With Casing, Lining Or Protector Patents (Class 285/45)
  • Patent number: 6173994
    Abstract: A coupling assembly comprising a female connector body, a male member, a retainer and a dust barrier. The female connector body defines a bore extending axially inward into the connector body from an entrance. A radial face is defined in the bore axially inward of the entrance. The male member is received within said bore. The male member is formed at the end of a tube and includes a projection extending radially from the tube. The retainer has at least two locking beams extending between the radially extending projection and the radial face to retain the male member in the bore. The locking beams defines a slot between the locking beams. The dust barrier is slidably mounted on the tube. The dust barrier has at least one extension insertable within the slot so as to prevent inadvertent radially inward movement of the locking beams. Wherein upon sliding the dust barrier toward the female connector body, the dust barrier encloses the bore so as to prevent foreign material from entering the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 6170886
    Abstract: A quick connector (10) has a pair of waist segments (76 and 81), a shoulder segment (163), a body segment (72) with an aperture (156) therein, and a leg segment (78). The leg segment (78) is defined by a pair of projecting elements (163) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (76 and 81) to move toward one another. Thus, a swivellable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention non-swivellable threaded coupling. The quick connector (10) may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes (410).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 6164702
    Abstract: A continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic pipe coupling is disclosed having improved resistance to applied stress when used with pipe lengths being joined together. The fiber reinforcement is aligned during placement in a particular manner and placed at a predetermined fiber angles dictated mechanical forces being applied such as by internal fluid pressures in the coupled pipe lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: ADC acquisition Company
    Inventors: David Edgar Hauber, Robert John Langone, James Andrew Mondo
  • Patent number: 6156140
    Abstract: A process for creating a jacket for the protection of an extended object and the article produced by the process. The process includes the steps of selecting a heat-shrinkable tube having a size corresponding to the object to be protected; providing a mold body having external dimensions substantially matching dimensions of the object to be protected; placing the heat-shrinkable tube over the mold body; applying heat to the heat-shrinkable tube to cause the heat shrinkable tube to conform to the shape of the mold body; cutting the heat-shrinkable tube longitudinally to create an open sleeve with first and second lateral sides; and removing the open sleeve from the mold body. Preferably, a fastening means is provided on the lateral sides of the open sleeve to allow the sleeve to be secured tightly about the object to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John D. Ayres
  • Patent number: 6123365
    Abstract: A shield positioned on the exterior of a sump to provide an access space for displacement of a portion of an entry fitting into the access space. The shield can allow for the removal of the entry fitting or an entry fitting seal without having to first remove backfill from the exterior of the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank G. Lamping
  • Patent number: 6113152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spray protection ring for pipe flanges consisting of a clamping wall, which covers the flange crack when placed on the peripheral surfaces of the flange. An annular connector (9) protrudes radially inwards from the clamping band. A radial and axial element (11) is joined to this connector, and serves as a spacer for an annular screen-like element (12) which extends around the periphery and acts as a valve. The connector (9) and the connected element (11) have a plurality of slits (50) distributed around the periphery. These slits (50) are out-of-line in peripheral direction in relation to a plurality of slits (40) distributed around the periphery of the screen (12). Before mounting, the axial extension of the screen (12) is slightly greater than the distance between the facing flange surfaces (20, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Protec Verschlusselements GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Brenning
  • Patent number: 6109661
    Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive exhaust system components in an exhaust system for a vehicle. An inner liner tube is concentrically received by an outer liner tube. A substantially porous, non-sealing, vibration absorbing spacer member is arranged between the liner tubes where they overlap, to preclude direct contact between the liner tubes. The spacer member is non-sealing to preclude deterioration while minimizing interference with the reciprocation and articulation of the liner tubes. A flexible, resilient sealing member, such as a bellows, mechanically and sealingly connects the liner tubes at their distant non-overlapped ends, to prevent escape of exhaust gases. The liner tubes and the spacer member are provided with a non-circular, preferably polygonal or lobed, cross-sectional configurations, for providing protection of the bellows from torsional forces being propagated from one of the exhaust system components, toward the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Senior Engineering Investments AG
    Inventors: Scott C. Cwik, Robert C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6109660
    Abstract: A connecting structure of an externally resin-coated small-diameter metallic pipe having an excellent corrosion-resistant property with respect to a mating member is provided. According to the present invention, a resin-uncovered portion of the metallic pipe provided for applying an end processing thereon is completely covered with a protective pipe made of a resin material so that the processed pipe can be connected with the mating member without spoiling its anti-chipping property and an anti-splashing property of the metallic pipe over the entire length thereof. With the exception of the end of the metallic pipe corresponding to the margin at least required for applying an end processing on the pipe, the pipe is covered with an extrusion-moldable thick film-like resin and is connected with a mating member by means of a clamp nut assembled to the pipe end so as to be screw-fitted with the mating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Masaaki Akiyama, Kazunori Takikawa, Masashi Kajiyama, Kazumi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 6106025
    Abstract: An oil nozzle lock device has a hollow male fastener and a hollow female fastener. The hollow male fastener has two lobes, a first inner flange, a first upper semicircular notch, a first lower semicircular notch, a first oblong notch, and an end bevel. The hollow female fastener has two lugs, a spacing defined between the lugs, a second inner flange, a second upper semicircular notch, a second lower semicircular notch, a second oblong notch, and a distal bevel. A torsion spring is disposed between the lobes. The lobes are inserted in the spacing. A pivot shaft fastens the hollow male fastener and the hollow female fastener pivotally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Kang
  • Patent number: 6039359
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a concrete pipe joint construction which includes a steel bell and a spigot joint ring, both protected by an alkali releasing substance contained typically in a composite sleeve. When the spigot is engaged sealably into the bell an external joint recess is formed. The present advance is to add a sleeve made of a polyurethane foam material having the alkali releasing substance dispersed therein. The sleeve has an impermeable outer surface and goes around the outside of the joint and is banded sealably to both of the pipes. By this expedient, if and when ground water penetrates into the joint recess, the alkaline material is released from the sleeve to protect exposed steel from corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Coreflex LLC
    Inventor: Frank P. Valenziano
  • Patent number: 5992895
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling connects a first fluid duct to a second fluid duct. The first fluid duct has at least one retaining rib disposed on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The plug-in coupling includes a sleeve having a plurality of radial openings. Each of the radial openings has a front edge. The sleeve has an inner shoulder disposed on an inner peripheral surface thereof. A cylindrical locking device is received and is axially displaceable within the sleeve. The locking device has at least two axially extending, elastically flexible retaining arms depending from the locking device. A free end of each of the retaining arms is hook-shaped for selectively engaging the retaining rib when the first fluid duct is inserted into the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Steinkamp
  • Patent number: 5988224
    Abstract: A sleeve (10) for use as a mould for protecting, repairing or renovating a pipe (12) for carrying water, gas or other fluids. A liquid material such as polyurethane or epoxy resin is injected into the sleeve so that, as it polymerizes, it protects or seals the pipe section covered by the sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of identical modules (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) assembled to form the mould and each including a male portion and a female portion linked by an intermediate portion. The male portion of one module is designed to fit into the female portion of the adjacent module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: 3X Engineering
    Inventor: Stanislas Boulet D'Auria
  • Patent number: 5957503
    Abstract: A safety shield, suitable for use in a marine environment, which can be quickly and easily removed from around the end flange of a pipeline or hose. It is used to aid in the containment of any leaking fluid from the end flange, such escaping fluid being collected in a drip barrel or the like. The shield incorporates a housing, open at the bottom, with a notch in the front wall for a pipeline to pass through. The housing is fastened to the pipeline by selectively engaging or disengaging the outer circumference of the end flange with an adjustable open annular ring or strap. A window may be included in the top wall of the housing of this shield so that the user can view the end flange prior to installation and/or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: William E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5934711
