The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 09, 1980
Filed:
May. 24, 1978
Glen E Lochte, Houston, TX (US);
Charles E Horn, Houston, TX (US);
FMC Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
A swivel joint for incorporation in a pipe network maintains flow path integrity at the joint for both swivel and rigid connection modes. A butt flange and a connector body having aligned flow paths therethrough are coupled together by a bearing which provides rotational movement between the butt flange and the connector body. A dynamic seal is disposed between the butt flange and the bearing. A retainer between the bearing and the connector body allows axial movement therebetween when the connector body is urged toward the butt flange, but restrains such axial movement when the connector body is urged away from the butt flange. A static seal carried by the butt flange and axially spaced from the connector body in the swivel mode is engaged by the connector body when the latter is moved axially toward the butt flange, thereby establishing the rigid connection mode. The apparatus includes diverse structure for moving the connector body axially and thereby obtaining engagement between the static seal and the connector body.