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US 11,473,302 B2Granted
Segmental duct coupler devices, systems, and methods
AssigneeStructural Technologies IP, LLC
InventorsGregory A. Hunsicker, Zuming Xia, John R. Crigler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Segmental duct coupler devices, systems, and methods are provided herein. A duct coupler device can include a single, discrete body of material for welding to a duct segment. A system, including a duct segment having a duct coupler device welded thereto, is provided. The connection or points of connection between the duct coupler device and the duct segment in the system are devoid of internal and/or external seals. The duct coupler device and system can be cast in concrete. Multiple concrete segments can be assembled together to form a bridge, a roadway, a building, a slab, or any other structure.
Claims23
A duct coupler system, the system comprising:
- a first duct segment comprising a first end and a second end;
- a second duct segment comprising a first end and a second end;
- a non-metallic first duct coupler device welded to the first end of the first duct segment and comprising:
- a discrete annular body comprising:
- a first portion having a substantially constant diameter;
- a second portion extending from the first portion;
- and
- a third portion having a flange;
- wherein the second portion is angled, tapered, and/or inclined between the first portion and the third portion, such that an inner diameter of the second portion increases along a length of the second portion from the first portion to the third portion, such that a diameter of the third portion is greater than a diameter of the first portion;
- and
- wherein the flange extends radially inwardly from the third portion, in a form of a shelf or ledge, which has a planar surface or face that faces away, in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the duct coupler device, from the first and second portions and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for receiving a sealing member against the planar surface or face;
- and
- a second duct coupler device attached directly to the second end of the second duct segment, the second duct coupler device comprising a proximal end with a radial outermost lip portion with a planar flange that extends perpendicularly inward;
- wherein the first and second duct coupler devices are configured for coupling together to connect the first end of the first duct segment is configured to couple to the second end of the second duct segment;
- and
- wherein the flange of the second duct coupler device and the flange of the first duct coupler device receiving a sealing member therebetween.
13 more elements
A method of providing a duct coupler system, the method comprising:
- providing a first duct segment comprising a first end and a second end;
- providing a second duct segment comprising a first end and a second end;
- welding a non-metallic first duct coupler device to the first end of the first duct segment, wherein the first duct coupler device has a discrete annular body, the annular body comprising:
- a first portion having a substantially constant diameter;
- a second portion extending from the first portion;
- and
- a third portion having a flange;
- wherein the second portion is angled, tapered, and/or inclined between the first portion and the third portion, such that an inner diameter of the second portion increases along a length of the second portion from the first portion to the third portion, such that a diameter of the third portion is greater than a diameter of the first portion;
- and
- wherein the flange extends radially inwardly from the third portion, in a form of a shelf or ledge, which has a planar surface or face that faces away, in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the duct coupler device, from the first and second portions and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for receiving a sealing member against the planar surface or face;
- attaching a second duct coupler device directly to the second end of the second duct segment, the second duct coupler device comprising a proximal end with a radial outermost lip portion with a planar flange that extends perpendicularly inward;
- positioning a sealing member between the flange of the second duct coupler device and the flange of the first duct coupler device;
- and
- coupling the first and second duct coupler devices together to connect the first end of the first duct segment to the second end of the second duct segment.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.