Perfection Corporation

James M Lorenz

Frank R Volgstadt

Steven J Passerell

James L Bucks

David K Platner

Leonard H Brown

Michael J Brennan, Jr

John C Bucks

Barry G O'Connell

Brent H Carrick

A stab-type coupling (10) for connecting a conduit in fluid communication with a fluid receiving article or another conduit includes a coupling body (12) having an internal recess (16). A stiffener assembly (34) is positioned in the recess (16) and includes a tubular member (36) for insertion into a bore (CB) of a conduit (C) inserted into the recess (16). The stiffener assembly (34) also includes a radially enlarged retaining and spacing member (48) connected to the tubular member (36) and located in an axially inner region of the recess (16). The retaining and spacing member (48) includes a conduit end receiving channel (74) defined therein for receiving a conduit end (T) therein. The retaining and spacing member (48) also includes an integral gripping element (76) that engages an outer surface (S) of a conduit (C) seated in the groove (74) to prevent its withdrawal therefrom. A conduit inner diameter seal (40) is positioned concentrically around the tubular member (36) and prevents fluid passage between the tubular member (36) and a conduit inner surface defining the conduit bore (CB). A recess inner diameter seal (52) is positioned concentrically around the radially enlarged retaining and spacing member (48) to prevent fluid passage between the retaining and spacing member (48) and an inner surface (22) of the conduit body (12) defining the conduit receiving recess (16).

Stab-type coupling with conduit inner diameter seal

A conduit coupling having a body with an axially extending bore formed therethrough from a first end to a second end. The bore is defined by an inner wall including a frusto-conical surface converging toward the body first end. A radially constrictible and generally annular retaining collet is positioned in the bore. The collet includes an outer frusto-conical surface mating with the frusto-conical surface defined by the inner wall and is axially movable relative thereto. The collet has an inner toothed surface defining a collet inner diameter and at least two radially inwardly extending bite-teeth defining therebetween a distance less than the collet inner diameter and less than an outer diameter of a conduit inserted into the bore so that the bite-teeth engage an outer surface of the conduit. In this manner, upon axial outward movement of the conduit, the frusto-conical surface of the collet bears against the frusto-conical surface of the body inner wall to radially constrict the collet. The inner-toothed surface of the radially constricted collet firmly engages the conduit outer surface to prevent the withdrawal of the conduit from the bore. The coupling, which has both single and double-ended configurations, provides unobstructed and reliable communication between conduits or between a conduit and a piece of equipment. The inwardly directed and circumferentially spaced bite-teeth prevent slippage between a conduit and the collet, but do not significantly interfere with conduit insertion into the coupling.

Stab-type coupling for conduit

A field assembled gas riser includes an adapter having plural inner grooves that receive the outer surface of a plastic gas line as it is plastically deformed by axial insertion of a stiffener into the gas line. The gas line is terminated at a desired location, the adapter slid over the terminated end, and a stiffener manually inserted into the gas line. Continued axial advancement of the stiffener acts as a mandrel to plastically deform the gas line into the grooves and provide a secure, sealed arrangement.

Field assembled gas riser

A ball valve construction particularly suited for forming large diameter ball valves includes a main valve body formed from extruded plastic pipe and having a central through passage with a valve ball mounted centrally therein. An operating stem extends from the ball outwardly of the main body. First and second separate seat retainer rings are positioned on opposite sides of the valve ball. Each retainer ring has an outer surface carrying a seal for engaging the wall of the through passage for preventing fluid flow between the retainer rings and the wall of the through passage. Each retainer ring further defines a spherical seat surface positioned and sized to sealingly engage the valve ball. Adjustable tie rod members join between the retainer rings to cause the seat surfaces to engage the valve ball with a predetermined sealing force.

Ball valve

An improved gas riser comprises a pipe nipple, casing, adaptor sleeve, tube, and stiffener. The adaptor sleeve features an internal stop which accurately positions an end of the plastic tube before the tube is plastically deformed into grooves in an internal surface of the adaptor sleeve. Each of the first and second ends of the adaptor sleeve can be manufactured in different diameters to fit pipe nipples and casings that are required by different code regulations. The method of assembling the gas riser comprises inserting a first end of the adaptor sleeve into a second end of a pipe nipple, inserting a second end of the adaptor sleeve into a first end of the casing, welding the second end of the pipe nipple and the first end of the casing to the adaptor sleeve, inserting a stiffener into a tube end, inserting the tube end into the adaptor sleeve, pulling a mandrel through the assembly which plastically deforms the stiffener and forms a seal by urging the tube into grooves on an interior surface of the adaptor sleeve.

Growing community of inventors

Madison, OH, United States of America

James M Lorenz