Patent US6843516B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6843516B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Coupler for low pressure piping system
Assignee: H P Products Inc
•
Filing: 2002-09-05
•
Granted: 2005-01-18
•
Expires: 2022-09-05
Abstract
Abstract A coupler for a low pressure piping system has a hollow metal tube terminating in a pair of end portions defining open ends for slidably receiving and joining together sections of other metal tubes in a substantially air tight relationship. Slots are formed in at least one of the end portions to aid in the crimping of the hollow metal tube by an annular clamp. A radial flange is formed adjacent the end portion and receives an annular seal therein. A stop for limiting the insertion of a tube section into the end of the hollow metal tube is formed on the inside of the coupler adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots. The annular clamp encircles the slots and is tightened to clamp the end portions to form metal to metal contact between the metal tubes and to form a seal between the annular seal and both metal tubes.
Inventors
- 👤 John P. Bishop
- 👤 Gregory A. Calderone
- 👤 Leland J. Dick
- 👤 James F. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:06
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L21/00; F16L21/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; each V-shaped slot having a pair of arms which intersect at a point; the slot being free of any other extension from the point; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; each V-shaped slot having a pair of arms which intersect at a point; the slot being free of any other extension from the point; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The coupler of claim 1 , wherein the annular seal in cross section is substantially trapezoid and has a long parallel side, a short parallel side, a pair of tapered sides and at least one blade extending from the long parallel side of the seal toward a central axis of the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
85 words
The coupler of claim 1 , wherein the annular seal is generally W-shaped in cross section and has a bottom, a top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; and the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity of the top and with one of the tapered sides.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupler of claim 1 wherein the slots extend partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
105 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping stem, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the slots extending partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping stem, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the slots extending partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
169 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; each shaped slot having a pair of arms which intersect at a point; the slot being free of any other extension from the point; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complimentary with the inner surface of said radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
169 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; each shaped slot having a pair of arms which intersect at a point; the slot being free of any other extension from the point; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complimentary with the inner surface of said radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 6 in which a stop is formed on the inner surface of the hollow metal tube adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots; and in which the inserting step further includes inserting the end of the second metal tube until the end rests against the stop.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 6 in which the tightening step further includes forming, under low pressure conditions, an airtight seal between the annular seal and both metal tubes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 6 in which the tightening step further includes creating metal to metal contact between the metal tubes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 6 in which the tightening step is by means of a threaded bolt and threaded nut.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
113 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; the V-shaped slots having points facing away from the open end of the said one end portion and toward the radial flange; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
113 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; the V-shaped slots having points facing away from the open end of the said one end portion and toward the radial flange; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupler of claim 11 wherein the slots extend partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The coupler as defined in claim 12 in which a stop is formed on the inner surface of the tube adjacent the radial flange opposite the slots.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
135 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; at least one blade extending from the tong parallel side of the seal toward a central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
135 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; at least one blade extending from the tong parallel side of the seal toward a central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The coupler as defined in claim 14 which the at least one blade extends perpendicularly toward a central axis of the tube.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The coupler as defined in claim 15 in which the short and long parallel sides are parallel to a central axis of the tube when seated within a complementary shaped interior of the radial flange.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The coupler as defined in claim 16 in which the annular seal has a hollow interior.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupler of claim 14 wherein the slots extend partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
129 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; the annular seal having a hollow interior which is completely enclosed by the seal; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
129 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; the annular seal having a hollow interior which is completely enclosed by the seal; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The coupler as defined in claim 18 in which the hollow interior is elongated in cross section.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
142 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of paid end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom being narrower than the top; including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and with one of the tapered sides; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
142 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of paid end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom being narrower than the top; including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and with one of the tapered sides; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The coupler as defined in claim 21 which at least one hollow interior is formed in the seal adjacent each rounded portion.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The coupler as defined in claim 22 in which the least one hollow interior is completely enclosed by the seal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The coupler of claim 21 in which the annular seal is formed of an elastomeric material.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
148 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; the seal defining a completely enclosed hollow interior adjacent each tapered side; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
148 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; the seal defining a completely enclosed hollow interior adjacent each tapered side; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
166 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots: a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity of the top and with one of the tapered sides; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
166 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots: a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity of the top and with one of the tapered sides; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupler of claim 26 wherein the slots extend partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
166 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity of the bottom and with one of the tapered sides; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
166 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the bottom including a pair of flat portions and an intermediate concavity, each flat portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and one of the tapered sides; the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity of the bottom and with one of the tapered sides; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
145 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the top including at least one convexity and at least one flat portion in communication with one another, and at least one blade extending from the flat portion toward a central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
145 words
A coupler for a low pressure piping system, said coupler comprising: a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, top and a pair of tapered sides; the top including at least one convexity and at least one flat portion in communication with one another, and at least one blade extending from the flat portion toward a central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The coupler as defined in claim 29 in which at least one hollow interior is formed in the seal adjacent the at least one convexity.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The coupler as defined in claim 29 in which the at least one blade extends perpendicularly toward a central axis of the tube.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
32 words
The coupler as defined in claim 31 in which the flat portion is parallel to the central axis of the tube when seated within a complementary shaped interior of the radial flange.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The coupler as defined in claim 32 which at least one hollow interior is formed in the seal adjacent the at least one convexity.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupler of claim 29 wherein the slots extend partially into the radial flange in which the annular seal is seated.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; the V-shaped slots having points facing away from the open end of the said one end portion and toward the radial flange; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of V-shaped slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; the V-shaped slots having points facing away from the open end of the said one end portion and toward the radial flange; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; at least one blade extending from the long parallel side of the seal toward a central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
189 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; at least one blade extending from the long parallel side of the seal toward a central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; the annular seal having a hollow interior which is completely enclosed by the seal; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
183 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having an inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal in cross section being substantially trapezoidal and having a long parallel side, a short parallel side, and a pair of tapered sides; the annular seal having a hollow interior which is completely enclosed by the seal; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, a top and a pair of tapered sides; the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and with one of the tapered sides; the seal defining a completely enclosed hollow interior adjacent each rounded portion; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
204 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, a top and a pair of tapered sides; the top including a pair of rounded portions and an intermediate concavity, each rounded portion communicating with the intermediate concavity and with one of the tapered sides; the seal defining a completely enclosed hollow interior adjacent each rounded portion; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
199 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, a top and a pair of tapered sides; the top including at least one convexity and at least one flat portion in communication with one another, and at least one blade extending from the flat portion toward central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
199 words
A method of using a coupler for a low pressure piping system comprising the steps of: providing a coupler with a hollow metal tube having a inner surface and terminating in a pair of end portions, defining open ends, at least one of said end portions being formed with a plurality of slots; a radial flange formed in the tube adjacent said one end portion, said flange having an inner surface; an annular seal having an outer surface complementary with the inner surface of the radial flange, and seated in said flange; the annular seal being generally W-shaped in cross section and having a bottom, a top and a pair of tapered sides; the top including at least one convexity and at least one flat portion in communication with one another, and at least one blade extending from the flat portion toward central axis of the tube; and an annular clamp encircling the slots; providing a second metal tube with an end; inserting a section of the second metal tube into the open end of the coupler so that the end of the second metal tube is situated adjacent the annular seal opposite the slots; and tightening the clamp.
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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) | 2008-01-18 | 2008-07-19 | 2009-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-01-18 | 2012-07-19 | 2013-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-01-18 | 2016-07-19 | 2017-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |