Pipe joints or couplings – Having plural independent paths – Parallel paths
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-25
2004-06-22
Graham, Matthew C. (Department: 3683)
Pipe joints or couplings
Having plural independent paths
Parallel paths
C285S121100, C285S312000, C138S026000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06752434
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to pipelines containing pressurized fluid, and more particularly to a junction for connecting adjacent pipes in a pipeline such that the pipeline is capable of accommodating accumulated thermal expansion in the pipes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pipelines carrying pressurized fluid over long distances are known for a variety of applications. For example, vehicle systems have been proposed which comprise an elongated tubular guideway for storing and delivering pressurized fluid, typically air, to a vehicle for levitating and/or propelling the vehicle along the guideway. One such system is described, for example, in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/912,245 filed Aug. 15, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,710. In such systems, the guideway itself is a twin tube pipeline made up of a plurality of pipes each having a pair of sealing bulkheads located at opposite ends thereof. The tube segments are joined end-to-end to define the guideway, which may include lateral supports for the vehicles or serve as a direct support or track for the vehicles. In many vehicle systems of the type thus far described, the pipes are elevated above ground by a series of supports spaced along the guideway.
A recognized problem, particularly in locations where wide variations in outdoor temperature are known to occur, is that of thermal expansion and contraction of the pipes forming the guideway or pipeline. The pipes must be supported and connected in a manner that allows for significant longitudinal (axial) thermal expansion while maintaining accurate guidance of the vehicles traveling therealong. This must be done while maintaining a pressure seal throughout the length of the pipeline/guideway, and allowing a continuous flow passage for filling and pressure recovery over the length of the pipeline/guideway. The axial thrust generated in the pipes by internal pressure should either be safely constrained or neutralized, and the stiffness and load carrying ability of the pipes should be compromised as infrequently as possible by joints and interconnections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a junction for joining a first section with an adjacent second section in a guideway carrying pressurized fluid. The junction comprises female end portions on a first section, male end portions on a second section partially received within the female end portions, and a vessel. The vessel comprises a plenum bounded at one end by a piston. The plenum is in flow communication with a pressure source.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pipeline junction for a single or twin tube guideway that compensates for pressure changes in the fluid and length changes in the pipeline.
REFERENCES:
patent: 853964 (1907-05-01), Doolittle
patent: 853974 (1907-05-01), Hayden
patent: 3874706 (1975-04-01), Arnold
patent: 3944263 (1976-03-01), Arnold
patent: 3955621 (1976-05-01), Webb
patent: RE29054 (1976-11-01), Lange
patent: 4213640 (1980-07-01), Miles
patent: 4317586 (1982-03-01), Campbell
patent: 4487435 (1984-12-01), Yamatani
patent: 4615542 (1986-10-01), Ideno et al.
patent: 4875716 (1989-10-01), Winzen et al.
patent: 5017054 (1991-05-01), Gideon et al.
patent: 6406066 (2002-06-01), Uegane
patent: 1 193 000 (1965-05-01), None
patent: 2 118 263 (1983-10-01), None
Burch Melody M.
Graham Matthew C.
Simpson & Simpson PLLC
LandOfFree
Tube expansion joint does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tube expansion joint, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tube expansion joint will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3317709