초록 ▼

In order to provide a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe having two pipe sections that are relatively movable, the coupling includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that have respective coupling ends disposed in closely spaced adjacent relation to define a gap therebetween. T

In order to provide a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe having two pipe sections that are relatively movable, the coupling includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section that have respective coupling ends disposed in closely spaced adjacent relation to define a gap therebetween. The first pipe section has an upstream end in communication with a source of a pressurized gas and a first coupling end remote therefrom such that the upstream end receives the pressurized gas from the source and the gas then flows through the first pipe section from the upstream end to the first coupling end for discharge therefrom. The second pipe section has a second coupling end in communication with the first coupling end and receives the pressurized gas from the first pipe section and the gas then flows through the second pipe section from the second coupling end to the downstream end for discharge therefrom. Additionally, the coupling includes structure for providing a positive pressure differential in the region of the first and second coupling ends externally of the first and second pipe sections to prevent pressurized gas from being able to escape through the gap.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [8.]8. In an apparatus for transferring a pressurized gas from a stationary source to a vibrating chamber through a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe, the leak-proof coupling improvement comprising:a first pipe section having an upstream gas-receiving end in communic

[ What is claimed is:] [8.]8. In an apparatus for transferring a pressurized gas from a stationary source to a vibrating chamber through a leak-proof coupling for a gas-carrying pipe, the leak-proof coupling improvement comprising:a first pipe section having an upstream gas-receiving end in communication with a stationary source of pressurized gas and a first coupling end remote therefrom and supported in fixed relation to said pressurized gas source, said upstream gas-receiving end of said first pipe section receiving said pressurized gas from said stationary source and accommodating flow of said pressurized gas from said source through said first pipe section, said pressurized gas flowing through said first pipe section from said upstream gas-receiving end to said first coupling end for discharge therefrom;a second pipe section having a second coupling end in communication with said first coupling end and a downstream end remote therefrom, said second coupling end of said second pipe section receiving said pressurized gas from said first pipe section and accommodating flow of said pressurized gas from said first pipe section through said second pipe section, said pressurized gas flowing through said second pipe section from said second coupling end to said downstream end for discharge therefrom;a chamber connected to said downstream end of said second pipe section to receive said pressurized gas discharged therefrom, said first and second pipe sections defining a flow path for said pressurized gas from said stationary source to said chamber, and means for vibrating said chamber thereby also causing said second pipe section to vibrate therewith and relative to said first coupling end;said first and second coupling ends being disposed in closely spaced adjacent relation to define a gap through which at least some of said pressurized gas could escape while flowing through said first and second pipe sections in the event of a negative pressure differential in the region of said first and second coupling ends externally of said first and second pipe sections;said first pipe section being mounted in isolation from said chamber vibrating means such that said second coupling end of said second pipe section vibrates relative to said first coupling end of said first pipe section; andmeans for providing a positive pressure differential in the region of said first and second coupling ends externally of said first and second pipe sections to thereby prevent said pressurized gas flowing through said first and second pipe sections from being able to escape through said gap defined by said first and second coupling ends of said first and second pipe sections;said positive pressure differential means including enclosure means located externally of said first and second pipe sections in communication with a second source of pressurized gas, said enclosure means being defined by a flexible sleeve joined in sealed relation to said first and second pipe sections at a point in spaced adjacent relation to said first and second coupling ends.