Pipe Layout Or Fitting Patents (Class 33/529)
  • Patent number: 11598635
    Abstract: A tool, such as a level, with magnets embedded in a working surface is provided. For example, the magnets assist in coupling the level to magnetic workpieces. The magnets are placed in a chamber with a floor having a periphery and internal walls extending from the floor periphery. Flanges extend from internal wall of the chamber toward a central axis or point and partially further define the chamber volume. Flanges may be created by depressing surface of the level near the chamber, thus deforming the level body surface to create a channel and a flange from the material displaced from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: HongPing Hui, XingLong Wang
  • Patent number: 11468212
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a system used to produce a prototype part and subsequently an accurate design specification for a fluid or gas handling system/hose and or tube assembly, followed by the subsequent communication of that specification into an ordering interface that processes the specification into a usable format as a means to accurately produce and re-create the original specification in a remote location by a specific manufacturing process, in order to supply the originator of the design an accurate, working part, produced in the specified materials in a rapid, convenient and cost effective manner. The process has global applications in various industries, markets and vehicle or machinery types, particularly where it is inconvenient or prohibitively expensive to have the work performed on-site by a technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: DYME PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brendan James McGrath, Timothy William Horwill
  • Patent number: 11307013
    Abstract: A bollard drilling jig including a base plate, an elongated bar coupled to the base plate, and at least two guide collars spaced apart from each other on the elongated bar. The at least two guide collars each include an interior channel that is sized to receive a drilling tool therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Benjamin MacArthur, Peter G Munro, Mehul Rana
  • Patent number: 11273549
    Abstract: A bendable tube having pre-marked horizontal and vertical alignment guides which allow a user to form successive bends of the tube in the same plane. The horizontal and vertical alignment guides are coplanar with a horizontal plane and a vertical plane which axially bisect the tube and are perpendicular to each other. The horizontal and vertical alignment guides allow the tube to be precisely aligned within a bending apparatus, ensuring that the horizontal alignment guides remain coplanar with the horizontal plane when performing a horizontal bend, and that the vertical alignment guides remain coplanar with the vertical plane when performing a vertical bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: John Gorgoglione
  • Patent number: 11247326
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for forming orthogonal joints in conduits. The apparatus includes a first piece including a first plurality of curved openings and a second piece including a second plurality of curved openings. The apparatus includes a hinge configured to couple the first piece to the second piece and to enable the first and second pieces to be configurable in each of a closed position and an open position, where, when in the open position, the first piece is positioned adjacent to the second piece and, when in the closed position, the first and second pieces are configured to define a channel for receiving a conduit and each of the first plurality of curved openings is aligned with a corresponding one of the second plurality of curved openings. The apparatus further includes one or more magnets coupled to the first or the second piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Nation Wide Products LLC
    Inventor: Jason Darby
  • Patent number: 11137239
    Abstract: A magnetic pipe square level comprising one or more magnetic members fused to an angle iron, a square that consists of a base member and a perpendicular member, the angle iron fused to the base member, one or more bubble levels attached to the square oriented in line with one or both of the base member and the perpendicular member, an anchor point attached to the perpendicular member, a track for a string line underneath the tip of the angle iron, a notch at the end of the track where the base member and the perpendicular member intersect and one or more sets of tick marks along an edge of the perpendicular member providing a reference point for a measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Leon Richard Riopel
  • Patent number: 10697263
    Abstract: A centering device on a cutting device using an ultrahigh pressure (UHP) hose carrying UHP fluid is designed to be inserted into a pipe or tube and cut the same from the inside out. In one example, the cutting device is for insertion into a wellbore for cutting the casing of the wellbore from within the wellbore with a revolvable UHP hose. The cutting head which effectuates the cut may be centered by the centering device that is generally conical in shape such that a portion of the centering device remains exterior to the pipe or tube as the UHP revolves during the cutting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Terydon, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Gromes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10220506
