US4872713A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupling device
Assignee: Advanced Metal Components Inc
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Filing: 1988-01-25
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Granted: 1989-10-10
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Expires: 2008-01-25
Abstract
Abstract A device for coupling to an object such as a pipe, particularly for joining pipes together, comprising a tubular sleeve of which at least one end portion has a wall that is weakened to facilitate radial deformation, a shape memory alloy driver having a portion of the sleeve other than the weakened portion positioned in the direction of its recovery, and a collar of a dimensionally heat-recoverable polymeric material having at least part of the weakened portion of the sleeve positioned in the direction of its recovery. Tensile strength or a seal or both between the sleeve and the object is provided by the shape memory alloy driver which deforms the sleeve into sealing contact with the pipes. Relief from transverse strain imposed on the joint between the pipes and the device is provided by the weakened portion of the sleeve which is supported by the collar.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Kapgan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:51
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16B; F16B7/00; F16L; F16L13/00; F16L13/004; F16B2200/00; F16B2200/77
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A device for coupling to an object, comprising: (a) a tubular sleeve of which an end portion has a wall that is weakened to facilitate radial deformation thereof, and another portion whose wall is not so weakened; (b) a shape memory alloy driver having a portion of the sleeve, other than that portion whose wall is weakened, positioned in the direction of its recovery; and (c) a collar of a dimensionally heat-recoverable polymeric material having at least part of that portion of the sleeve whose wall is weakened positioned in the direction of its recovery.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
A device for coupling to an object, comprising: (a) a tubular sleeve of which an end portion has a wall that is weakened to facilitate radial deformation thereof, and another portion whose wall is not so weakened; (b) a shape memory alloy driver having a portion of the sleeve, other than that portion whose wall is weakened, positioned in the direction of its recovery; and (c) a collar of a dimensionally heat-recoverable polymeric material having at least part of that portion of the sleeve whose wall is weakened positioned in the direction of its recovery.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, in which two end portions of the sleeve have a wall that is weakened to facilitate radial deformation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the end portion of the sleeve whose wall is weakened has longitudinal extending slots therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the sleeve bears, on one of its principal surfaces, at least one radial tooth which extends circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as claimed in claim 4, in which the tooth is provided on the internal surface of the sleeve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as claimed in claim 4, in which the tooth is provided on the portion of the sleeve whose wall is not weakened.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device as claimed in claim 4, in which there are a plurality of such teeth provided on one of the principal surfaces of the sleeve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as claimed in claim 1, in which the polymeric material of the collar comprises an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device a claimed in claim 1, in which the sleeve is formed from a metal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device as claimed in claim 9, in which the metal is gall-prone.
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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) | 1992-10-09 | 1993-04-10 | 1993-10-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-09 | 1997-04-10 | 1997-10-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-09 | 2001-04-10 | 2001-10-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |