sleeve fits within the band and both the sleeve and band have a pair of ribs positioned to fit over the ribs on the pipe ends. The sleeve extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end, and includes a tongue-and-groove sealing configuration located axially inwardly of the ribs at the first and second ends. Each tongue has a particular construction that accommodates larger clamp opening dimensions required to fit the coupler over the pipe ribs during assembly. The sleeve can include inwardly protruding sealing beads that help prevent leakage of exhaust gases from the pipe junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure, Alan Polaski, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 7399007
    Abstract: A tube clip structure is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Highlight Tech Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Tien Wu
  • Patent number: 7399005
    Abstract: A clamping system for connecting two tubes (20, 22) together in leaktight manner, the facing ends of the tubes having bearing surfaces (16, 18) that project relative to the cylindrical outside surfaces of said tubes. The system comprises a collar (10) and a washer (28). The collar has a band (12) suitable for co-operating with bearing surfaces via its inside periphery defining a setback, and a bolt (24) and a nut (26) arrangement for tightening the band (12). The washer is secured to the collar (10) by fixing tabs (32, 34, 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Etablissments Caillau
    Inventors: Nicolas Rigollet, Fabrice Prevot, Tony Rointru
  • Patent number: 7399006
    Abstract: A method of assembling HVAC ductwork components is described. The method includes the step of coupling together first and second ductwork components. The method additionally includes the steps of wrapping a seal about a joint formed between the first and second ductwork components and positioning a ring clamp about the seal. In this regard, the ring clamp includes a band forming a first retention means on an exterior surface and a second retention means formed on an interior surface. The method further includes the step of repositionably retaining the ring clamp about the joint by coupling the first and second retention means together. The method ultimately includes the step of cinching the band about the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jon W. Jungers
  • Patent number: 7396053
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (11) comprises a tubular casing (12) and a sealing gasket (13), which fit over the ends of the pipes to be coupled. The casing (12) is formed from a strip of rolled steel into a cylindrical shape, with a longitudinal gap (14). The free ends of the strip, which forms the casing, are bent outwardly to form radially projecting flange (15) along opposite edges of the longitudinal gap (14). The outer ends of the flanges (15) are bent back at right angles to form stiffening flanges (16) along the longitudinal outer edges of the flanges (15). A bridging member (18) fits inside the casing so as to span the longitudinal gap. Tensioning screw bolts (25) pass through reinforcing plate's (20) and the flange (15). A hexagonal nut (34) is threaded onto the end of each screw bolt. The nuts fit into the channel but are prevented from turning. The heads (35) of the bolts have a hexagonal recess to take an Allen key so that they can be tightened to clamp the coupling around the pipe ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Kerr (Couplings) Limited
    Inventors: Ian Richard Webb, Neil John Thornton Taylor
  • Patent number: 7390026
    Abstract: A housing type joint including: a housing formed by arranging at least three arcuate segments in a circumferential direction with gaps; an elastic ring arranged in the housing for hermetically sealing end portions of a pair of pipes; a fastening band arranged so as to surround an outside surface of the housing and having loop portion at both ends thereof; and a fastening unit that makes the loop portions at both ends of the fastening band closer to each other, in order to make the arcuate segments closer to each other or in contact with each other; wherein the elastic ring has engagement projections at positions located in a circumferential direction thereof with gaps, correspondingly to the respective arcuate segments, each engagement projection extending outward in a radial direction of the elastic ring; each arcuate segment has a positioning hole into which each engagement projection is inserted; and a fastening-band guiding part is provided on an outside surface of each arcuate segment for guiding the fas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Victaulic Co., of Japan, Ltd
    Inventor: Yuji Noda
  • Patent number: 7384078
    Abstract: A nut and seat assembly is provided for a clamp. A nut is tightened onto a bolt and a clamp member has a seat for the nut and an aperture defined by prongs. The bolt is inserted laterally into the aperture and the nut is tightened axially against the set. Tightening the nut onto the seat prevents outward movement of the prongs away from the bolt as the nut holds the prongs in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Bio Pure Technology Limited
    Inventors: Rodney Stuart Cobb, Anthony Elliott
  • Patent number: 7380754
    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: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeremy R. W. James, Lance A. Cutler
  • Patent number: 7380834
    Abstract: A clamp assembly comprising a clamp including a band having and a screw housing mounted to the band with a worm screw disposed in the screw housing, the worm screw engaging the band for tightening the band; and a fastener including a bonding surface, mounted to the band at a position that is displaced from the screw and screw housing, such that the fastener can be adhered to the hose without interfering with the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Fluid Routing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Smith, Ben F. Holt
  • Publication number: 20080107227
    Abstract: A jet pump diffuser weld repair device includes a lower ring section and an upper ring section respectively sized to fit around a circumference of the diffuser on opposite sides of the weld to be repaired. The lower and upper ring sections are provided with a plurality of aligned gripper slots. A corresponding plurality of grippers are fit into the gripper slots, where at least one of the gripper slots and the grippers defines cam surfaces shaped to drive the grippers radially inward as lower and upper ring sections are drawn toward each other. A plurality of connector bolts are secured between the lower ring section and the upper ring section. Tightening of the connector bolts draws the lower and upper ring sections toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Barry Hal Koepke
  • Patent number: 7364205
    Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling for a spiral wire flexible hose. The coupling includes a ring clamp configured as a clamping jaw and including at least two partial shells enclosing a sleeve of the spiral wire flexible hose. The ring clamp has an inner contour having a spiral to receive a spiral wire flexible hose in a positive locking engagement. The hose is adapted to receive a spout therein. The spiral extends up to a protrusion situated at the end of the ring clamp. The spout is clamped such that the spout is axially immovable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 7350827
    Abstract: An expansion ring assembly and method for sealingly installing a gasket within an opening in a wall of a structure. The expansion ring assembly includes an expansion ring having first and second adjacent end portions, and first and second cam members are rotatably coupled to the first and second end portions. Each cam member includes tool engagement structure for rotating the cam members, and cam surfaces of the cam members are engageable with one another such that, upon rotation of each cam member, the cam surface thereof engages the cam surface of the other cam member to drive the first and second end portions of the ring apart from one another, thereby radially expanding the ring to compress a gasket into sealing engagement with the wall opening. Only one cam member may be rotated, or alternatively, both cam members may be rotated sequentially, depending upon the amount of expansion which is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Press-Seal Gasket Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan N Zeigler
  • Patent number: 7325841
    Abstract: A coaxial connection having a device and a first manifold (12) comprising a protrusion (18) able to be received in a neck (22) on a second manifold (14). The device is produced in the form of an open collar (10) produced from an elastically deformable material and having a bottom (36) extended by two arms (38) having respective ends which define the opening of the collar. The collar is provided with retaining stops (44, 46, 48) and at least one locking member (60) arranged so as to cooperate with an engagement region (34) of at least one of the manifolds in order to prevent any accidental extraction of the open collar once fitted. Application in particular to heat exchangers for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation, S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Vincent
  • Patent number: 7322614
    Abstract: A device for repairing automobile, and other vehicle, exhaust pipes that have been broken. The device comprises three major components, four sections of angle steel, four U-bolts, and two thread bolts. The angle steel sections form a trough and a cap. In use, the broken exhaust pipe lies inside the trough formed by the first two sections of angle steel and snugly nestles into the angle. The U-Bolts hold the angle steel in place and each angle steel section can move along the thread bolts. The U-Bolt is tightened where the break in the exhaust pipe exists. The U-Bolt may also be loosened to allow the two exhaust pipe pieces to be pulled apart. The device allows for a clean repair of an exhaust pipe without the need for tape, hangers, welding, or other temporary and/or inefficient measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Reeves
  • Patent number: 7320486
    Abstract: A pipe clamp for connecting two partially insertable pipes has a clamping strap that is placed circumferentially about the spherical end sections of the pipes inserted into one another. The clamping strap has two outwardly projecting clamping jaws provided with a hole through which a clamping screw extends. The clamping strap is curved about a transverse axis that is positioned for coaxially inserted pipes in the untightened state of the clamping strap in a central plane of the clamping strap extending perpendicularly to the coaxial center axes of the pipes at a spacing from a center of the spherical end sections of the pipes. The inner radius of the clamping strap in the untightened state is smaller than the outer radius of the spherical end sections such that the sum of the spacing and of the inner radius is greater than the outer radius of the end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Geppert, Heinz Peter Wolf, Stephan Mann, Michael Sommer
