Clamps and connectors
US4822203A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/604
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A connector for pipes has two tubular parts each with three angularly spaced inclined bores intersecting the inner surface of the parts and containing balls engaging inclined wedge surfaces and biassed axially by respective springs. In use the parts are drawn together by rotating nuts on studs and the balls grip the pipes and compress a seal, the balls gouging into the pipes. The recesses could be on the outer side of the parts for engaging an external pipe. The balls can move axially and radially in the recesses for accommodating local ovality and engage surfaces over an arc of circumference of the balls. The parts need not be tubular and one part could be closed off to provide an end cap for the pipe in the other to form a clamp.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.