Tube With Tube Patents (Class 29/272)
  • Patent number: 11814911
    Abstract: A guide mechanism may include a first jaw and a second jaw pivotably coupled to the first jaw. The jaws may include a guide having a bottom pocket for seating arrangement on a box end of a first tubular and a top funnel for laterally guiding a pin end of a second tubular into the box end. The guide mechanism may also include a linkage system secured to the first and second jaws to control pivoting motion of the jaws. The guide mechanism may also include a bias mechanism coupled to the linkage system and configured to impart a biasing force on the jaws via the linkage system. The biasing force may be adapted to resist opening of the jaws such that opening of the jaws occurs when a lateral force is applied to the guide mechanism that overcomes the biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Saunders, Neil West
  • Patent number: 11724461
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for producing a sealed connection of a press connector to a workpiece, in particular to a pipe, preferably to a plastic pipe, with a pressing tool for pressing a press connector and with a pressure tool for driving the pressing tool. The pressure tool is arranged to output a hydraulic pressure at a pressure generation point The pressing tool is arranged to receive a hydraulic pressure at a pressing location and to press a press connector accordingly. The pressure tool and the pressing tool are connected via a hydraulic pressure transmission connection, the pressure generation location and the pressing location being remote from each other. A corresponding method for producing a tight connection of a press connector to a workpiece, in particular to a pipe made of a flexible material, preferably a plastic pipe, as well as a press force translator and a press tool are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jörg Rosenthal, Nico Schellenberg, Uwe Grünkemeier
  • Patent number: 11655915
    Abstract: A plumbing apparatus for placing and supporting a vertical pipe in relation to an installation surface, comprising a plumbing target placement tool, and a plumbing target guide having a pair of securing rods and a pipe supporting member, the plumbing target placement tool allows the securing rods to be precisely embedded into the installation surface over an installation point. The pipe supporting member is attached to the securing rods in vertical alignment with the installation point, and allows the vertical pipe to be vertically inserted, to be supported perpendicularly to the installation surface an in vertical alignment with the installation point. The plumbing apparatus further comprises a horizontal pipe alignment guide that allows horizontal pipe to be positioned along a guide line that runs through the installation point, the horizontal alignment guide being attached to two additional securing rods placed astride the guide line with the horizontal pipe centered therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Curtis Alan Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10239733
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting tool for lifting or upending a flanged object, the lifting tool extending along a central longitudinal tool axis and comprising; a hoisting member for coupling the lifting tool to a hoisting line and applying a hoisting force to the lifting tool, a main frame for guiding a moveable flange engagement member, said flange engagement member moveably coupled with the main frame for supporting the flanged object, and moveably with respect to the main frame, a driving device coupled with the flange engagement member and the main frame for driving the flange engagement member radially with respect to the central longitudinal tool axis between a flange releasing position for introducing the lifting tool at least partly in said flanged object and past the flange thereof and a flange supporting position wherein the flange engagement member supports the object, wherein the driving device comprises a linkage system coupled with the hoisting member and the flange engagement member such
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: IHC Holland IE B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Belder, Quintus Wilhelmus Petrus Maria Zuijdgeest
  • Patent number: 9724810
    Abstract: A coupling bolt hole alignment tool, a method to align two coupling holes, one in each of two coupling halves, and a system to align two coupling holes are provided. The coupling bolt hole alignment tool and system includes an expandable sleeve assembly configured to be inserted into the second coupling hole and secured into the second coupling hole with a wedge nut. A rotatable rod including an eccentric hole formed in one end of the rod is contained within the expandable sleeve assembly. A pin/paw assembly includes a pin and paw. The pin is inserted into the eccentric hole from the first coupling hole and the paw is disposed within the first coupling hole and includes a portion oriented against a wall of the first coupling hole. Rotation of the rotatable rod while the pin/paw assembly is held stationary by a restraining device aligns the two coupling holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Ira J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150013139
    Abstract: A spacer for holding an alignment of two concentric cylinders including at least two arcuate spacer segments, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments having at least one spacer passage for receiving a part of a coupling bolt, each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments fitting between each of two respective end surfaces of two concentric cylinders, each end surface having a cylindrical seat; and a ring with an outer surface adjoining an inner surface of each of the at least two arcuate spacer segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Farineau
  • Publication number: 20150000091
    Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section. The clamp member may be formed of modular sections connected circumferentially in series in which each modular section defines a mounting location upon which a pipe engaging member can be removably attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Quinn Bender
  • Patent number: 8850679
    Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Quinn Bender
  • Patent number: 8782863
    Abstract: A press tool, such as a press sling for pressing in particular tubular workpieces, comprises a plurality of articulated press elements connected to one another in the form of a chain. The press tool is open between two end press elements for forming a closing site between two end press elements. In order to unlatch the press tool from a closed position in which the closing site is substantially closed, a handling element is provided according to the disclosure. Said tool alternatively also serves for releasing a press jaw mounted on a press jaw carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Novopress GmbH Pressen Und Presswerkzeuge & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinrich Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8763249
    Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Catacel, Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
  • Patent number: 8752261
    Abstract: A system for mounting a stent on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a stent and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the stent and catheter prior to crimping. A catheter and stent are placed on a computer-controlled carriage that delivers the stent and catheter to the crimper head. Before placing the stent and catheter into the crimper head, an automated alignment system locates the stent between balloon markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Van Sciver
  • Patent number: 8578606
    Abstract: There is disclosed a manufacturing method of a heat pipe type heat-dissipating device. The method includes the steps of: winding a pipe on a loop forming mold in a spiral shape to form a pipe loop; and pressing at least a section of an outer circumference of the pipe loop so that the pipe loop is plastically deformed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the loop forming mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Icepipe Corporation
    Inventor: Sang-Cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 8578578
    Abstract: A pipe adjustment tool for use in aligning the confronting ends of a pair of pipe sections having a joint therebetween provides a frame having a seating surface for acting against an exterior surface of a pipe section. The seating surface being disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to a threaded bore of the frame. A flexible clamping member is attached to the frame at one end and is a of length to substantially encircle the pipe section. The opposite end of the clamping member is received and secured by a retainer. The retainer and the frame are connected together by an articulated joint formed by a ball-shaped end of a threaded bolt extending through frame and a ball-shaped socket in the retainer. The retainer and frame are movably relative to each other by operating the threaded bolt to provide tension in the clamping member about the pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry Melanson
  • Patent number: 8495814
    Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Catacel Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
  • Publication number: 20130067709
    Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Quinn Bender
  • Patent number: 8348253
    Abstract: A boiler wall tube tool comprises a pair of opposed clamp members, each one of the clamp members having a nose intermediately disposed between a recess and a planar or inclined wall, and an aperture formed centrally through the clamp member. The clamp members oriented so that the recess of one of the clamp members is substantially aligned with the planar wall of the remaining clamp member for engaging a boiler wall tube therebetween. The aperture of one clamp member is substantially aligned with the aperture of the remaining clamp member. Means for moving the clamp members toward each other for secure clamping engagement of the tubes for maintaining the clamp members in alignment while connecting the ends of the tubes by welding is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Mark W. McClure
  • Publication number: 20120317785
    Abstract: An alignment tool affords a safe and economical way to install surface casing, eliminating the need to align or delay the installation in speedhead or multibowl well drilling applications. The alignment tool includes two split halves that may clamp onto an existing surface casing. A top plate of the alignment tool may overlay the top flat surface edge of the surface casing, eliminating the possibility of the surface casing coupling to strike the flat edge and obstructing passage. The top plate may include a beveled edge to further help align the surface casing into the conductor pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: NOEL E. GARCES
  • Patent number: 8266776