  • Patent number: 7300078
    Abstract: A pipe joint clamp for connecting piping members includes a circular holding portion in which flange portions of the piping members are clamped, and multiple flexion-shaped hinge portions, which protrude from the holding portion toward a diametrically outer side thereof. The hinge portions are resiliently deformable to accommodate a variation of outer diameters of the flange portions. Thus, a protrusion amount of the each hinge portion can be reduced. Accordingly, the space occupied by the clamp at the joint part of the piping members is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamamoto, Koji Hisaka
  • Patent number: 7252310
    Abstract: A coupler for use in joining two pipes in a butt joint. The coupler includes a band clamp and a split sealing sleeve disposed inside the band clamp for encircling the abutted ends of the pipes. The split sealing sleeve has a tongue-and-groove sealing joint at the confronting free ends of the sleeve. The sealing joint has a member at the mating edges to provide a resilient interference fit of the tongue-and-groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E Amedure, Brian T Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7249790
    Abstract: A band clamp used to connect tubular bodies such as vehicle exhaust system components. The band clamp has a band extending from a first end to a second end and includes a pair of spaced ribs extending at least part way between the first and second ends. A tightening mechanism is connected to the band and includes two clamp members movable toward and away from each other for tightening and loosening of the band. The band clamp further includes a gasket located on an inner surface of the band between the ribs and extending between the first and second ends. The use of the ribs with the interposed gasket provides a mechanical interlock of the band clamp with the tubular bodies while providing a hermetic seal at the junction between the two bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Potts, Brian T. Ignaczak, Michael E. Amedure
  • Patent number: 7246826
    Abstract: A pipe lap joint for use with vehicle exhaust systems which includes an inside pipe end telescopically inserted into an outside pipe end with the pipe ends secured together by a band clamp. The outside pipe end includes a sealing zone having a collapsible sealing slot that enables the outside pipe end to be drawn tight over the outside surface of the inside pipe end via the band clamp to thereby provide a fluid-tight seal between the pipes. The sealing slot extends from an open end of the outside pipe end and includes a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a tooth and recess. As the band clamp is tightened, the sealing slot collapses such that the teeth of the sidewalls move into the opposing, complementarily-shaped recesses, while adjoining circumferential edges of the teeth engage each other to thereby form a fluid seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Breeze-Torce Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T Ignaczak, Alan M Polaski
  • Patent number: 7243959
    Abstract: A seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in a piping system includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base having a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough from the first side to the second side, and a brace coupled to the base. The brace includes a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of the brace. The seal clamp assembly also includes a spring bridge coupled to the base first side. The bridge includes a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with the base aperture. A clamping assembly is coupled to a proximate end portion of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Wensel, Scott S. Duink, Mark P. Allison
  • Patent number: 7243956
    Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. The first band end portion includes a plurality of slots, and the second band end portion includes a first and second aperture. A locking member is a separate element adapted to fit within the first and second apertures and includes a first tab for extending through the first aperture and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter and a second tab for engaging the second aperture. The second tab is designed not to interfere with the first band end portion while expanding the band. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: NPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Brockway
  • Patent number: 7240930
    Abstract: Connector for connecting a pair of tubular components together, such as a pair of exhaust conduits of a dryer or an exhaust conduit of a dryer to a dryer vent or wall-mounted vent sleeve, including a pair of generally semi-cylindrical members each having a first, coupled edge and a second, free edge and rotatably connected together at the coupled edge, e.g., by a hinge, and separable from one another at the free edge. A quick connect/quick disconnect locking structure is arranged in connection with the semi-cylindrical members for locking them to one another with the free edges opposite one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: David M. Stravitz
  • Patent number: 7222621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a “breathing tube fastening structure”, mainly comprising a fastener, buckle, pipe hoop, snatch-hook and snatch-hook stand and snatch-hook stand. The invention is fixed on the exterior of the lateral side of a head strap. The characteristics of the invention include that the fastener has two knobs formed on both lateral sides, both are correspondently disposed in two round holes and a coupling portion, the snatch-hook has one end thereof recessed with two projections extended to lock inside two round holes on the surface of the snatch-hook, an opening form extend two hook portions and pierced through a hooking groove disposed on the surface of the snatch-hook stand, moreover, a round grip portion of the pipe hoop is locked into a sliding groove of the snatch-hook stand, thereby enabling the pipe hoop to revolve. When a breathing pipe is sleeved in the pipe hoop, the fastener loosens the pipe hoop, thereby enabling the breathing pipe to shift up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Chin-Hsien Wung
  • Patent number: 7222397
    Abstract: The clamping band is capable of reducing a diameter with an ordinary tool or without the tool and improving working efficiency of clamping object members. The clamping band comprises: a first hook including a first projection, which can be engaged with the tool, and a second projection, which prevents rotation of a ring-shaped band member when a lever is pressed onto an external member; a second hook for engaging with the tool, the second hook being outwardly projected from the band member and located close to a position on which the lever is laid; and a clipping member for clipping and holding the lever in a laid state, the clipping member being located close to buckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Mihama, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Ito, Kazuhiro Fujimori, Takeo Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Takigami, Osamu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7219934
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling the ends of pipe sections together end to end, wherein the coupling includes a barrel member, at least one coupling member, at least one elastomeric sealing ring, a tangentially extending bolt and interacting members. The barrel member surrounds the ends of the pipe sections and the coupling member engages an end of the barrel member. The sealing ring is disposed between an end of the barrel member and the coupling member, and expands radially outward and inward to seal within the end of the barrel member and around a circumference of one of the pipe sections. The bolt couples the coupling member to the barrel member. The interaction members interact and progressively twist the coupling member along the barrel member to force the sealing ring into sealing engagement within the barrel member and around the circumference of the pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Water Pty Limited
    Inventors: John E. McMahon, Richard I. Gellie
  • Patent number: 7185490
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold has a head flange constructed for receiving at least two exhaust pipes arranged side-by-side, and includes spaced apart first and second longitudinal flange portions. A mounting assembly is provided for sealingly securing the exhaust manifold to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and includes a mounting rail formed with a shoulder which laps over the first longitudinal flange portion and contacts the first longitudinal flange portion in a spring-elastic manner. Plural screw fasteners at least indirectly clamp the second longitudinal flange portion to the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Benteler Automobil Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Smatloch, Wilfried Rostek, Graham Bush
  • Patent number: 7165789
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for connecting the end of a first pipe to the end of an axially aligned second pipe. The clamp assembly comprises a first semi-circular clamp arm, a second semi-circular clamp arm, a lever, a latch and a gasket. The first clamp arm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second clamp arm has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the second clamp arm is pivotably attached to the first end portion of the first clamp arm. The lever is pivotably attached to the second portion of the first clamp arm. The latch has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the latch is pivotably attached the second end portion of the second clamp arm. The second end portion of the latch is attached to the lever upon the clamp assembly in a closed position. The first clamp arm defines a groove for seating the gasket. The second clamp arm defines a groove for seating the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Salco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Burian, Alex V. Degutis, Charles Lonnie Horne, James M. McLaughlin, Michael S. Ryan, Clayton Strand, Craig H. Leighton
  • Patent number: 7152887
    Abstract: A dual clamp assembly consisting of two U-shaped clamps and a welded joint autogenously interconnecting each of the U-shaped clamps forming a single unitary assembly for joining two pipes telescopically fitted into one another to form a lap joint therebetween with each of the U-shaped clamps comprising a U-bolt portion having a horseshoe configuration with open ends extending therefrom and a cradle portion having openings into which the open ends of the U-bolt portion are removably fitted. Each cradle portion of each clamp is spaced apart solely by the welded joint allowing each clamp to be mounted to each of the pipes on opposite sides of the lap joint with the welded joint positioned therebetween and in contact with the lap joint so as to prevent said pipes from being pulled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fast Forward Ltd.
