Thomas R Hendrickson

US Patent:

48674826, Sep 19, 1989

Filed:

Sep 26, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/248647

Inventors:

Thomas R. Hendrickson - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

Urdan Industries (USA) Inc. - Southfield MI

International Classification:

F16L 2106

US Classification:

285 12

Abstract:

A pipe coupling is formed of a pair of similar semicircular segments of a preselected diameter which are fastened together by separate, standard-size, length-adjustable fasteners to form a predetermined diameter circular casing for surrounding and connecting adjacent, axially aligned pipe ends. Each segment has radially arranged, opposite end faces which abut the corresponding end faces of the other segment to form a pair of diametrically aligned junctures. Depressed sockets are formed in the exterior, peripheral surface of each segment near the junctures. Each fastener is formed of an internally threaded tube having an end portion telescopically fitted within a tubular barrel, with a screw having a head engaged against the free end of the barrel and a shank extending through the barrel and threadedly engaged within the tube. The laterally extending teeth which are formed on the tube and barrel fit into the sockets on opposite sides of each juncture. Tightening the screw moves the barrel axially relative to the tube for moving the barrel teeth and tube teeth towards each other and, consequently, compressing adjacent segment faces towards each other.

US Patent:

48220779, Apr 18, 1989

Filed:

Sep 26, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/248914

Inventors:

Thomas R. Hendrickson - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

Urdan Industries (USA) Inc. - Southfield MI

International Classification:

F16L 2500

US Classification:

285 12

Abstract:

A standard pipe coupling is formed of two, semi-circular segments that are bolted together to form a circular casing which surrounds the adjacent, axially aligned, end portions of two pipes to be connected. The casing is U-shaped in cross-section to form an exterior base and radially inwardly directed legs which are of substantially equal length. The radially inner edge portions of the legs form continuous, annular, narrow tenons which normally fit into annular grooves formed in the exterior surfaces of the pipes for interconnecting the casing and substantially equal diameter pipes. A diameter reducing insert comprising a flat, thin, segmented ring whose outer peripheral edge is formed with a continuous groove is arranged coplanar with one of the legs, and with its groove receiving the tenon of that leg. The inner peripheral edge of the insert ring forms a tenon which is substantially the same shape and width as, and is aligned radially inwardly of, and coplanar with, the tenon of its leg for fitting within a groove of a smaller diameter pipe. Thus, a predetermined size casing can be used to couple a corresponding, predetermined diameter large pipe to a variety of different size, smaller diameter pipes by selecting an inert whose inner peripheral edge is matched to the size of the particular diameter small size pipe selected.

US Patent:

52498298, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Jul 6, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/908339

Inventors:

Thomas R. Hendrickson - Orion MI

Assignee:

Quikcoup, Inc. - Houghton MI

International Classification:

F16L 17035

US Classification:

285112

Abstract:

A pipe coupling gasket insert is provided for optional use within a conventional C-shaped in cross-section, resilient gasket which is fitted within a conventional rigid C-shaped in cross-section coupling formed for encircling and coupling together the end portions of a pair of co-axially arranged, adjacent pipe end portions. The gasket has band-like lips formed on its inner portions for encircling and engaging the surfaces of the respective pipe end portions with the lips having free edges that are spaced apart. The pipe ends are slightly gaped apart. The insert, form of a resilient ring, is manually positioned within the gasket, for engaging the base of the C-shaped gasket, and has a radially inwardly extending rim that extends between the free edges of the gasket lips for engaging the end portions of the adjacent pipes and spanning the gap therebetween. The insert rim portion may be shaped to extend into gap or over the gap for sealing the gap between the adjacent pipe ends.