Sheet Patents (Class 285/424)
  • Patent number: 5934710
    Abstract: A sealing device for the sealed connection of two pipes placed end to end includes an upper component and a lower component. The upper component includes a frustoconical rib extending outward from a cylindrical end part and diverging upward into a first wall forming a return, an elastically deformable external skirt formed from a second wall connected to the frustoconical rib through the return, a circular groove defined between the rib and the skirt and formed by the first and second walls, and a retainer provided in a lower edge of the external skirt. The lower component is matable with the upper component and includes a third wall forming a frustoconical socket that flares upward, a fourth wall forming a frustoconical external skirt diverging downward, and a circular rib formed by merger of the third and fourth walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Tubest
    Inventor: Marcel Le Foll
  • Patent number: 5909904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flange joint assembly for connecting together cylindrical duct sections. A tubular slip collar fits within opposing sections which engage an exterior projecting bead encircling the exterior of the slip collar. Opposing flange clamps are mounted on the ducts having leaf elements pressing against the duct surfaces. Opposing band clamps are mounted around the leaf elements securing the leaf elements to the duct surfaces. Opposing V-band ring locking devices encircle the flange clamps. In the alternative, Van-Stone flange rings secure the flange clamps together by means of locking bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Shea Technology
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Shea
  • Patent number: 5878786
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a conventional rectangular HVAC duct to a flat oval shaped duct where a conventional rectangular duct fitting is provided with a converting means to convert the opening from rectangular to a flat oval. The converting means is formed by a pair of arcuate members defining semi-circular edges and having recesses to receive portions of parallel members. The apparatus utilizes two sheet metal pieces which are formed in arcuate contours that connect between flat edges of parallel sheets to form the oval shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: William Elder
  • Patent number: 5868434
    Abstract: A tubular metal shell (10) with mutually overlapping ends serving to line the insides of damaged sewer pipes (22) possesses an intermediate portion (18) located between two end portions (16), the intermediate portion (18) having, as a result of a plurality of axial slots, a lower resistance to distortion than the end portions (16). When such a shell (10) is installed in a sewer pipe with offset connecting sleeves in such a way that the intermediate portion (18) of the shell (10) where the material has been weakened reaches the region of radial offset, the intermediate portion (18) can distort, thus forming a transition between the two radially offset sections of pipe (24, 26). At least the intermediate portion (18) is sealed all round with an elastic sealant or a hose. The repair shell (10) is particularly suitable for repairing sewer pipes with offset connecting sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: RICO Gesellschaft fur Mikroelektronik mbH
    Inventor: Christoph Brakland
  • Patent number: 5865478
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling two or more ducts together includes a number of frames each having four beams secured together for forming a square shape and for securing onto the ducts. The beams each includes a flange extended upward and each includes a panel formed on each of two ends and inclined relative to the beams. A number of fasteners may secure the panels together for allowing the beams to be secured to the duct. A number of blocks may be engaged between the panels for allowing the beams to be secured to the duct of greater size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Hung Da Lin
  • Patent number: 5803512
    Abstract: A quick connect member for coupling a tube 34 to a socket member 12 is characterized by arms extending axially from a support portion 44 through a flared length 54 slanting radially outwardly and axially rearwardly immediately from the radial plane at the forward extremity to an abutment 48 with a tip 50 at the radially outward extremity and a trough 52 at the radially inward extremity. Thereafter, each of the arms includes a lever length 56 extending from the trough 52 radially upwardly and outwardly and finger 58 extending axially from the lever length 56. In one instance, the lever length 56 of each of the arms is disposed in the space provided by a conical relief 20 in the entry end of the socket member 12 whereas the flared length 54 is disposed in the space provided by a conical surface 28. There is a first radius between the support portion 44 and the flared length 54 and a second radius defining the tip 50 and the first radius is larger than the second radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagel
  • Patent number: 5794322
    Abstract: A tool for clipping together a pair of flange connectors includes a handle and a clipping member. The clipping member is shaped and dimensioned to force a U-shaped clip over the flange connectors to secure the connectors together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Issagholian-Havai
  • Patent number: 5741029
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for fluidically interconnecting first and second piping runs and includes a body with first and second end sections each forming a respective receiver for receiving a piping run end. A body transition section is provided for interconnecting the first and second sections. A retainer assembly includes a retainer strap which can mount annular clamps on one or both of its ends for attaching the piping runs to the adapter. The body sections include notches or crimps which facilitate effective connections between the piping ends and the body sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Tru-Flex Metal Hose Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5718463
    Abstract: A quick connect member (36, 136, 236) for connecting a tube (12) in a female socket having a radially extending shoulder in a groove (28). The quick disconnect member (36, 136, 236) comprises an annular support portion (40, 140, 240) for retained on the tube (12) to slide therealong and a pair of cantilevered spring arms (42, 142, 242) extending axially from the support portion (40, 140, 240). An abutment (38, 138, 238) is disposed at the distal end of each arm (42, 142, 242) and is biased radially outwardly and into a locked position in overlapping engagement with the shoulder of the groove (28) to mechanically prevent removal of a projection (18) on the tube (12) from the socket (14). In the first embodiment, the quick connect member (36) is defined by a coil of wire coiled about the tube (12) to define the support portion (40) with the wire extending axially from the coil to define the arms (42) and then extends transversely into the arms (42) to define circular abutments (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagel
  • Patent number: 5673947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for butt joining of ducts for carrying gaseous medium, the ducts having a rectangular or square cross section, wherein a profile is fixed along the free end edges of a duct, which profile comprises: an end wall standing perpendicularly on the duct wall; a flange for fixing the duct wall, a hook-shaped member the legs of which extend along the rear side of the end wall of the profile, such that at least the mutually facing front sides of two mutually opposite hook-shaped members of ducts to be connected can be fixed to each other, and wherein a deformable sealing means is arranged on the rear side of the hook-shaped member facing toward the duct wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: De Waal Staal B.V.
    Inventor: Casparus Wilhelmus De Waal
  • Patent number: 5653482
    Abstract: A seal system for joining the ends of two generally rectangular duct sections, including two frames secured to each other with a seal and attached to their respective duct end sections. The frame members each include four flange portions and four corner pieces. Each flange portion has an upstanding channel shaped leg portion and an angularly extending duct receiving leg portion. A corner piece connects adjacent flange portions to form the generally rectangular frame. The end portions of the ducts are inserted into longitudinal openings of the duct receiving leg portions. A seal, having four angular corner pieces and four linear pieces, is positioned between the frames to connect the duct sections. The overlap of the angular corner pieces and the four linear pieces establishes an effective seal to prevent air within the duct from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Vincent Ficchi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5603533
    Abstract: A tube flange assembly including attachment flanges associated by interlocking deformation with flared tubes. The flanges are placed with the attachment plates thereof arranged in juxtaposition with a tubular insert extending to within the tubes. A raised section on the tubular insert mates with the concavities formed in the annuluses of the flanges. The joint is drawn together by fasteners. Each attachment flange includes a fixing area for receiving the end of the tube. Outwardly of that fixing area, an annular channel forming a loop in cross section with the small circular gap provides tolerance to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Toshiomi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5590477
    Abstract: A dryer vent box and method is provided which addresses the problems inherent in conventional dryer vent assemblies. The dryer vent box includes upper and lower mating substantially rectangular housings which are dimensioned to be received within the confines of a conventional 2.times.4 studded wall. Each of the upper and lower rectangular housings have a protruding cylindrical flange with an opening into the housing to provide for the intake and exhaust of dryer exhaust gasses. The upper housing section includes at least one tab extending from one of the sides thereof to provide for the attachment of the upper housing to the wall. The lower housing includes cutoff markings or indicators which provide for the correct placement of the cylindrical flange of the upper housing relative to the dryer outlet. Thus, the dryer vent box of the present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing, effective, efficient and improved dryer venting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Michael B. Carfagno, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5588680
    Abstract: A pipe lap joint is disclosed with an improved sealing zone and which comprises a pair of end-to-end intersecting slots in the outer pipe which allow the sealing zone to be collapsed against the inner pipe by a band clamp around the outer pipe. The outboard slot extends inwardly from the end of the pipe and the inboard slot is circumferentially offset and extends inwardly from the outboard slot. A frangible bridging segment of the wall of the pipe extends between the adjacent walls of the two slots and is deformed or fractured and maintains isolation between the slots when the pipe is collapsed. To facilitate collapse of the outer pipe, the length of the inboard slot is maximized for increased leverage of the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: BKS Company
    Inventors: Scott T. Cassel, Michael E. Amedure