    Abstract: A gas riser apparatus having an O-ring sealing arrangement according to the present invention provides improved sealing between an inner pipe and an outer pipe of the riser apparatus. The riser apparatus includes an inner plastic pipe having one or more grooves for receiving resilient sealing members. A plurality of O-rings are disposed within one annular groove and an outer metal pipe is telescoped over the plastic pipe. An annular crimp extends around the outer metal pipe at a location of the plurality of O-rings and forms a seal between an inner surface of the metal pipe and an exterior of the plastic pipe by compressing the O-rings. This O-ring seal configuration provides substantially improved low temperature sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Gady
  • Patent number: 5927760
    Abstract: A female hose coupling comprises a rigid sleeve for receiving a conduit stub on a liquid tank. The female hose coupling includes a smaller diameter conduit which slips inside a flexible hose. A pair of pivoted levers are mounted on the exterior of the rigid sleeve. A cam on each of the levers extends through an opening in the sleeve to engage a shoulder on the conduit stub. A protective sleeve surrounds the end of the female hose coupling and remains in place during normal use of the flexible hose. The protector provides a passage to accommodate the pivoted elvers and allow the coupling to operate in a normal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Robert M. Rocha
  • Patent number: 5924747
    Abstract: When first and second coupling pieces are tightened in the axial direction thereof by turning a screw member, the second coupling piece is prevented from being turned together with the screw member, thereby enhancing sealing property, cleanliness and workability. A thrust bearing is interposed between a pressing surface of the screw member and the second coupling piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Sanko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoya Miyashita
  • Patent number: 5895076
    Abstract: A hose coupling shroud for enclosing and securing coupled ends of a pair of hoses, particular those of the type used to convey an abrasive media under high pressure. The shroud has tapered portions at oppositely-disposed ends thereof, openings at the oppositely-disposed ends for receiving the hoses, and vents to allow excess pressure and media to be released from the hose coupling shroud in the event of a coupling failure. Radially-projecting ribs within the tapered portions secure the coupled ends of the hoses within the shroud in the event of coupling failure, and form a pair of sealing barriers between the coupled ends and the openings at the oppositely-disposed ends of the shroud. The tapered portions reduce the likelihood that the hose coupling shroud will become snagged on an object as the hoses are pulled through a work environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignees: Tyler J. Elliot, Joseph Scott Elliot
    Inventor: Joseph S. Elliott
  • Patent number: 5884657
    Abstract: A reclamation apparatus for capturing leaking hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system having a higher pressure system end and a lower pressure system end and for delivering the captured fluid back into the system includes an inner fluid line, for carrying hydraulic fluid between two points in the hydraulic system, having a higher pressure first line end and a lower pressure second line end, a reinforcing sleeve containing the inner fluid line and having an inside diameter larger than the inner fluid line outside diameter, an outer fluid line containing the inner fluid line and the reinforcing sleeve and having a first line end, a second line end and an inside diameter larger than the reinforcing sleeve outside diameter so that a containment space is provided between the reinforcing sleeve and the outer fluid line, a line coupling structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line first ends, a manifold structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line second ends and including a manifold body connected t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan J. Srock
  • Patent number: 5868437
    Abstract: A pipeline is made by joining a number of pipe sections, each of which includes an inner pipe structure and an outer pipe structure. The outer pipe structure, which may be zinc plated or encased in an protective elastomeric material, includes mating couplings at each end to fasten similar sections together end to end. The inner pipe structure includes a hole extending throughout the pipeline and means for sealing around the hole at each joint. The inner pipe structure is resiliently mounted within the outer pipe structure. The outer pipe structure of each pipe section extends in both directions past the ends of the inner pipe structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony Teague
  • Patent number: 5863079
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling comprised of a male coupling adapted to mate with a female coupling, the female coupling forming a passageway to receive the male coupling, and locking means for retaining the male coupling in said female coupling. The locking means being comprised of a locking lever pivotably mounted to the female coupling and having a cooperating projection adapted to extend through the coupling into the passageway to engage an annular cavity of the male coupling to maintain the male coupling into a mating relationship with the female coupling when the locking lever is in a closed position. The male and female couplings are provided with a reinforced annular rim, the reinforced annular rim of the male coupling extends radially of the coupling at a mid-portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Gestion Michel Donais