    Abstract: A laser measuring device for a pipe fitting including a framing square having a first arm and a second arm attached to the first arm. Each of a pair of laser housing units is disposed on a top surface of the first arm of the framing square. Each of the pair of laser housing units has a central processing unit, a display screen, an activation control disposed proximal the display screen, and a laser directed outward toward the second arm of the framing square. A lever is slidably disposed on the framing square. The central processing unit of each of the upper laser housing unit and the lower laser housing unit is configured to calculate a distance of the laser of each of the upper laser housing unit and the lower laser housing unit, respectively, from a pipe when the framing square is disposed immediately adjacent to a pipe fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Darrlyn Edwards
  • Patent number: 10214940
    Abstract: A post sleeve installation system can include a plurality of post sleeve installation devices and at least one spacing beam or mechanism. The spacing beam or mechanism can include end portions that rotate about multiple independent axes and can be coupled to a pair of post sleeve installation devices to determine or control the relative locations and orientations between two post sleeves. The post sleeve installation system can be used to install post sleeves for posts for a fence, a rail or other structure supported by posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Patent number: 10065227
    Abstract: A conduit tube bending tester for use in testing potential measurements, angles and placements of a EMT conduit to be bent prior to permanently bending the EMT conduit includes a core member defining a elongated cylindrical wire constructed of a thin metal and a tubular outer body defining an exterior coating or skin constructed of a resilient material, with the core member enclosed in the outer body. Being embodied as a wire, the core member has the ability to be bent at any point along its length in any direction through the application of external force and retain the bend unless and until it is straightened or re-bent in another direction through application of external force. The outer body may additionally include a plurality of markings which define standardized measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Bryan Williams
  • Patent number: 10018458
    Abstract: A method and a check fixture is presented. A part having a number of contiguous coupons is processed using an automated tool. Geometry of the number of contiguous coupons is inspected to produce inspection results. The part is validated using the inspection results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel John Wade, Micah Barrett Fuller, Keith A. Walton, Alan A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9581424
    Abstract: A roundness measuring apparatus, which has a small space required for installation and of which measurement error due to a temperature change is small, is disclosed. The roundness measuring apparatus includes: a base; a turn-table which is fixed to the base and rotates a work placed on the turn-table; a two-dimensional moving mechanism provided at the base so as to move a holder holding part in parallel to a measurement plane including a rotation axis of the turn-table and a measuring point of the work; a detector holder attached to the holder holding part; and a detector attached to the detector holder so that a probe can be displaced on the measurement plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryo Takanashi
  • Patent number: 9506258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: a toilet flange template apparatus comprising: a first arm having a first head and a first connecting member extending therefrom, the first head formed with a first centered boss extending therefrom; and a second arm having a second head and a second connecting member extending therefrom, the second arm being pivotally connected to the first arm, and the second arm configured to be parallel to the first arm when a tile is placed therebetween, the second head defining a perimeter edge corresponding to and providing circumferential clearance for an outer circumference of a toilet flange that the first centered boss is configured to mate with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: Jack Amer, Danny Alvarez
  • Patent number: 9254707
    Abstract: A band of a plurality of link sets is provided wherein each link set comprises a link wherein a first side of such link is bent to form a spring lock, a link wherein a second side of such link is bent to form a spring clip, and a pin extending through the spring lock. The link sets are joined together by inserting the spring lock of one link set into the spring clip of a proximate link set. The band is wrapped around a pipe, the pipe is placed against a second pipe in an orientation in which the pipes are to be joined, the pins are extended from the band to make contact with the second pipe, the band is slid along the length of the pipe until the pins lay above the surface of the pipe, and the contour is marked on the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9126327