    Inventor: Douglas Pirrone
  • Patent number: 7083204
    Abstract: A coupling for joining metal pipes or pipe sections end-to-end to form a pipe assembly. A plastic cuff is formed on one of the pipe ends and a mating, second plastic cuff is formed on the other pipe end. In one embodiment, a wire hoop is mounted over each pipe end, the hoops are rotatable around the associated pipe ends to align the hoops, and bolt assemblies spanning the two hoops are used to tighten the hoops axially, to thereby clamp the pipe ends and compress the cuffs between the pipe ends and provide a leak-proof joint. The cuffs are selected from configurations including tongue-and-groove and bell-and-spigot. The cuffs can be formed on the pipe ends in the shop, then the pre-cuffed pipe sections can be readily assembled into stable, leak-proof, corrosion-resistant lengths of pipe in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Pacific Roller Die Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Miller, Daniel D. Freitas
  • Patent number: 7055225
    Abstract: A hose clamp having an elongated band having first and second opposed ends which are overlapped to form an annular clamp member. A plurality of indentions are longitudinally positioned on the band. An adjustment assembly is fastened to the clamp member and includes a housing having a drive gear received therein. The drive gear includes peripheral teeth that engage the indentions whereby rotation of the gear results in the first and second ends moving to vary the circumference of the clamp member. The drive gear is driven with an adjustment screw that is positioned perpendicular to the clamp member circumference for easier access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventors: John L. Brant, Jr., Arturo M. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7052052
    Abstract: A device for sealing a lap joint between two conduits is disclosed herein. The device includes a band clamp. The device also includes a packet or other type of container secured to the band clamp. The packet contains a sealant which moves or flows to void areas between the clamp and the conduits during clamp tightening to provide a more fluid tight seal about the lap joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Protas, Wayne M. Wagner, John I. Belisle
  • Patent number: 7048310
    Abstract: A swickle connector includes a connector body with an inlet end and an outlet end that is adapted for engagement with a sealing member of a sampling device or the like. The outlet end of the connector body includes a central axis. A clamping seat is associated with the connector body and includes an equilibrium point that is coincident with the central axis such that a clamping force acting on the clamping seat extends only in the direction of the central axis to thereby cause substantially uniform sealing engagement of the outlet end with the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Central States Industrial Equipment & Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan A. Billmyer
  • Patent number: 7025393
    Abstract: A coupler for use in joining two pipes in a butt joint. The coupler includes a band clamp and a split sealing sleeve disposed inside to band clamp for encircling the abutted ends of the pipes. The split sealing sleeve has a tongue-and-groove sealing joint at the confronting free ends of the sleeve. The sealing joint has a member at the mating edges to provide a resilient interference fit of the tongue-and-groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Breeze-Torca Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Amedure, Brian T. Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 7004512
    Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and an apex wall spanning and connecting the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall. The apex wall includes an outer surface and an inner surface. A gasket is disposed on the inner surface of the apex wall. A groove is located on the apex wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Voss Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicola A. Antonelli, John F. Fritskey, James M. Orzech
  • Patent number: 7004513
    Abstract: A pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, a clamping ring, a clamp and the forming of a flange on an end of two adjacent pipes. A clamping ring includes an inner groove sized to receive the flanges of the two adjacent pipes. A first end of the inlet insert is inserted into a first pipe and the second end of the inlet insert is inserted into a second pipe. The clamp is placed over the clamping ring. The clamp is tightened to secure the two pipes. A second embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, and a pair of latch clamps for joining a pipe to a sprinkler pipe. A third embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, two collars, a peripheral clamp and enlarging a perimeter of two coupled pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel J. Knoblauch