    Abstract: A device and method of use for aligning structural elements to be connected is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to providing an end of a first structural element and an end of a second structural element; providing an aligning device including a head configured to be removably secured proximate the end of the first structural element, the aligning device further including an alignment element attached to the head, the alignment element having a rotatably secured plunging body extendable from the head; extending the plunging body from the head to non-rotatably engage the second structural element; and moving the non-rotatably engaged second structural element via extension of the plunging body to align the end of the second structural element with the end of the first structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Dwileski, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120192395
    Abstract: An installation aid is provided for a ventilation nozzle and a ventilation duct of a motor vehicle, which are connected to during the installation, the installation arranged on the ventilation nozzle or the ventilation duct and having a material section, which protrudes forward in the installation direction beyond the ventilation nozzle or the ventilation duct when the installation aid is fastened on the ventilation nozzle or the ventilation duct and is at least partially insertable into the ventilation duct or the ventilation nozzle. Before the installation of ventilation nozzle and ventilation duct against one another, with the installation aid fastened on the ventilation nozzle, the material section is fixed in motion with respect to the ventilation nozzle or, if the installation aid is fastened on the ventilation duct, the material section is fixed in motion with respect to the ventilation duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stefan LUMMITSCH, Helmut NITZSCHE
  • Patent number: 8225474
    Abstract: A crimping fixture for crimping a stent onto a balloon of a catheter is disclosed. The crimping fixture includes a flexible elastomeric body having a crimping lumen and one or more inflation lumens extending through the flexible elastomeric body. The flexible elastomeric body is elastically stretched such that a pre-crimped stent may be placed in the crimping lumen. The inflation lumens are then pressurized with a fluid to impart an inward crimping force onto the stent to crimp the stent to a balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Arcand, Ryan Welty
  • Publication number: 20120159758
    Abstract: An apparatus is presented for providing alignment to a pipe or conduit extending through a floor, wall or ceiling, comprising a box-like housing having a first set of one or more openings extending therethrough, one or more pipe stubs for extending through the first set of openings for receiving partially therein the pipe or conduit, and elastomeric members for securing the pipe stubs within the openings of the housing and to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The alignment device is adapted for positioning within a floor, wall or ceiling. The number, location and size of the openings can be varied to accommodate various piping systems, and may be determined on a case- by-case basis prior to construction, relying on customized or standardized pipe fittings. Other embodiments may consist of multiple openings of various dimensions, aligned in the center of the housing or in combinations suitable for specific pipes and other variations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: BALL STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
    Inventor: Gary Griffith
  • Patent number: 8163001
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading an expandable intraluminal medical device into a delivery device has a flexible main body with first and second rolled ends that enable the main body to alternatively adopt a substantially flat configuration that exposes a portion of the inner surface and a helical configuration that defines an interior chamber adapted to receive said expandable intraluminal medical device. An expandable intraluminal medical device is prepared for loading into a delivery device by placing the device on the main body of the loading apparatus while in the substantially flat configuration and then transforming the main body into the helical configuration. The medical device can then be compressed and forced out of the loading apparatus—and into a delivery device—by applying rotational and translational force to one end of the loading apparatus. Related kits and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Arman Valaie
  • Patent number: 8082645
    Abstract: A clamp and quick release mechanism for clamping and releasing a cylindrical linkage to a rod-like member comprises a locking ring located on the rod-like member and a clamping ring. The inner surface of the clamping ring and the outer surface of the locking ring are configured such that rotation of the clamping ring in one direction will compress the locking ring and rotation in the other direction will allow expansion of the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Michael E. Levins, II, Benjamin J. Smith, Michael J. Sette, Roland S. Moore
  • Patent number: 8037587
    Abstract: A watercraft anode removal tool and method includes providing a zinc pencil that defines an anode inserted into a watercraft engine. A tool is provided for engaging the zinc pencil. The tool includes a cylinder having a first end, a second end and peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end has a well therein for receiving an end of the zinc pencil. The well is threaded and is threadably couplable to the zinc pencil. The cylinder is threadably coupled to the zinc pencil and the zinc pencil is pulled from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Glenn R. Lott
  • Patent number: 8015682
    Abstract: A breaching device (100) includes an elongated main body (4) that forms an outer surface (2) and has a front end (24). The elongated main body (4) divides along a length and forms substantially equal upper (20) and lower (22) portions. A first curved handle (6) is attached to the outer surface (2) and extends a first height (21) over a portion of the upper portion (20). A partition (10) is attached to the outer surface (2) between the first curved handle (6) and the front end (24), and extends a second height (15) over the upper portion (20) and generally transverse to the length of the elongated main body (4). The second height (15) is greater than the first height (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Fred Anders
  • Publication number: 20110107574
    Abstract: A pipe adjustment tool for use in aligning the confronting ends of a pair of pipe sections having a joint therebetween provides a frame having a seating surface for acting against an exterior surface of a pipe section. The seating surface being disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to a threaded bore of the frame. A flexible clamping member is attached to the frame at one end and is a of length to substantially encircle the pipe section. The opposite end of the clamping member is received and secured by a retainer. The retainer and the frame are connected together by an articulated joint formed by a ball-shaped end of a threaded bolt extending through frame and a ball-shaped socket in the retainer. The retainer and frame are movably relative to each other by operating the threaded bolt to provide tension in the clamping member about the pipe section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Melanson
  • Patent number: 7908726
    Abstract: A wrench for tamper switch installation for use with a tamper switch arrangement including an enclosure containing a tamper switch assembly having a mounting rail for assembling the tamper switch assembly to a security system enclosure. The wrench may be capable of holding two separate nuts and have cooperating mating structure to slidably mate with the mounting rail of the tamper switch arrangement. The nuts may be frictionally-fitted into the wrench, after which the wrench is slidably moved onto the mounting rail until the nuts line up with two throughbores in the mounting rail. Two screws or bolts are then inserted through a surface of the security system enclosure and traverse the throughbores in the mounting rail. The screws or bolts then threadably engage the two nuts disposed within the wrench and are threaded therethrough via rotation with a suitable instrument, e.g., a screwdriver, located outside of the security system enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Scott T Castle, Paul DeLozier, Dennis M Caler, Dennis Petricoin
  • Patent number: 7891067
    Abstract: An elastic band expander tool has a base plate and a cam plate rotatably secured to each other for rotation about an axis. The cam plate has three slots, each of which curves inwardly towards the axis at its outer end. The base plate has three expander bars moveably mounted on it, each of which has a finger extending therefrom and a cam pin for moving in an associated cam slot. When the cam plate is rotated on the base plate, the cam pins ride in the slots and move outwardly away from the axis. This movement causes the expander bars to move outwardly, thereby expanding an elastic band fitted about the fingers. When the cam pins reach the end of their respective cam slots, the tool locks in place, to provide hands-free operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Blake D. Muhlenbruck
  • Patent number: 7814631
    Abstract: Objects of the present invention provide an attachment for power tools that places and sets expansion anchors. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a new and improved attachment apparatus for a rotary-hammer type drill, the attachment including a first anchor setting end, a second attachment end, and a handle portion connecting the setting end to the attachment end. The attachment apparatus can be efficiently and easily mounted to the rotary-hammer type drill to simplify the installation of expansion anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Allan Wallek
  • Patent number: 7657985
    Abstract: A boiler wall tube tool has a first clamp member positioned about one side of the boiler wall and a second clamp member positioned about the opposite side of the boiler wall. The first clamp member has recess or recesses, each recess receiving one of the tubes therein. The second clamp member has a radius or radiuses abutting against the opposite side of a tube or the tubes. The first clamp member and the second clamp member are coupled to one another about the tube or tubes through slots formed in the first clamp member and the second clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Mark W. McClure
  • Patent number: 7607903