    Inventors: Michel Donais, Denis Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 5853199
    Abstract: A tubular drill pipe section to be used in a well bore is disclosed. The drill pipe section includes upper and lower tool joints, a main steel tubular portion extending upwardly from the lower joint and terminating near the upper tool joint, and an elongated steel protector tube extending downwardly from the upper tool joint and secured to the upper end of the main portion. The main portion has a much lesser wall thickness throughout substantially its entire length than the protector tube. The protector tube is made of AISI 4100 series chrome-molly steel that is quenched and tempered to give it high strength and high hardness (30-38 HR.sub.c) with a Martensite small, close knit, grain size. This hard material reduces the penetration of the slip teeth into the wall of the pipe section and increases the fatigue life of the protector to beyond that of the main steel tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5853200
    Abstract: The improved hose coupling boot is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will substantially eliminate snags, and accidental disconnects of hose coupling joints. It will also substantially reduce debris build up and associated malfunction in hose connection joints. It is principally intended for use on pneumatic hoses used to power industrial pneumatic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Gary A. Zieres
    Inventor: Gary A. Zieres
  • Patent number: 5851033
    Abstract: A corrosion limiting device for use with a fluid-carrying piping system having a connection formed from first and second components. A seal is carried by the components for forming a fluid-tight seal between the components. The components form a groove external of the seal. The corrosion limiting device includes an elongate member having first and second end portions and a length sufficient to extend around the groove. At least a portion of the elongate member is adapted to seat within the groove for aligning the elongate member on the components. The first and second end portions of the elongate member are fastened together. The elongate member serves to inhibit corrosion of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Stephen Hunt, John M. Jenco
  • Patent number: 5816622
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for a garden hose includes a protective shell section having a generally tubular body with an inner bore shaped for receiving a coupling of the garden hose snugly therein. A flexible strain relief section is releasably attached to the shell section wherein the flexible strain relief section has a generally tubular body. A locking member of the strain relief section releasably attaches the strain relief section to the shell section. The locking member is receivable within an opening formed in the body of the shell section. The locking member is resiliently movable from a relaxed position in which it extends through the opening and engages the body of the shell section for preventing axial movement of the strain relief section away from the shell section, to an inwardly flexed position in which the locking member flexes inwardly out of the opening and disengages the body of the shell section for allowing relative axial movement between the shell and strain relief sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Teknor Apex Company
    Inventor: Steven D. Carter
  • Patent number: 5794984
    Abstract: A quick connector (10) has a pair of waist segments (76 and 81), a shoulder segment (163), a body segment (72) with an aperture (156) therein, and a leg segment (78). The leg segment (78) is defined by a pair of projecting elements (163) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (76 and 81) to move toward one another. Thus, a swivellable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention non-swivellable threaded coupling. The quick connector (10) may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes (410).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5718265
    Abstract: A cap and shield assembly for a fluid conduit coupler has a shield and a cap hingedly connected to the shield with a shaft having a cross-pin extending therethrough. A cam bushing in the bore of the shield has a cam surface which coacts with the cross-pin to provide a positive closed position for the cap relative to the shield. Preferably, the cam bushing also provides a positive open position. The cap and shield assembly is particularly advantageous for couplers having a dry-break interface because the cap is readily moved between open and closed positions and operators will be more inclined to use the cap after fluid transfer. Shrouds on the cap and the shield coact to protect the coupler interface when the cap is in the closed position thereby protecting the dry-break interface from contamination by road and environmental debris. This is particularly advantageous compared to the dust cap of the prior art which tends not to be used for its intended purpose of protecting the fluid conduit coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton Fleet Fueling, Corp.
    Inventors: Stanley Robert Elsdon, Arthur S. Cornford
  • Patent number: 5716077
    Abstract: A fire resistant sprinkler coupling for fire resistant composite pipe having a stainless steel pipe coupling having a first portion for attachment of a nozzle and a second portion adapted to receive a nipple. The nipple extends through a wall of the composite fire resistant pipe and into a stainless steel anchor sleeve for securing the pipe coupling to the composite fire pipe. An outer protective jacket is positioned on an outer surface of the composite fire steel sleeve and insulation pipe around the nipple and at least a portion of the pipe coupling. The outer protective jacket comprises a stainless steel sleeve and an insulation layer. Alternatively, the outer protective jacket includes a structural wall comprising layers of helically wound reenforcing fiber that is bonded together with a thermoset polymer resin selected from the group consisting of phenolic resins, siloxane-modified phenolic resins, furan resins, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph S. Friedrich, Paul Kubat
  • Patent number: 5702129
    Abstract: The riser assembly includes a riser for fluid connection between a main fitting and a lateral pipe at different elevations. The lateral pipe is connected to the riser pipe by a 90.degree. bend having an elongated bell along its vertically extending portion for slidably receiving the upper end of the riser pipe. The vertical bell rests on a casing cap overlying a casing pipe concentric with, but spaced from, the riser pipe. The casing pipe terminates in a casing shoe resting on bedding material about the riser whereby loads are transferred to the casing pipe and casing shoe without loading the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Donald Harrington
    Inventor: Donald Weber Harrington
  • Patent number: 5695221
    Abstract: A fuel hose breakaway unit comprising couplers that are held in assembled relation by longitudinally extending fingers that are mounted on the outlet coupler and engage abutment lugs on the inlet coupler. When a predetermined longitudinal separation force is applied to the couplers, the fingers flex outwardly to a release position, permitting the couplers to separate. The fingers are provided by finger sets, each of which is provided with three fingers. A locking collar locks the bases of the finger sets onto the outer surface of the housing for the outlet coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventor: Charles A. Sunderhaus
  • Patent number: 5678864
    Abstract: A safety shield, suitable for use in a marine environment, which can be quickly and easily removed from around a coupling or the like that is used to secure a pipeline or hose together. This safety shield can also be used to cover or surround an end fitting or plug in the pipeline or hose. It is used to aid in the containment of any leaking fluid from the coupling or fitting, such escaping fluid being collected in a drip barrel or the like. The shield has an inverted U-shaped housing, open at the bottom, with aligned notches in the front and rear walls for a pipeline with joint to pass through. The housing is fastened to the pipeline by chains or ropes, passing under the pipeline and secured to the front and rear walls of the housing, respectively. A window is included in the top wall of the housing of this shield so that the user can view the fitting or coupling prior to installation and/or removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: William E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5647614
    Abstract: A band body is covered at a distal end thereof with a cap resulting in safety of a hose fastening band being enhanced. The cap is either molded or mechanically attached to the distal end of the band so the sharp edges are not exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Toyox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sachio Asakura
  • Patent number: 5636877
    Abstract: This swivel connection (10) of metallic material includes a female block (12), a center spool (14) and a male spool (16) which provide substantially universal movement between a hose line connection (18) and pneumatic tool (1). A protective cover (80) is provided for the female block (12) and a protective cover (82) is provided for the exposed portion of the center spool (14). Both covers are of non-mar plastic material to protect finished surfaces with which the swivel connection (10) comes into contact during use. Both covers include access openings (92, 112) having snap-fitted removable caps (100, 120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Dyna Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Purvis, Leonard J. Hartmann, Gerald L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5631563
    Abstract: A sensor protection system for use with an MWD tool includes a tubular body having lesser and greater diameter portions, antennas mounted in grooves in the lesser diameter portion, shield sleeves covering the antennas and being locked in place against longitudinal and rotational movement, and a wear band on the greater diameter portion to provide a standoff for the shield sleeve, the wear band also being locked against movement in the longitudinal and rotational directions. The locking mechanism also can be used to fix a sleeve-type stabilizer on the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Schlumbreger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Keith A. Moriarty
  • Patent number: 5584511
    Abstract: An expansion joint includes a pair of tubular fittings joined together by a bellows for accommodating differential movement therebetween. The fittings include balls at respective distal ends thereof which engage complementary sockets fixedly joined to opposite ends of the bellows. The respective ball and sockets additionally accommodate pivotal and rotary movement. The bellows allows pressure and spring forces to engage the sockets against their respective balls for continuously seating the balls in the sockets during operation and maintaining effective seals against leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Antonio S. Gonzalez, Mark K. Meyer, Michael R. Storage, Bradley J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5549333
    Abstract: A blast joint for protecting production tubing passing through a producing zone including one or more tubing joints of sufficient length to extend through the producing zone, erosion resistant carbide rings mounted on the tubing joints in end-to-end array, ring retainers at each end of the erosion resistant rings to hold the rings on the tubing joints, and one or more elastomer spacer rings engaged with the erosion resistant rings for holding the erosion resistant rings in end-to-end array and being yieldable axially by outward displacement in response to movement of the erosion resistant rings along the tubing joint to permit the rings to move in response to lateral bending of the tubing joints and impact forces on the blast joint during assembly and installation to minimize damage to the erosion resistant rings. The carbide rings are larger than the tubing joints to permit lateral bending of the tubing joints in the rings without stressing the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Robert J. Uherek, Sr., Paul J. Uherek, Brain Uherek
  • Patent number: 5546934
    Abstract: A resuscitator apparatus including a resilient, self-inflating squeeze bag having a single combined inlet/outlet which is preferably removably connected to a first manifold in operative communication with a substantially unbiased valve device. The first manifold includes an inlet coupling adapted for connection to a source of pressurized respiratory gas such as oxygen and an outlet coupling adapted for connection to a first end of a tubular connector. The tubular connector is desirably formed as a short, kink-resistant, flexible hinge member. The second end of the tubular connector is adapted for swiveled connection to an inlet coupling of a second manifold in operative communication with a non-rebreathing valve contained within a tubular, preferably L-shaped housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Kaigler, Richard J. Lordo
  • Patent number: 5527070
    Abstract: An in-ground installed pipe system, laid in expansive type soils, that has a plastic-like wrapping of the main pipe area and a plastic-like covered cushion layer of the joint connections, to provide protection to a pipe system against pipe movement and joint connection disruption, during the swelling and shrinkage process of the surrounding expansive soil, during seasonal variations of moisture content of the soil. The plastic-like wrapping of the pipe section is usually installed prior to installing the pipe into the trench. The plastic-like covered cushion layer is installed around the pipe joint connection, in the trench, after the pipe is installed into the end of the previously laid pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: William C. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 5527071
    Abstract: A protective collar for hose connections consists of a hard clamping ring or collar comprised of two semicircular segments in the shape of a disk, the segments mating together. The center opening of the disk clamps onto the ferrules of one or both connecting hoses. The segments are held together by screws or bolts and nuts which pass through internal bores in the segments. The protective collar is of a greater outside diameter than the ferrules so that the protector, And not the ferrules, will absorb any impact from being stepped on, dropped on the floor, or pinned beneath a heavy object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Norge Custom Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman B. Briggs
  • Patent number: 5511828
    Abstract: A flexible joint for an automobile exhaust system includes a flexible bellows for sealing the communication between the engine and the tail pipe with first and second flanges fixed to the respective members and interconnected by coupling shafts that are fixed at one end to one of the flanges and passed loosely through the other flange whereby compression springs that surround the coupling shafts serve together with the bellows to provide support capable of accommodating relative axial and angular deflections between the members. One of the flanges is so configured and disposed with respect to the bellows as to limit the amount of angular deflection imposed on the bellows. Damping sleeves composed of compressed wire mesh material operate to dampen vibrations imposed on the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignees: Oiles Corporation, Metex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kurek, Alain M. Pierre, Takashi Maeda, Takeshi Fukukido
  • Patent number: 5496074
    Abstract: A quick connector is provided for connecting a tube inserted into a connection element. The tube includes an annular swell spaced at a distance from its end. The connector housing of the connection element is provided with a locking member and locking ring elastically deformable in a radial direction between a free state configuration and an unlocking configuration. The outer periphery of the connector housing has two cylindrical parts separated by an axial stop. The locking ring abuts the axial stop. A locking lug is connected to the locking ring and includes a front ramp with a transverse slot. A spacer deforms the locking lug in a radially outward direction to the unlocking configuration. When the tube is fitted in the connection element, the front ramp of the locking lug cooperates with the swell of the tube to move the lug apart. When the tube has been fitted in the connector and the slot is at the axial level of the swell, the locking lug approaches its free state configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Henri Viratelle, Michel Andre
  • Patent number: 5489124
    Abstract: A safety shield for capturing corrosive fluids escaping from joints or valves in piping systems consists of first and second shroud members releasably joined together to form an enclosed chamber in assembled position about the joint or valve. The chamber includes at least one aperture which is sized and shaped for mating engagement around the pipe. Corrosion resistant gasket members interposed between the first and second shroud members and between the pipe and the at least one aperture render the enclosed chamber vapor tight in the assembled position. The chamber may further include at least one other aperture sized and shaped to receive the operating stem of the valve therethrough, and a corrosion resistant gasket interposed between the valve stem and the at least one other aperture for forming a vapor tight seal without interfering with the operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ramco Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Nee, David J. DeCarlo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5480193
    Abstract: An improved axially split clamp for preventing rupture of the O-ring seal of Ford Spring-Lok fittings even when the outside diameter of the Spring-Lok fitting is oversized. Each mirror-image half of the axially split clamp includes a semi-annular surface sized to fit snugly over the cage of the Spring-Lok pipe and also a semi-circular surface positioned to encircle that portion of the Spring-Lok push-on fitting over the coupling's O-ring seal. A flat-sided groove is cut in each semi-circular surface and a ribbon-like strip of rubber or other resilient material is inserted into the groove. The strip's thickness is about twice the depth of the groove so that when the two halves of the clamp are screwed together, the resilient material will firmly grip the outer diameter of the push-on fitting and thereby prevent back and forth transverse movement of the Spring-Lok fitting, prevent wear and failure of the O-ring seal and prevent the escape of fluid from the Spring-Lok coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph A. Echols, Jean D. Kimbrel, Sandra L. Montz
  • Patent number: 5470110
    Abstract: A shielding device provides an area of protection to mechanics during initial unbolting of flanged pipe connections, to block and redirect any unexpected discharge of product away from the mechanic to the opposite side of the flange. This device has an elongated body wrapped around a pipe flange positioned in the gap area between the flanges. The body is made from an elastic material such as rubber or plastic, or a pliable material such as rubber, plastic or teflon, and is secured to the flange by fasteners on each end of the device. The device provides an area of protection greater than half the circumference of the flange, by having the elongated body securely seated in the gap of the flange over this area. The remaining area of the flange gap remains unobstructed to discharge product leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Hupe
  • Patent number: 5451031
    Abstract: This fluid coupling (10) includes a metallic tubular body (12) having an inlet end (14) and an outlet end (16), the outlet end being adapted to receive a quick-connect-disconnect plug (20). A metallic actuating sleeve (32, 38) is mounted to the body (12) for selectively permitting fluid flow through the body (12) and latching the plug (20) in place. An outer cover (60) of non-mar plastic material is provided for the coupling (10) , which is moveable with the actuating sleeve (32) and prevents the metallic parts of the coupling from marking finished surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Dynaquip Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Purvis, Leonard J. Hartmann, Gerald L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5398973
    Abstract: A containment pipe fitting subassembly of a containment fitting, having open end sockets of a radius to slidingly receive ends of containment pipes, a carrier fitting having open end sockets of a radius to slidingly receive ends of carrier pipes, the carrier fitting being inside the containment fitting, a pair of alignment supports between respective ones of the containment fitting sockets and the carrier fitting sockets, each support having a peripheral flange with a radius comparable in size to the radius of said containment fitting socket and fitted therewithin, the flange defining a central orifice having a diameter comparable in size to the inner diameter of the carrier fitting socket, and each support also having an axially extending cylindrical sleeve with an inner diameter comparable in size to the outer diameter of the carrier socket and fitted over and adhesively tacked to the carrier socket. Carrier pipes are inserted into and bonded to the carrier fitting sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis E. McAtamney
  • Patent number: 5314209
    Abstract: A blast joint for use with a snubbing unit includes a casing around the protective rings and means for sealing around the bottom of the rings between the tubing and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Vermont American Corporation
    Inventor: Karl F. Kuhne
  • Patent number: 5312137
    Abstract: A safety shield for capturing corrosive fluids escaping from a joint formed in a piping system consists of first and second shroud members releasably joined to form an enclosured chamber in assembled position about the pipe joint. The chamber includes at least one aperture which is sized and shaped to form a vapor-tight seal around the pipe. Preferably, the safety shield includes an outlet for discharging any fluid which may accumulate in the chamber. Optionally, devices may be attached in communication with the interior of the chamber for determining the physical conditions therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Ramco Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard J. Nee
  • Patent number: 5275441
    Abstract: A blast joint resistant to erosion including an inner pipe joint having a substantially smooth outer surface and an upper end and a lower end. A cylindrical lower assembly having an exterior surface suitable for gripping with power tongs is mounted on the lower end of the inner pipe joint with a torque transfer assembly for transferring torque from the lower assembly to the smooth outer surface of the inner pipe joint. A cylindrical upper assembly having an exterior surface suitable for gripping with power tongs is mounted on the upper end of the inner pipe joint. A plurality of erosion resistant rings are concentrically mounted on the inner pipe joint in a vertically continuous arrangement from a point near the lower end to a point near the upper end of the inner pipe joint without a vertical gap between the rings. A hydrostatic piston and cylinder loader provides a vertical load on the plurality of rings to prevent separations between the rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Jack R. Claycomb
  • Patent number: 5222769
    Abstract: A double-wall composite pipe comprises a permeable annulus structure separating impermeable inner and outer walls. The permeable annulus structure has micro-fractures formed therein that function to reduce the flow rate and pressure of fluids leaking through the inner wall to thus inhibit fluid leakage. The annulus structure resists the stresses produced by internal fluid pressures and other service loads. The inner and outer walls will remain permanently impermeable while the pipe annulus structure undergoes stress-induced dimensional changes. A coupler assembly mechanically connects each longitudinally adjacent pair of pipes together and comprises two semi-cylindrical half-couplers, a compressible seal ring, a cylindrical retaining sleeve, and a flexible boot that encloses and seals the assembled half-couplers. A leak detecting sensor may be located at the coupler assembly. A preferred method and apparatus for making the pipe and coupler assembly are also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Charles E. Kaempen
  • Patent number: 5205592
    Abstract: An underground double containment system consists of a concrete outer containment receptacle housing a primary fluid flow pipe which extends therethrough and is slidably supported on double I-beam structures within the concrete receptacle. The concrete receptacle can be provided with a removable cover providing access to the primary piping in modular sections defined by the boundary of the receptacle. The primary piping can expand or move along the longitudinal axis of the concrete receptacle relative to the concrete receptacle enabling thermal of the primary and containment piping outside of the receptacle, which can be formed from different materials, as the outer containment pipe can be connected to the interior of the receptacle at the juncture of the receptacle and the primary piping. A plurality of concrete receptacles can be joined at an angle of between 0.degree. and 180.degree. to provide a double containment system for nonlinear primary pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Double Containment Systems
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu