Pipe couplers
US4773680A · kind A · utility
25Cited by
11References
28Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 1984 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/906
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rings of shape memory metal are deformed to be insertable between coaxial and overlapping surfaces of a conduit and a coupler so that upon heating above their transition temperature, the rings attempt to return to their undeformed shape and seal the opening between the two surfaces; the sealing rings being concave-convex with the convex surface directed toward the adjacent end of the conduit whereby interval pressure in the conduit tends to further expand the metal and increase the seal. Retainer rings in the general form of the section of a conic may be employed to provide additional strength against separation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.