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a stator tube from a position about a rotor of a progressing cavity pump is provided. The apparatus includes an actuator assembly having a base and a piston which is longitudinally displaceable relative to the base, and a pusher rod. The base of the actuator assembly is removably attachable to a discharge end of the stator tube. The pusher rod is longitudinally releasably attachable to the piston at a plurality of locations along the length of the pusher rod and is located to engage the rotor when the base is coupled to the stator tube. The pusher rod is coupled to the piston and the piston is driven by the actuator assembly. With only slight modifications the apparatus may also be used to install the stator tube on the rotor when operated in a substantially opposite way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Moyno, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Duane Amburgey
  • Patent number: 7480973
    Abstract: A positioning assembly for automatically positioning a first cylindrical member for crimping to a second cylindrical member has a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a nest to accommodate at least a portion of the first cylindrical member and/or at least a portion of the second cylindrical member. The second plate has a nest to accommodate at least a portion of the first cylindrical member and/or at least a portion of the second cylindrical member. The first plate is constructed and arranged to be separated from the second plate in a first position. In a second position the first plate is immediately adjacent to the second plate. When in the second position, the first plate and the second plate are situated such that the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member would be in proper placement for joining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Miller, Chrismar Scribner
  • Publication number: 20090019680
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an adjustable or variable joining device or connector that may connect a duct (such as pipe or tubing) having a range of shapes, sizes and thread styles to an object (such as equipment, a container, or another length of pipe or tubing). The device generally comprises a sealing member that elastically expands to fit adjacent to the exterior surface of the duct. The sealing member may also be positioned within and connected to a casing member. To prevent the sealing member from collapsing under thrust loads tending to pull the duct from the device, the sealing member is held in place relative to the duct and the casing member by a rigid or semi-rigid support assembly, a cover plate, compressible inserts, foam or a combination of the same. The invention also includes certain kits and methods of using and constructing the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Krohn
  • Patent number: 7356903
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for delivering a self-expanding stent. The device has an inner shaft and an outer shaft moveable with respect to the inner shaft. The self expanding stent is received on the inner shaft adjacent its distal end. A tapered tip is located on the inner shaft distal end and it forms a smooth transition from the delivery device to the guide wire extending therethrough. A handle allows the practitioner to deploy the stent single handedly. The stent may have its segments in a first radial configuration for deliver of the stent or the stent may have a plurality of segments in a first radial configuration and a plurality of second segments in a second radial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Krivoruchko, William Berthiaume, Don Tran, Kris Kristoffersen, Erik Griswold, Vance Swanson, Somboune Singkeo, Fertac Bilge, Sean Miller
  • Patent number: 7344161
    Abstract: An insert for use in connecting two lengths of pipe, each having a plastic liner. The insert consists of an inner tubular member of plastics material for connection at either end to the plastic liners of two pipe lengths, an insulating sleeve surrounding a central portion of the inner tubular member and a ring of heat-resistant material overlying a part of the insulating sleeve to be positioned, when in use, beneath a location at which the pipe length is butt welded, wherein the insulating sleeve includes an insulating material which is at least partially enclosed with a sheath, such that the sheath can be mechanically connected to the interior of one pipe length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: Technip France SA, Technip Offshore UK Limited
    Inventors: Brett Patrick Howard, Gordon Tough
  • Patent number: 7344163
    Abstract: A section of trunking (20) has sides (22) which define a channel (34). Edge portions (32) of sides (22) are shaped so as to form further channels (34); Lid (26) has surface (29) and edge portions (30) which extend over channels (34) so as to form enclosed volumes. Screws (36) are used to fix lid (36) onto trunking section (20). Any water leaking through holes (38) and down the threads of screws (36) will be retained within channel (34) and will eventually dissipate between the side portion (30) of lid (26) and side (22) of trunking section (20). Trunking sections (20) are coupled by coupling (50) which is formed from surfaces (52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 64 and 66) which themselves engage internal surfaces of the trunking sections and their respective lids. Coupling (50) is provided with pairs of threaded holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Richard John Thompson
  • Patent number: 7322088
    Abstract: Tool includes a fixed handle and a movable, lockable handle. A working end of the tool includes an upper jaw and a movable lower jaw. A passage may be provided in one or both of upper and lower jaws. A sealing device may be provided in the upper jaw, the sealing device being disposed adjacent to the passage. Lower jaw may likewise include a passage therein. In use, an elongated object such as a tube may be inserted into the passage in the lower jaw and then into the passage in the upper jaw adjacent the sealing device. When the lower jaw is engaged with the upper jaw, the lower jaw compresses the sealing device and sealingly engages the sealing device, the passage, and the tube disposed therein. In that manner, a seal is achieved. In the case where an opening having a coupling is fluidly connected to the upper jaw, a sealed, fluid connection may be established between the coupling on the upper jaw and the tube engaged by the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Sullivan, Justin Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7320165
    Abstract: A pipe coupler gripping each pipe with hand grip actuated clamps, and seating the end of one pipe in the aligned end of another pipe using leverage plates having a slot or channel with a drop notch, facilitating additional leveraging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: William E. Hard
  • Patent number: 7281320
    Abstract: A seal-feeding station includes a seal receiver (21) for receiving a waterproof seal (20) fed through a seal feeding tube (16) and a seal keeper (23) for keeping the waterproof seal (20) transferred from the seal receiver (21) in an electric-wire insertion position. The seal receiver (21) includes a slider board (27) which is supported slidably between a standby position and a transfer position and includes an acceptance hole (27b) in which the waterproof seal (20) is fit in when the slider board (27) is in the standby position, and a push pin (38) which is movable forward and backward, is located so as to face the acceptance hole (27b) of the slider board (27) when the slider board (27) is in the transfer position, and moves forward to push the waterproof seal (20) fit in the acceptance hole (27b) and transfer the waterproof seal (20) to the seal keeper (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Sakaue, Tetsuya Yano, Tadashi Shimooku, Hiroyuki Inoue, Tadashi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7226047
    Abstract: A welder's pipe clamp includes a pair of reciprocal handle members each having a pivotal jaw attached thereto. Each jaw includes a pipe clamping member pivotally attached to a distal end thereof. Each pipe clamping member includes upper and lower arcuate, pipe-engaging surfaces that maintain a pair of pipe sections in alignment for a welder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Abel Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 7127788
    Abstract: A system for coupling conduit sections includes a coupling tool with a pair of lever arms pivotally interconnected and each mounting a clamp assembly. The clamp assemblies are adapted for releasably clamping the conduit sections. A coupling has a generally tubular configuration with a throughbore with multiple annular internal ribs. A coupling method includes the steps of clamping first and second conduit sections with respective clamping assemblies, placing the conduit section ends against the coupling throughbore ends, and squeezing the tool lever arms together whereby the conduit section ends are inserted into the coupling throughbore in fluid-tight sealing and pull-out resistant engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Milton Wayne Tutt, Dennis M. Turner
  • Patent number: 7036202
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for attachment to pipe handling arm, comprising a clamp for gripping a tubular and a guide for aligning said tubular with another tubular prior to connection thereof, characterized in that said clamp and said guide are movable relative to each other in a direction longitudinal of the tubular, the arrangement being such that said tubular can be brought closer to said another tubular in a direction longitudinal of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Georg Lorenz
  • Patent number: 6990712
    Abstract: A pipe joining tool including a mounting bracket for releasable attachment to a pipe. The mounting bracket has a U-shaped platform with an intermediate portion for engaging a pipe and a pair of slotted end portions extending from the opposite ends of the intermediate portion in a substantially parallel manner. A wedge slidably extends through the slots in the end portions for driving a pipe positioned within the U-shaped platform into tight engagement with the intermediate portion. A flexible link is secured to the mounting bracket and extends therefrom. A pipe fitting keeper is carried by the flexible link for releasably grasping a pipe fitting and suspending the pipe fitting adjacent the end of a pipe positioned within the U-shaped platform. A pair of spaced apart legs projects forwardly from the intermediate portion of the U-shaped platform. Each of the spaced apart legs has an internally threaded bore within which is positioned a bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: William C. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6983525
    Abstract: To align the edges of plates prior to joining them, a generally cylindrical anchor member is spot welded at one location on one of its rims to a plate. A mounting element of a clamp body member slidably engages the anchor member. A force applicator element of the clamp body member is generally laterally spaced from the mounting element. The mounting element includes a generally arcuately extended semi-cylindrical socket portion of such a diameter that it slidably and snugly mounts the socket portion thereon. The rim portions of the anchor member provide a plurality of spot mounting locations for breakably spot welding, brazing or otherwise temporarily attaching the anchor member to a plate or other substrate. At least one of the force applicator or mounting elements is adapted to the incremental application of aligning force on adjacent plates. The body of the clamp bridges between the respective plates that are to be brought into line with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Valtra, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Moreno
  • Patent number: 6948222
    Abstract: A hand held power assisted apparatus is provided for assembling a rigid tube into a flexible hose in an automobile assembly line environment. The apparatus includes a frame with first and second gripper assemblies mounted on the frame. An actuator assembly is connected between the frame and the first gripper assembly for moving the first gripper assembly toward the second gripper assembly to insert the rigid tube into the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Integral Automation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry R. Greer, Donald R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6948223
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for mounting a stent onto a balloon on a stent delivery system. A stent is then loaded onto the delivery system and the resulting stent/balloon assembly is positioned in a first section of a mould and a second section of the mould is closed onto the first section and locked in place. Pressure is applied to the delivery system through a luer and the mould is heated. The pressure and heat are discontinued and the mould is cooled; this combination of heat and pressure secures the stent to the balloon. The method may include a cooling cycle to help retain the profile of the final stent delivery assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
    Inventor: James Shortt
  • Patent number: 6832427
    Abstract: A buoyant clamp assembly and method for clamping an elongate member to a support member. The buoyant clamp assembly includes a flexible strap having first and second ends. Affixed to the exterior of the flexible strap are wear blocks. A highly frictional layer is attached to the interior of the flexible strap to increase friction between the clamping assembly and the elongate or support member. The flexible strap extends substantially around the elongate and support members. The first and second ends are adapted to be coupled to each other via a loop member. The clamp assembly also includes a tensioner assembly having first and second tensioner bars spaced parallel to one another. Capture bolts affixed to the tensioner assembly prevent the first and second tensioner bars from separating. Each of the first and second tensioner bars includes a bullnose face and the bullnose faces are in opposing relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Offshore Clamp & Protector Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Larry Meuth, Stanley Brannan
  • Patent number: 6817075
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and/or dismounting hoses onto or from socket pieces (or operations of such a type) comprising a drive producing a linear driving motion including a power supply unit and a control unit for controlling the driving motion, a feed member adapted to be linearly driven by the drive, pivotally supported inserted plier halves the inner lever ends of which facing away from a socket piece are engaged by the feed member in order to pivot the inserted plier halves with their jaws against a hose disposed therebetween during a forward motion of the feed member, a bearing part supporting the inserted plier halves and adapted to be displaced in the direction of the feed member including a stop, and a counterstop connected to the feed member which, after a phase of the forward motion of the feed member required to clamp the hose in place between the jaws, hits upon the stop (13V, 13VI) while carrying along the bearing part through the remaining phase of the forward motion in order to advance the ins
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Kretzschmar
  • Patent number: 6792858
    Abstract: A device for handling sleeves (20) for cylinders of printing presses, wherein a carrying tube (26) is provided, on which a mounting device (28), engaging these sleeve (20), is disposed for mounting the sleeve in a position, which is aligned coaxially with the carrying tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Fischer & Krecke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wilfried Kolbe, Klaus Schirrich, Andreas Kückelmann, Wolfgang Brusdeilins
  • Publication number: 20040143946
    Abstract: Tool includes a fixed handle and a movable, lockable handle. A working end of the tool includes an upper jaw and a movable lower jaw. A passage may be provided in one or both of upper and lower jaws. A sealing device may be provided in the upper jaw, the sealing device being disposed adjacent to the passage. Lower jaw may likewise include a passage therein. In use, an elongated object such as a tube may be inserted into the passage in the lower jaw and then into the passage in the upper jaw adjacent the sealing device. When the lower jaw is engaged with the upper jaw, the lower jaw compresses the sealing device and sealingly engages the sealing device, the passage, and the tube disposed therein. In that manner, a seal is achieved. In the case where an opening having a coupling is fluidly connected to the upper jaw, a sealed, fluid connection may be established between the coupling on the upper jaw and the tube engaged by the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Sullivan, Justin Joseph Sullivan