  • Patent number: 5564758
    Abstract: An angular plate for connecting channel shaped flanges at the ends of ducts and including first and second legs each having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and with an inner end portion of the first leg joined to an inner end portion of the second leg so as to establish an angle therebetween. Defined by the inner end portions is an opening for receiving a connector, the first leg has substantially parallel inner and outer edges extending between an outer end portion thereof and its inner end portion and the second leg similarly has substantially parallel inner and outer edges extending between an outer end portion thereof and its inner end portion. The outer end portion of the first leg defines structure projecting extending transversely from at least one of the inner and outer edges of at least one of the first and second legs. The projection engages a side wall portion of the duct's transverse flange to retain the plate in a desired position prior to crimping of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Century Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Tiberio
  • Patent number: 5538293
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for installing a secondary duct to a main duct in a forced air ventilation system utilizes a gasket having a central opening which functions as a template for cutting an opening into the main duct after the gasket is secured to a flat surface of the main duct. The secondary duct is then inserted through the openings of the gasket and the main duct and is secured to the main duct and the gasket so as to seal the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Thinking Vents, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Kolt
  • Patent number: 5518277
    Abstract: A single piece duct fitting of generally cylindrical configuration for attachment to a large cylindrically-shaped flexible duct having a curved, easily deformed sidewall in which a hole has been created. This novel duct fitting is constructed of deformable sheet material that, before being assembled into a cylindrical configuration, was defined by an elongate sheet of material having a long edge of a generally sinusoidal configuration, with a plurality of short lateral slots defining teeth in this long edge. A pair of relatively closely spaced curves of generally sinusoidal configuration are disposed adjacent the teeth, which curves bear a closely aligned relationship with the first long edge of generally sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of evenly spaced slits extend between the pair of sinusoidal curves, with these slits defining a plurality of substantially identical tab members intended to bend outwardly when lengthwise compression is applied to the duct fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: GCS Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5484172
    Abstract: A fluid conduit connection includes in combination a cast or molded connecting member; a connecting socket affixed to the connecting member and comprising a standarized sheet metal press fitting having one end thereof attached to the connecting member and comprising a substantially cylindrically portion and, at the other end thereof, an annular groove for housing a sealing member. The press fitting is dimensioned for receiving a substantially cylindrical conduit to be inserted therein and for non-releasably crimping the fitting around the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Unewisse, Herbert Foering
  • Patent number: 5470112
    Abstract: A coupling ring for joining circular sheet metal ducts has oppositely opening grooves for receiving meeting ends of the ducts, and is diametrically adjustable to accommodate variations in the duct diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Keating Koupling, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Keating
  • Patent number: 5458380
    Abstract: A pipe joint incldues joint main body having securing through holes respectively formed at positions spaced apart from the two ends of the joint main body by a given distance in the longitudinal direction thereof for securing hook portions, and a plurality of flange bodies each including hook portions respectively formed on one end side thereof to be inserted and secured to the respective securing holes and a flange portion formed on the other end side thereof and having a connecting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Shiro Kanao
  • Patent number: 5450879
    Abstract: A cornerless slip-on flange system for duct connections. The system utilizes flange pieces to form a frame at the end of a duct section without the use of connectors at the corners of the flanges, the frames of two sections being used to join the two ducts sections together. The flange pieces each have a male end and a female end with the male end of one flange piece being inserted into the female end of the adjacent flange piece at each corner to form the frame. The frames can then be installed on the ends of the ducts to be joined and fastened together by inserting suitable fasteners through preformed openings in the flange pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Met-Coil Systems Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Toben
  • Patent number: 5449208
    Abstract: A track switch snow melter duct connection system including end flanges with a top portion, each end flange being attached to a distal end portion on a duct which is to be connected such that the top portion extends outward and above the distal end portion. Side flanges are also attached to each duct and extend outward such that a gap exists between the distal end portion of each duct and the side flange. The connection system also includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the top portion of end flanges on adjacent ducts and a connecting member which can be slidably inserted between adjacent ducts having an elongate channel shape formed by a base and two side legs and two extensions extending from and attached to the distal end of the two side legs. The connecting member has a width such that two connected end flanges can be positioned between the two side legs and such that the extensions are positioned in the gap between the side flanges and distal end portion of each duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Railway Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Fox
  • Patent number: 5435606
    Abstract: A device for joining trays includes a transverse portion and a sheetlike buttstrap. The transverse portion is flush with a transverse end edge of a lid section of a tray and engages the side walls of a base section of the tray by end walls which may be provided with projections or with hook-shaped legs. The transverse portion has retaining holes and is provided with a center tab extending longitudinally and which is covered by the lid section. The sheetlike buttstrap covers the transverse portion of the device and the part of the lid section covering the center tab. The sheetlike buttstrap is provided with resilient protuberances mating with the retaining holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Aparellaje Electrico, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan M. B. Navazo
  • Patent number: 5429116
    Abstract: Removable filters tailored to pollution by different cookers under a hood, have locating punched out notches on locator pins located on a removable drain trough according to a pattern whereby, after the filters are removed for cleaning, they must be re-installed in their original locations. A field-installed outlet collar assembly includes a flanged one-piece inner collar received up through a field-cut opening in the hood top. Two tapered half frames are hammered in laterally, wedging between the top of the hood and the top flange of the collar, sealing the bottom flange of the collar to a gasket sealed to the underside of the hood top. An access door assembly is similarly field-installed. Exhaust duct sections have joint features snapped together and interlocking.Fire damper assemblies inside the exhaust and make-up air plenums include horizontally slidable panels positionable in a maximized standardized hood to reduce its flow rates to match specific cooking fume ventilating requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5423576
    Abstract: A corner piece for a sheet metal connector system that includes coupling members which have a V-shaped cross section and inwardly turned retaining edges spaced a given distance from the apex of the V includes a first leg which has a width slightly less than the given distance and a length, and a second leg which has a width slightly less than the given distance and a length which extends at an angle other than 180 degrees with respect to the first leg's length. The first leg may be snugly fitted between the apex of a first V-shaped coupling member and the inwardly turned edge of the first coupling member and the second leg may be snugly fitted between the apex of a second V-shaped coupling member and the inwardly turned edge of the second coupling member to join the two coupling members together at the angle. The first and second legs may be identical separate pieces which can intersect and be joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Industrial Air, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Reese Hunter
  • Patent number: 5421624
    Abstract: A flange joint assembly having first and second attachment flanges are associated with first and second tubes through an interengagement of the ends of the tubes between an inner annulus and an annular corrugation which are inwardly of an attachment plate. The annulus and corrugation with the interengaged tube end are flared outwardly to interlock the components. The tube also includes an outwardly tapered section adjacent to the end. A tubular insert having inwardly tapered outer surfaces extending to each end from a midsection is positioned within the tapered portions of two axially abutting tubes. Fasteners draw the attachment flanges together to complete the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: Toshiomi Hayashi, Teruo Egami
  • Patent number: 5411299
    Abstract: A connecting member having an elongated passageway defined by a tubular wall extends from a first end to a second end, with the first end adapted to mate with a main air handling system. The tubular wall is provided with a bead adjacent to, but spaced from the first end, and an independent collar having a central opening dimensioned to correspond to the dimension in the bead is fitted about the outer periphery of the tubular wall in the bead. A gasket having an adhesive outer surface is fixed to the collar and facing toward the main air handling system, with the portion of the tubular member at the bead extending through and protecting the gasket from fire risk and deterioration from an air stream passing through the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Environmental Technologies
    Inventor: Robert K. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5409266
    Abstract: An adjustable roof jack interconnects a roof-mounted air handler with a duct opening through the roof of a building in a full range from flat to a 6-in-12 pitch; so that a single roof jack is capable of use in substantially all standard construction. To accomplish this, the roof jack includes a lower rectangular box-like member, which is attached to the roof. An upper rectangular box-like member is made for attachment to a roof-mounted air handler; and the front and sides of the upper box-like member extend downwardly over the corresponding side and front of the lower roof-mounted member. The upper member is pivotally connected to the lower member at pivot points located through the sides intermediate the front and back of the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Skyline Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Baker
  • Patent number: 5405174
    Abstract: A kit for producing a non-straight connector for fluid pipe element comprises loose sleeve couplings and at least one flat blank which has been given such a shape and such dimensions that, after forming thereof and interconnecting its opposite ends, it is connectable with the sleeve couplings by means of a peripheral joint, thereby forming an intermediate segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Lindab AB
    Inventors: Carl-Gustaf Sonden, Kenneth Lennartsson
  • Patent number: 5393106
    Abstract: A completely sealed knock-down collar for joining heating and cooling ducts to plenums. The knock-down collar is formed from an elongate sheet metal strip punched with a plurality of tabs along one edge, a plurality of diagonal slits spaced from the tabs, a target on one end and a slot on the other. The sheet metal strip is rolled into a tubular shape with diagonal slits forming a herringbone mounting flange and the tongue fitting the slot to lock the strip in the tubular shape. A non-drying sealer is provided beneath the herringbone mounting flange and along one end to seal the collar when mounted in a plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: CASCO Manufacturing
    Inventor: Clifford Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5390967
    Abstract: A connector system for coupling first and second venting devices, at least one of which comprises a flexible vent pipe, includes a venting device connector having first and second ends. A first end of the venting device connector includes an inner vent member having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the flexible pipe to which it is to be coupled. An outer flexible vent pipe restraining member circumferentially surrounds an end portion of the inner vent member and has an inside diameter substantially larger than the inner vent member, and generally larger than the outside diameter of a grooved exterior region of the flexible vent pipe to which the connector is to be coupled. A circumference reducer allows the first end of the venting device connector to be securely and releasably attached to the flexible vent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Z-Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Gooderham, Vasilios Rallis, Michael A. Brunt
  • Patent number: 5378028
    Abstract: A flange connection for oval shaped air conditioning ducts readily adapts to ducts of differing shape and dimension. The flange is unitary and simultaneously attaches to the ends of two adjacent ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: MEZ Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Issagholian-Havai, George J. Ohandjanian
  • Patent number: 5363837
    Abstract: An outer housing of a kitchen smoke exhauster comprises a left-right side plate, a top plate and a plurality of U-shaped members. The left-right side plate has a main plate portion provided with a horizontal plate portion extending inwardly from the top edge thereof and having a first vertical strip portion extending downwards from the fringe thereof. The top plate has a base plate portion provided respectively at the left side thereof and the right side thereof with a second vertical strip portion extending downwards. Each of the U-shaped members has a middle plate portion provided respectively at the left side thereof and the right side thereof with a first wall plate portion and a second wall plate portion, which extend upwards such that they are curved and that they are corresponding to each other. The U-shaped members are so disposed that the first and the second vertical strip portions are received in the slots of the U-shaped members with an appropriate tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Sun-Sing Jang
  • Patent number: 5356184
    Abstract: A corner piece for a sheet metal connector system that includes coupling members which have a V-shaped cross section and inwardly turned retaining edges spaced a given distance from the apex of the V includes a first leg which has a width slightly less than the given distance and a length, and a second leg which has a width slightly less than the given distance and a length which extends at an angle other than 180 degrees with respect to the first leg's length. The first leg may be snugly fitted between the apex of a first V-shaped coupling member and the inwardly turned edge of the first coupling member and the second leg may be snugly fitted between the apex of a second V-shaped coupling member and the inwardly turned edge of the second coupling member to join the two coupling members together at the angle. The first and second legs may be identical separate pieces which can intersect and be joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Industrial Air, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Reese Hunter
  • Patent number: 5352855
    Abstract: A unitary, molded plastic junction clamp having a generally T-shaped final configuration for securing the wiring junction between a trunk portion and a split out branch portion of a wiring harness includes a flexible plastic main panel having a generally rectangular trunk section and a crossing generally rectangular branch section, a pair of flexible cable ties disposed on opposite sides of the trunk section and being integrally molded therewith and a pair of flexible cable ties associated with the branch portion. As a one piece molded unit the junction clamp begins as a substantially planar member and is able to be readily formed around the trunk portion of the wiring harness. The opposite pair of cable ties encircle the trunk portion at which point they are secured and tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Cumming Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lex B. Potter
  • Patent number: 5352000
    Abstract: A flange connection for an air conditioning duct comprises a generally L-shaped hollow flange having a pair of opposing spaced apart stay members which form multiple mechanical and adhesive seals to tightly secure the wall of an air conditioning duct in the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Mez Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Issagholian-Havai, George J. Ohandjanian
  • Patent number: 5342100
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of installing angle plates at the corners of ducts which has at the opposite ends of each panel of the duct channel shaped flanges into which is installed an angle plate with the angle plates being utilized to secure adjacent ducts together utilizing fasteners. The angle plates are configurated so as to be automatically fed by way of a supply hopper and associated machinery is constructed whereby a lowermost angle plate in a stack is automatically fed into position overlying duct channel flanges after the duct has been clamped in place followed by the forcing of the angle plate into the duct channel flanges and the securement of the angle plate in place. There is a notch in each corner of the duct between adjacent channel flanges and the angle plate is initially positioned with a corner portion thereof tilted downwardly into the notch, after which the angle plate is pressed into the two channel flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: William V. Goodhue
  • Patent number: 5328213
    Abstract: The adjustable pipe fitting of the invention has double walls in accordance with Type B standards established by the American National Standards Institute and Underwriters Laboratories. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a main conduit having three sections which are rotatably coupled together. A branch conduit is securely connected to the main conduit so that fluid communication exists between the branch and main conduits. The branch conduit also comprises three sections which are rotatably coupled together. The main conduit sections and the branch sections are coupled together at oblique angles relative to their respective longitudinal axes to provide a means for adjusting the fitting to accommodate connector pipes having various angles and orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Eljer Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Barth
  • Patent number: 5314212
    Abstract: A duct fitting of generally cylindrical configuration for attachment to a relatively large, generally cylindrically-shaped flexible duct having a curved sidewall of easily deformed material, in which sidewall a hole of particular size has been created. This duct fitting is constructed of deformable sheet material and has first and second open ends, with the first end having a curvature conforming to the configuration of the curved sidewall of the flexible duct. The second end of the duct fitting is adapted to receive thereon, a relatively small branch duct to be connected in a leak-free manner to the flexible duct. In accordance with this invention, the first end of the duct fitting has a plurality of short, lateral slots disposed at spaced locations around its circumference, thus to define a plurality of bendable teeth arranged in a non-planar array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: GCS Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5275449
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining flanged, abutting duct ends or for reinforcing ducts comprises an elongated coupling member including a V-shaped portion made up of two slanting walls approaching an apex and having lower portions spaced apart a given distance. It also includes inwardly turned edges on the slanting walls spaced from the apex, extensions of the slanting walls diverging from one another as the slanting walls approach the apex extending from the slanting walls a distance about equal to the given distance, and a joining portion extending from the extensions doubling back over the apex. The extensions and the joining portions have substantial parallel segments with a curved connection between the parallel segments. The edges, slanting walls, extensions and joining portion being integrally formed of sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Industrial Air, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Reese Hunter
  • Patent number: 5271648
    Abstract: A clamp-coupling and repairing apparatus is disclosed, which is useful for fluid conducting pipe-and-hose conduits adapted to withstand high pressure, and which includes a relatively wide band relative to the diameter of a respective conduit. The band is bent to form a circular sleeve-like structure having two free edge portions which are bent to extend radially outwardly of a space defined by the circular sleeve-like structure. Two partly circular plate members are laid against the edge portions with through-going partial longitudinal holes being provided in the circular plate members and the edge portions. A screw bolt is then able to be passed through the longitudinal holes with nuts secured onto said screw bolt for pressing the circular plate members toward one another for tightening the circular sleeve-like structure around the respective conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Eliezer Krausz
  • Patent number: 5267550
    Abstract: An external body of a soot extractor for effectively devoid of the previously mentioned sharp edges which are capable of inflicting injury on persons. The body includes a top sheet member having left and right edges bending downwardly to form a first fixing means respectively, and two side sheet members respectively attached to the left and right sides of the top sheet member and individually having a main plate portion and a arcuate plate portion, and a second fixing means extending downwardly from the edge of said arcuate plate portion for secured on the first fixing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Sun-Sing Jang
  • Patent number: 5253901
    Abstract: A reinforced duct includes a duct section having a peripheral skin of sheet metal, a plurality of lengths of metal straps, each strap being configured to have a cross section including a V-shape portion and inwardly turned edges spaced from the apex of the V to form a gap between the edges. The straps circumscribe the duct with the apices of the V-shapes away from the peripheral skin. A plurality of screws driven outwardly through the peripheral skin into the gaps in the circumscribing straps and engage the inwardly turned edges to bind the skin to the straps so that the straps reinforce the skin to prevent excessive flexure of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Industrial Air, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Reese Hunter
  • Patent number: 5246256
    Abstract: A roll grooved pipe is provided on its inner surface with a hydrofoil surface providing a transition between the inner surface of the pipe and the radially innermost portion of a radially inwardly extending step formed in the inner wall of the pipe by the cold rolling of the groove in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventors: Robert Rung, Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 5240294
    Abstract: What is disclosed are novel pipe segments, pipe fittings, and methods of coupling pipe together wherein the novelty resides in the use of fastener means and coupling segments containing lugs with holes therethrough as couplers for the pipe segments whereby the pipe segments have metal deformations near their ends to accomodate the holes of the lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Corcoran Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 5213374
    Abstract: A coupling ring for circular ducts is formed of a single piece of sheet metal and has oppositely extending flanges connected together by an annular channel-shaped rib which cooperatively with the flanges defines oppositely opening grooves containing sealant. The relative dimensions of the grooves is such that a hydraulic lock is avoided at the time the coupling ring is telescoped onto the ducts. Proper sealing can be visually determined by inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Keating Koupling, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry M. Keating
  • Patent number: 5199190
    Abstract: A venting assembly preferably for a clothes dryer to provide a universal dryer venting assembly directed to a dryer vent and flexible vent tube assembly, has an elbow with swivel fittings at the inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet connections include snap or collar connections for attachment to the appliance or vent tubing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Champion Furnace Pipe Company
    Inventors: James J. Mayer, James L. Ratton
  • Patent number: 5199747
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting double walled insulated tubing uses connector members each having inner and outer walls engaging inner and outer walls of the tubing, and end walls which are configured to interengage and form a lapped joint, each outer wall and optionally each inner wall of each connector member being associated with a support ring so that each tubing wall is clamped between a connector wall and a support ring by blind rivets or other fastenings passed through the connector wall, the tubing wall and the support ring. The connector assembly can be either factory applied or applied in the field using available hand tools, yet provides a neat and reliable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Willi E. Jahr
  • Patent number: 5195789
    Abstract: A slip lock connector assembly for joining end-to-end first and second flat-sided ducts made of sheet metal, has a framelike structure defined by a plurality of similar connecting members arranged in coplanar array. Each connecting member is made of pliable sheet metal bent, rolled, and molded to proper form. Each member has a flat main wall with first and second walls at opposite sides defining first and second channels. Both channels are filled with sealant material. The flat end of a side of the first duct in slipped into the first channel and secured by auxilary fastening elements, whereby the sealant in the first channel seals the connector to the flat end of the first duct. The flat end of a side of the second duct is slipped into the second channel and sealed by the sealant therein. In addition the wall of the second channel is formed with a rolled ledge which engages with lock projections on a side of the second duct to secure the second duct to the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventors: Timothy E. Walsh, Thomas Howard
  • Patent number: 5176125
    Abstract: A smoke exhauster including a top plate, a right plate and a left plate. Both left and right edges of the top plate are bent downwardly and then inwardly for 180 degrees so as to form basic strip portions containing a receiving space. The top edges of left and right plates are provided with a lower horizontal plate extending inwardly and horizontally therefrom. Each of lower horizontal plates comprises a curved portion extending upwardly from the outer edge thereof. The upper edge of the curved portion extends outwardly and horizontally to form an upper horizontal plate. The top, left, and right plates are united to form a housing body in such manners that upper horizontal plates of left and right plates are inserted into the receiving spaces of top plate and a molding tool is used to pack the upper and the lower horizontal plates and the basic strip portions. The housing body so made is devoid of sharp edges so as to prevent the user from being injured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Sun-Sing Jang