Patent · US Expired

Flexible connector assembly

US5288110A · kind A · utility

116Cited by
23References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 21, 1992
Grant dateFeb 22, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 21, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25B41/40
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A flexible connector to be used individually or in an assembly of connectors. The connector includes a collar comprised of a wall having a cylindrical inner surface. The collar wall defines two opposed openings. Two flanges extend radially inwardly covering a portion of each opposed opening. The connector further includes a link comprised of a link wall having at least one spherically-shaped outer surface. The link wall defines at least one open end to allow for the passage of a fluid. The link wall is positioned within one of the opposed openings in spaced relationship to the cylindrical inner surface of the collar wall. Bearing means and gasket means are positioned in the space defined by the spaced relationship to allow the link to articulate with respect to the collar and also to seal the space between the outer surface of the link and the inner wall of the collar.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.