Abstract

An apparatus and method for a frame that contains a buoyant object therein and wherein the frame and buoyant object can be submersed in tank of a liquid coating material to fully and uniformly coat the buoyant object. The frame is formed of a top wire mesh and bottom wire mesh coupled together with sidewalls and having an open front and back. The frame maintains the buoyant object in a flat state without distortion during the entire submersion process to allow the entire surface area of the buoyant object to be coated. The top and bottom wire meshes alternately come into contact with opposite surfaces of the buoyant object during descent and ascent of the frame during the coating process. A lifting lug is secured to a center portion of the top wire mesh to maintain the frame in a level orientation through the coating process.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05C 13/02 - Means for manipulating or holding work, e.g. for separate articles for particular articles
• B05C 3/02 - Apparatus in which the work is brought into contact with a bulk quantity of liquid or other fluent material the work being immersed in the liquid or other fluent material
• B05D 1/18 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials performed by dipping

Abstract

A lid assembly for an in-ground meter box that can withstand substantial loads (e.g., 22, 500 lbs) without deformation. The lid assembly includes a metal frame secured to the bottom side of a plastic lid to allow the plastic lid to seat tightly for covering the in-ground meter box. The metal frame provides the rigidity and strength to withstand the loading while simultaneously providing the lid with sufficient weight to make it non-bouyant, i.e., should the surrounding ground environment become flooded, the lid is heavy enough to remain in place, covering the meter box and will not float away. The metal frame also is detectable by a metal detector should the lid every be covered over with debris and need to be located. The plastic lid body (e.g., linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)) of the lid assembly avoids radio signal interference or attenuation emanating from a transmitter positioned within the meter box.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65D 51/18 - Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
• B65D 43/02 - Removable lids or covers

Goods & Services

Metal harness restraints for PVC pipes and ductile iron pipes to effectively engage pipe walls to provide positive joint security and support of the pipe, not for use with irrigation systems

Abstract

An apparatus and method for re-rounding a distorted end (e.g., oval-shaped) of a pipe for insertion into a mechanical joint fitting or pipe bell have a circular diameter. The apparatus involves two separate semi-circular members having jack bolt assemblies evenly distributed in each. The two ends of each of the semi-circular members have extensions that can be releasably coupled to join to the two members to form a circular re-rounding tool. A first semi-circular member is positioned on the maximum diameter side of the distorted pipe and the other semi-circular member is placed on the opposite side of the distorted pipe and extensions joined. With an equal number of jack bolt assemblies in each member, corresponding jack bolt assemblies in the two members are diametrically aligned forming pairs. To re-round the distorted end, pairs of these jack bolt assemblies are tightened in a “star sequence” to re-round the distorted end. The re-rounded end is inserted into the mechanical joint fitting or pipe bell and the extensions are decoupled to easily remove the circular tool from the re-rounded end.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 3/14 - Recontouring
• B23P 6/00 - Restoring or reconditioning objects
• B21D 3/00 - Straightening or restoring form of metal rods, metal tubes, metal profiles, or specific articles made therefrom, whether or not in combination with sheet metal parts
• F16L 55/18 - Appliances for use in repairing pipes
• F16L 25/08 - Construction or details of pipe joints not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups comprising radial locking means in the form of screws, nails or the like
• F16L 25/14 - Joints for pipes of different diameters or cross-section
• F16L 21/04 - Joints with sleeve or socket with elastic sealing rings between pipe and sleeve or between pipe and socket, e.g. with rolling or other prefabricated profiled rings in which sealing rings are compressed by axially-movable members

Abstract

A joint restraint for deforming an outer diameter of a pipe for insertion into a socket. The joint restraint can selectively mount to a portion of an irregularly shaped pipe having a maximum outer diameter that differs from a desired substantially constant outer diameter. The joint restraint can have a circumferential ring body surrounding a central axis. A plurality of jacking assemblies can be secured to a portion of the ring body. Each jacking assembly can have a frame and a jacking bolt. The frame can have a threaded aperture that can receive the jacking bolt. Each jacking bolt can be selectively actuatable for radial movement relative to the central axis to deform the pipe proximate the maximum outer diameter of the pipe by selectively urging an outer surface of the pipe to the desired substantially constant outer diameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16L 25/14 - Joints for pipes of different diameters or cross-section
• F16L 21/08 - Joints with sleeve or socket with additional locking means
• F16L 21/04 - Joints with sleeve or socket with elastic sealing rings between pipe and sleeve or between pipe and socket, e.g. with rolling or other prefabricated profiled rings in which sealing rings are compressed by axially-movable members
• F16L 25/08 - Construction or details of pipe joints not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups comprising radial locking means in the form of screws, nails or the like

Goods & Services

PIPE WALL SLEEVE

Goods & Services

METALLIC PIPE CONNECTORS