Self-aligning coupling assembly
AssigneeDelaware Capital Formation, Inc.
InventorsJoshua R. Kornau, James E. Kesterman
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings. The self-aligning coupling comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically synchronize the closing of the first and second arms relative to the flanged fittings to be connected. The rotational assist mechanism is further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the flanged fittings in axial alignment.
Claims32
A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of axial arranged first and second flanged fittings, the coupling comprising:
- (a) first and second arms adapted for pivotal connection to one another, and having open and closed relative pivotal positions in use;
- and
- (b) a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically synchronize the closing of the first and second arms relative to a pair of flanged fittings to be connected in use, and further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the second flanged fitting.
A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of axial arranged first and second pipes, the mating ends of the first and second pipes having first and second flanged fittings, respectively, the self-aligning coupling comprising:
- (a) a first arm having a base end and a receiving end, the first arm base pivotally connected adjacent to the first flanged fitting in use;
- and
- (b) a second arm having a base end and a receiving end, the second arm base pivotally connected adjacent to the first flanged fitting in use, wherein the second arm base engages the first arm base whereby the receiving ends of the arms can be synchronously moved between an open position and a closed position to receive and secure the flanged fitting of the second pipe.
A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings, comprising:
- (a) a pair of arms adapted for pivotal connection between open and closed positions, the arms at least partially defining a mating groove adapted to receive at least potions of a pair of flanged fittings to be coupled;
- and
- (b) a rotational assist mechanism linking the arms and adapted to move the arms such that the flanged fittings can be received in the mating groove as the arms are effectively pivoted to a closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.