    Abstract: A pipe joint scribe kit for welding pipes together at intersections, which may or may not be perpendicular, including a plurality of single-piece scriber bodies, each body having a pair of parallelepiped arms, with incremental graduations marked thereon, disposed at a fixed angle with respect to each other with at least one angle portion disposed between the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Harry R. Goodrich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9091076
    Abstract: A toilet flange template apparatus comprising a first arm having a first head and a first connecting member extending therefrom, the first head defining a first perimeter edge substantially corresponding to and providing circumferential clearance relative to a toilet flange, and a second arm having a second head and a second connecting member extending therefrom, the second arm being pivotally connected to the first arm, the second head formed having a substantially downwardly-extending second center boss configured to be received within the toilet flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Amer, Danny Alvarez
  • Patent number: 9061381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an input shaft of a wind turbine generator with an output shaft of a wind turbine are disclosed. Preferably, the method includes placing a push plate of a wind turbine alignment tool into pressing contact with a selected support flange of a wind turbine generator identified by a misalignment measurement device. With the push plate positioned, an indexing means of the wind turbine alignment tool is advanced along an adjustment link member of the wind turbine alignment tool to impart an alignment force onto the selected support flange to align the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine. The method preferably concludes by rechecking the alignment of the input shaft of the wind turbine generator with the output shaft of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew J. McBride
  • Patent number: 9021713
    Abstract: A measuring tool for determining angles at two points of interest, including an elongate arm and two protractors, one protractor rotatably mounted at each end of the arm. Each protractor includes a flat for positioning the protractor against one of the two points of interest. The angle at each point of interest is the angular measurement between the arm and the two flats, respectively. The arm may include two attachment sections, one each of the two attachment sections rotatably connected to one each of the two protractors, respectively, and an L-shaped guide having three connection points for selectively receiving and retaining the two attachment sections in various configurations as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Pierson
  • Patent number: 8955230
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shaft alignment tool including a center hub and a plurality of adjustable arms. The plurality of adjustable arms are coupled to the center hub and include a proximal end section and a distal end section. The shaft alignment tool further includes one or more roller assemblies mounted on each distal end section of each adjustable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Sean J. Alexander, Ronald K. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8893395
    Abstract: A pipe alignment tool includes a main body, a laser source, and a laser calibrator. The main body has a threaded external surface on a proximal end and a cylindrical bore at a distal end. The cylindrical bore has a central axis. The laser source has a proximal end that is removably received in the cylindrical bore. The laser source is configured to discharge a laser beam through a distal end of the laser source along a laser axis. The laser calibrator is configured to adjust the orientation of the laser source relative to the central axis to coaxially align the laser axis with the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Mickow
  • Patent number: 8893396
    Abstract: A laser alignment device for use with rigid tubing of varying diameters, such as electrical conduit or plumbing piping. An embodiment of the laser alignment device includes a slide mechanism with a number of measurement indicator markings on at least one face. The slide mechanism allows the laser position to be adjusted depending on the diameter of the tubing. The primary function of the alignment device is to produce a laser beam at or near the dead-center of the tubing as it is being installed. This allows the installer to quickly ensure that existing or new sections of tubing are installed correctly and in-line. A plurality of mirror attachments may be used to alter the direction of the laser beam for turns or bends in the run of the length of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel F. Gamon
  • Patent number: 8875411
    Abstract: The cylindrical ruler is an elongated, hollow, cylindrical tube of known diameter having an axial slit extending the length of the tube. Indicia defining a circumferential scale are disposed around one end of the tube for measuring the length of an arc. Indicia defining a ruled scale extend lengthwise down the tube adjacent the slit for measuring length and width. Since the tube has a known diameter, it may be used to measure the inner or outer diameter of a pipe, the outer diameter or radius of curvature of a cylindrical lens, etc. The tube may also be used as a drawing tool to draw arcs, circles, or rectilinear lines on a cylindrical object. Preferably, the cylindrical ruler is furnished as a plurality of cylindrical tubes of progressively increasing diameter that can telescope within each other for storage and transport in a protective case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Turki Awwad Al-Dhafiri
  • Patent number: 8863371
    Abstract: A system for aligning and connecting components including a support structure and a measuring apparatus coupled to the support structure. The measuring apparatus is arranged to spatially analyze a first tubular component with respect to a second tubular component for determining an adjustment vector therebetween. An alignment apparatus is coupled to the support structure and in data communication with the measuring apparatus. The alignment apparatus includes a plurality of actuators operatively arranged in parallel for moving at least one of the first or second tubular components relative to the other for coaxially arranging the first and second tubular components in accordance with the adjustment vector. A connection apparatus is coupled to the support structure and operatively arranged for connecting the first and second tubular components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Dominik Brouwer, Joerg Lehr, Berend Denkena, Hans-Christian Möhring, Kai Litwinski
  • Publication number: 20140223752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for precisely determining the length of at least one longitudinal profile between two measuring arms opposite of one another, with said two measuring arms opposite of one another and a measuring stamp, which can be moved in one of the measuring arms by means of a linear guide. The longitudinal profile can be positioned such that one end abuts against the measuring stamp. The linear guide comprises a guide channel extending in a guiding direction and a guide element having an outer wall, which guide element can be moved back and forth in the guide channel along the guiding direction. The guide element comprises a first guide length and a first guide width and forms a first width/length ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: RATTUNDE & CO. GMBH BAUERNALLEE 23
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Patent number: 8713811
    Abstract: A plumbing path guide apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnectable elements, said elements interconnectable by means of female and male connectors configured to slidingly mate with each other, wherein a perceived plumbing path is erectable between at least two extant points whereby measurements of extant pipe required to plumb said plumbing path are ascertained as the apparatus is erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel K. Carrell
  • Publication number: 20140047725
    Abstract: A band of a plurality of link sets is provided wherein each link set comprises a link wherein a first side of such link is bent to form a spring lock, a link wherein a second side of such link is bent to form a spring clip, and a pin extending through the spring lock. The link sets are joined together by inserting the spring lock of one link set into the spring clip of a proximate link set. The band is wrapped around a pipe, the pipe is placed against a second pipe in an orientation in which the pipes are to be joined, the pins are extended from the band to make contact with the second pipe, the band is slid along the length of the pipe until the pins lay above the surface of the pipe, and the contour is marked on the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8371036
    Abstract: A method and template enable the testing of fusion joints of plastic pipes to be conducted by a single operator in the field at the welding site by the efficient and precise extraction from the joints to be tested of a number of high quality tensile coupons. The coupons are tested to failure in a field-suitable, well controlled, self contained, tensile testing apparatus. A narrowing bow-tie-like pattern of the coupon ensures that the failure of the coupon in the tensile test will occur at the narrowest section of the coupon. The template can be visually aligned with the joint to ensure that it is the joint that will be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, Brian O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8365429
    Abstract: A method and template enable the testing of fusion joints of plastic pipes to be conducted by a single operator in the field at the welding site by the efficient and precise extraction from the joints to be tested of a number of high quality tensile coupons. The coupons are tested to failure in a field-suitable, well controlled, self contained, tensile testing apparatus. A narrowing bow-tie-like pattern of the coupon ensures that the failure of the coupon in the tensile test will occur at the narrowest section of the coupon. The template can be visually aligned with the joint to ensure that it is the joint that will be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jason A. Lawrence, James R. Perrault, Brian O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8220174
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to model the dimension and contour of a segment of piping to be installed between a pair of open ends of a piping circuit, are provided. A first backing plate of a first end of an exemplary apparatus is connected to a first flange of a piping circuit. A telescopic elongate linkage member is extended and a second backing plate of a second end of the apparatus is connected to a second flange of the piping circuit. Various measurements are taken, to include a rotational angular difference between the backing plate and a coaxial alignment disk coaxially located with the backing plate, an angular difference between a central axis of the backing plate and the main axis of a hinged yoke connected to the coaxial alignment disk, an angular difference between the main axis of the yoke and a longitudinal axis of the linkage member, and an amount of telescopic extension of the linkage member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Hassan A. Shwaiheen
  • Patent number: 8037615
    Abstract: A process and a corresponding device for determining the alignment of two rotatable machine parts, the alignment of two hollow cylindrical machine parts or for testing a component for straightness along one lengthwise side, with a first measurement unit with a light source for emitting a light beam which has been expanded in one plane, and a second measurement unit with an optical detector unit which has two linear sensors which are arranged parallel to one another, and with an evaluation unit to evaluate a light pattern which has been produced by the two-dimensionally expanded light beam for determining the misalignment of the axes of the machine parts relative to one another, or optionally, the straightness of the component, by the determination the points of incidence of the two-dimensionally expanded light beam on the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Prueftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Otto Rudolf Glaser
  • Publication number: 20110219633
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining angular offset and facilitating engagement between conduits, vessels, and/or other objects are disclosed. A plurality of members are provided, each member being pivotally connected to at least one adjacent member. One or more measurement devices are provided in association with adjacent members, such that the angular relationship between adjacent members can be measured. In use, the apparatus is secured to a first object, while a laser or other visual indication device is used to produce a visible indication. The members are moved relative to one another to position the visible indication on a second object. The measurement devices can then be used to determine the angular relationship between the members, thereby enabling the angular offset between the first and second objects to be determined. Using this information, the optimal route, number, and/or angles for a conduit string engaging the two objects can be calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Hanna
  • Patent number: 8011106
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Jay P. Statham
  • Patent number: 7992312
    Abstract: A laser alignment tool positioning system, includes a magnetically susceptible laser platform having a first mounting surface and an opposing second surface; a mounting post extending from the laser platform; a target on the mounting surface marking the mounting post centerpoint, and a plurality of mounting post adaptors. The laser platform may include magnets proximal to the mounting post base. A semi-rigid offset portion with threaded ends is provided, with an adaptor having a threaded portion to couple to the threaded ends and a slip fitting to couple to the mounting post adaptor. The mounting post may include an interior threaded portion to couple to the offset portion threaded ends. The target includes concentric circles indicating selected pipe sizes, with the concentric circles and mounting post adaptors including color coding corresponding to the selected pipe sizes. The positioning system may include a level indicator mounted to the laser platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Michael E. Krasko
  • Patent number: 7926196
    Abstract: A pipe guide adapter adds marking slots and marking edges to a pipe guide. The pipe guide adapter includes two body sections joined by a hinge enabling the pipe guide adapter to be in open and closed positions. The body sections each include a gripping end and a marking section. The gripping end has a diameter greater than the diameter of the pipe guide to circumferentially grip a portion of the pipe guide in the closed position and to attach to the pipe guide. A pipe is circumferentially gripped jointly by the pipe guide and the pipe guide adapter. A hinge pin is partially disposed in the hinge and extends beyond the hinge. The hinge pin allows tie pipe guide adapter to be aligned to the pipe guide. The extended portion of the hinge pin acts as a stop and a spacer between the pipe guide adapter and the pipe guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick Harold Mueller, Michael Alvis Lee, Douglas Ray Diebold
  • Patent number: 7918034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring the length of elongated profiles (100, 101, 102, 103) disposed in a longitudinal direction, particularly of pipes, between at least two opposing measuring sides (2, 3), of which at least one can be displaced on a measuring side (2, 3) in the longitudinal direction (L) until both ends (110, 111, 112, 113; 120, 121, 122, 123) of the elongated profile (100, 101, 102, 103) come in contact with each other, and at least one of the measuring sides (2, 3) has at least one measuring ram (10, 11, 12, 13), comprising at least two ribs (51a, 51b, 52a, 52b) that extend at a distance to each other transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) and can be displaced elastically back and forth in the longitudinal direction (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Publication number: 20110030231
    Abstract: A pipe guide adapter adds marking slots and marking edges to a pipe guide. The pipe guide adapter includes two body sections joined by a hinge enabling the pipe guide adapter to be in open and closed positions. The body sections each include a gripping end and a marking section. The gripping end has a diameter greater than the diameter of the pipe guide to circumferentially grip a portion of the pipe guide in the closed position and to attach to the pipe guide. A pipe is circumferentially gripped jointly by the pipe guide and the pipe guide adapter. A hinge pin is partially disposed in the hinge and extends beyond the hinge. The hinge pin allows tie pipe guide adapter to be aligned to the pipe guide. The extended portion of the hinge pin acts as a stop and a spacer between the pipe guide adapter and the pipe guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick Harold Mueller, Michael Alvis Lee, Douglas Ray Diebold
  • Patent number: 7845084
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Jay P. Statham
  • Patent number: 7818892
    Abstract: A duct traversal preparation apparatus that temporarily adheres to a surface to enable hands-free traversal is provided. The apparatus includes scales to accurately locate the positions of traverse holes and a template with a locking device to guide the drilling of the traverse holes. The apparatus also orients a measuring probe to coordinates for accurate and repeatable airflow measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Pius O Ileogben
  • Patent number: 7793423
    Abstract: A piping alignment tool suitable for locating where an extension of an existing pipe must pass through obstructions such as walls. The tool has a tubular shape with oppositely disposed ends. Each end is formed to have multiple coaxial sets of different-sized pipe threads that allow the tool to be threaded onto a pipe having one of the pipe thread sizes formed on the tool. The tool is also equipped to generate light beams from each end, so that the light beam can be emitted from an end of the tool opposite a pipe onto which the tool has been threaded. By threading the tool onto a pipe and emitting a light beam from the end of the tool opposite the pipe, the location of an obstruction beyond the existing pipe is illuminated by the emitted light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Joey Lee Loftis, Kandy Lou Loftis
  • Patent number: 7685736
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to shoulder refacing indicator. In one illustrative embodiment, the shoulder refacing indicator includes a body having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being formed at an included angle of 135 degrees relative to one another, the first side adapted to engage an engaging surface of a make-up shoulder of a pipe connector and the second side adapted to engage a tapered surface of the pipe connector. The shoulder refacing indicator further includes at least one scribe line formed on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventor: Clay Y. Steely
  • Patent number: 7685734
    Abstract: A template allows a piping system installer to create a pipe fitting outline without requiring the installer to consult a manufacturer's catalog and without requiring the installer to plot dimensions with a measuring instrument. The template comprises marking holes corresponding to key locations of one or more pipe fittings. The installer marks the outline through template marking holes using a piece of chalk or other marking instrument. The installer removes the template and is left with an outline on the structure's surface comprising the pipe fitting's key locations. A set of fifty templates could cover almost all the needs of most installers with hundreds of different fitting dimensions covered in a set of fifty templates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Tracy Lee Burger
  • Patent number: 7676944
    Abstract: A shape inspection device is adapted for a curved resin hose having a hose body including a bent portion. The shape inspection device has a first fixing portion for fixing one longitudinal end portion of the curved resin hose, a second fixing portion for fixing the other longitudinal end portion of the curved resin hose, and an inspecting portion between the first and the second fixing portions. The inspecting portion has an inspecting and verifying arrangement along a pathway of the hose body of the curved resin hose as designed. The inspecting and verifying arrangement has verifying members disposed outside the pathway and spaced from the pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: 7624511
    Abstract: A pipe bending template includes an object with four indicator marks displayed along a length thereof. The four indicator marks are spaced according to a bend radius and a bend angle of a pipe. The object may be formed from a plate, a tube, a flat screen display or a slide rule. With a plate, the indicator marks are displayed along an edge of the plate. With a tube, the indicator marks are notches cut through the tube. The tube is sized to receive an outside perimeter of the pipe. With a flat screen display, the indicator marks are displayed along an edge of the flat screen display. With a slide rule the indicator marks are arranged in different rows along a length of the slide rule. The slide rule also includes four indicator strips that are aligned with the indicator marks on the slide rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7546687
    Abstract: Apparatus using two hinged L-shaped squares to determine perpendicular with respect to a plane. Placing the apparatus against a plane with the squares offset angularly with respect to each other and placing an object to be secured to a plane adjacent to the hinge within fins parallel to the hinge permits securing the object perpendicular to the plane with one hand while holding the apparatus and object with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Haala
  • Publication number: 20090077823
    Abstract: The invention concerns a profile measuring fixture for the measuring of the profile of a surface of a narrow body, especially the profile of the surface of the wall of a tube end with a holding fixture (8) for the body (7) and at least a first measuring arm (4) with at least a moveable measuring arm (4), the probe head (9) scans the surface during the measurement and one of the first relative movements between at least the first probe head (9) and the at least first measuring arm (4). At least one probe head sensor (26) is provided during the measurement of the relative position between at least the first measuring arm (4) and the surface in a one dimensional travel direction (L), which changes travel fixture (2,3) whereby the first relative movement direction (S1) is provided inclined to the travel direction (L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Patent number: 7467474
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pipe alignment tool have been described. A laser is inserted into the end of a pipe and projects a laser beam indicative of the longitudinal axis of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Jay P. Statham
  • Patent number: 7430812
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device used to set twist angles. The device include a set plate which is supported at one end and a protractor plate at a second end. The hose is placed in position atop the two supports and the hose placed on top of the supports with couplers at each end. The user then clamps the first coupler in a horizontal position pointing toward one of two sides of the set plate. This is used as a reference from which a twist angle may be set at the other side of the tool. The other side of the tool includes a protractor in such a way that the elbow can be rotated in position relative to one of two scales. These two scales are color coded such that for acute angles, the user will know to point the first end horizontally in the red (?) direction and for obtuse angles the user will point the coupler in the blue direction. Depending on which color the user selects will match it up and the elbow twist angles will be properly set. The hose is easily unclamped from the device and crimped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Austin Distributing & Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Ross W. Hiebert
  • Patent number: 7421461
    Abstract: A pipe reference and calculating device pipe reference and calculating device includes a housing that can be held in a hand of a user. A processor is contained within the housing. A keypad is on the housing and is electrically connected to the processor. The keypad operates a plurality of switches, each switch controlling a circuit to produce an input signal to the processor for a desired function. A display screen and a memory device are disposed in the housing and are electrically connected to the processor. Software is stored in the memory device. The software causes the processor access data from a database of pipe reference information and data, and formulas, perform pipefitting calculations with data accessed from the database, perform calculations on data input from the keypad, and perform pipefitting and geometric calculations using graphical images with labeled variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher A. Prokop
  • Publication number: 20080201974
    Abstract: A shape inspection device is adapted for a curved resin hose having a hose body including a bent portion. The shape inspection device has a first fixing portion for fixing one longitudinal end portion of the curved resin hose, a second fixing portion for fixing the other longitudinal end portion of the curved resin hose, and an inspecting portion between the first and the second fixing portions. The inspecting portion has an inspecting and verifying arrangement along a pathway of the hose body of the curved resin hose as designed. The inspecting and verifying arrangement has verifying members disposed outside the pathway and spaced from the pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: RE45010
    Abstract: A piping alignment tool suitable for locating where an extension of an existing pipe must pass through obstructions such as walls. The tool has a tubular shape with oppositely disposed ends. Each end is formed to have multiple coaxial sets of different-sized pipe threads that allow the tool to be threaded onto a pipe having one of the pipe thread sizes formed on the tool. The tool is also equipped to generate light beams from each end, so that the light beam can be emitted from an end of the tool opposite a pipe onto which the tool has been threaded. By threading the tool onto a pipe and emitting a light beam from the end of the tool opposite the pipe, the location of an obstruction beyond the existing pipe is illuminated by the emitted light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Joey Lee Loftis