Limiting structure for axial expansion joint
US4746148A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L27/111
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structure for restraining pressure thrust loads of a bellows joint while allowing angular rotation between two pipe ends is provided with a pair of toroidal limiting rings having a circular cross-section and stop rings on their inner circumference. The limiting rings are secured at an axial spacing and encircle the pipe ends. Shear lugs are fixed around each pipe end. The stop rings are engaged by the shear lugs to limit the axial expansion of the joint. The limiting rings are secured together by either two hinge arms or a gimbal ring. The gimbal ring uses two pairs of hinge arms, each at 180.degree. spacing and one pair offset 90.degree. relative to the other, with one pair of hinge arms securing the gimbal ring to one limiting ring, and the other pair of hinge arms securing the gimbal ring to the other limiting ring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.