US3695644A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ball type flexible coupling for rigid conduits
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1970-03-30
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1990-03-30
Abstract
Abstract A coupling designed to provide a pressure tight connection between a pair of rigid tubular conduits despite misalignment. The coupling includes cylindrical sealing surfaces as well as mating spherical surfaces, one integral with or secured to the conduit and the second being a part of the coupling housing. The disclosure shows the use of conventional 0 ring type seals positioned between cylindrical sealing surfaces. The centers of the spherical surfaces are located at the axis of the conduit and aligned with the seal portion so that relative movement of the conduit with respect to the coupling also produces longitudinal movement of the conduit and minimal compressive loading of the 0 ring seal. An arrangement of coupling parts employing split or C ring parts and cooperating wedge ring is disclosed to provide noncaptive mounting parts.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard Z Goldberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:21
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L27/00; F16L27/10; F16L27/113; F16L27/1136; F16L27/02; F16L27/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
245 words
A coupling for conduits comprising: a body having an annular, internal, spherically configured section and a cylindrical section extending from said spherical section; a cylindrical member having a spherical segment adjacent one end thereof, said spherical segment being complementary to said spherical section of said body and in mating engagement therewith wherein the adjacent end of said member extends in spaced relationship to said cylindrical section of said body; seal means disposed between said cylindrical section of said body and said adjacent end of said member and in axial spaced relationship to said spherical segment, said seal means lying at least partially in a plane normal to the axis of the coupling and passing through the center of a sphere defined by said spherical section, said seal means being disposed for movement with respect to said member and in sealing engagement therewith; a circumferential wall extending inward in diametrically spaced relationship to said adjacent end and in axially spaced relationship to said spherical segment of said member and disposed between said spherical segment and one side of said seal means; wall means extending inwardly diametrically, said wall means being independent from and movable with respect to said body and in complementary spaced relationship to said circumferential wall adjacent the other side of said seal means to confine said seal in cooperation with said circumferential wall; and means associated with said circumferential wall and said wall means to control the longitudinal axial movement of said seal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
245 words
A coupling for conduits comprising: a body having an annular, internal, spherically configured section and a cylindrical section extending from said spherical section; a cylindrical member having a spherical segment adjacent one end thereof, said spherical segment being complementary to said spherical section of said body and in mating engagement therewith wherein the adjacent end of said member extends in spaced relationship to said cylindrical section of said body; seal means disposed between said cylindrical section of said body and said adjacent end of said member and in axial spaced relationship to said spherical segment, said seal means lying at least partially in a plane normal to the axis of the coupling and passing through the center of a sphere defined by said spherical section, said seal means being disposed for movement with respect to said member and in sealing engagement therewith; a circumferential wall extending inward in diametrically spaced relationship to said adjacent end and in axially spaced relationship to said spherical segment of said member and disposed between said spherical segment and one side of said seal means; wall means extending inwardly diametrically, said wall means being independent from and movable with respect to said body and in complementary spaced relationship to said circumferential wall adjacent the other side of said seal means to confine said seal in cooperation with said circumferential wall; and means associated with said circumferential wall and said wall means to control the longitudinal axial movement of said seal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein the coupling includes a diametrically split ring member defining said spherical section of said body, said body and split ring member define an annular groove and a continuous hoop load bearing ring is confined in said groove overlying the split ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination in accordance with claim 2 wherein said hoop load bearing ring and body have inside diameters greater than the maximum diameter of the cylindrical member whereby the coupling may be disassembled upon removal of the split ring.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |