Victaulic Company

Anthony J Cuvo

Douglas R Dole

Scott D Madara

Charles E Wilk, Jr

Charles E Wilk

Jianyong Sun

Matthew A Bowman

Michael R Novitsky

Earl Haas

Jr Wilk Charles E

Philip Wayne Bancroft

Justin P Brandt

A coupling for joining a flanged pipe element to a non-flanged pipe element has segments that are connected end to end and surround a central space. Flange portions extend from one side of the segments. Each segment defines two channels, one of which receives a split ring for gripping the non-flanged pipe; the other channel receives a seal. A flanged tube is also positioned between the segments. The flange of the tube is positioned adjacent to the flange portions of the segments. The seal engages the tube and the non-flanged pipe element. The flange portions of the segments are bolted to the flange of the flanged pipe element and the flange of the tube is captured between the flanged portions of the segments and the flange of the flanged pipe element.

Adapter coupling

Pipe elements have circumferential grooves. The grooves have a first side surface contiguous with a first floor surface. The first side surface and the first floor surface together subtend a first 90&#xb0; circular arc when viewed in cross section. The grooves also have a second side surface contiguous with a second floor surface. The second side surface is in spaced relation to and in facing relation with the first side surface. The second side surface and the second floor surface together subtend a second 90&#xb0; circular arc when viewed in cross section. A third floor surface is contiguous with both the first and second floor surfaces and is a flat surface. A coupling used to connect the pipe elements has arcuate projections which engage the grooves of the pipe elements. The arcuate projections have a semi-circular cross section. Relief grooves are positioned adjacent to each arcuate projection.

Coupling and circumferential groove shape

A combination includes a plurality of segments attached to one another end to end around a central space. A channel is disposed between the sides of the segments. A sealing ring is positioned in the channels. A tube has a first end disposed within the central space. A first protrusion extends radially outwardly from the tube and limits the extent to which the tube can extend into the central space. The combination is configured such that an end of a pipe element may be axially inserted into the central space and fasteners can be tightened to draw the segments toward one another.

Pipe coupling segment

A pipe element has a circumferential shoulder at one end. The shoulder has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A groove is positioned adjacent to the shoulder. The groove has a floor surface with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A bead is positioned contiguous with the groove. The bead has an apex with an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pipe element. A combination of roller tools is used to cold work pipe elements and impart a desired shape to the sidewall in one method of manufacture. In another method, a spin forming tool is revolved in an orbit of increasing diameter within the pipe element captured within a die.

Pipe element having shoulder, groove and bead

Pipe element

Pipe element having shoulder, groove and bead and methods and apparatus for manufacture thereof

A method for connecting pipe elements together end to end. The method includes providing a coupling having a plurality of segments with at least one camming surface, the segments being joined end to end by a plurality of adjustably tightenable fasteners, positioning a first and a second of the pipe elements in end to end relation, positioning the segments surrounding the ends of the pipe elements, engaging the camming surfaces on the segments with grooves on the pipe elements and tightening the fasteners so as to draw the segments toward one another. The camming surfaces slide into the grooves and move the first and second pipe elements away from one another.

Method of joining pipes in end to end relation

Growing community of inventors

Coopersburg, PA, United States of America

Anthony J Cuvo