Patent ID: 6460893
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
An expansion joint for flexibly connecting first and second duct ends, the expansion joint having a longitudinal axis and a periphery, the expansion joint comprising:an inner liner duct structure, operably affixed to and extending substantially longitudinally from the first duct end toward the second duct end, the inner liner duct structure extending substantially along an inner periphery of the first duct end; an outer liner duct structure, operably affixed to and extending substantially longitudinally from the second duct end toward the first duct end, the outer liner duct structure extending substantially along an inner periphery of the second duct end; the inner liner duct structure at least partially longitudinally overlapping the outer liner duct structure; the inner and outer liner duct structures defining a flow path through the expansion joint; at least one insulation pillow member operably positioned substantially outside of the inner and outer liner duct structures, relative to the flow path, the at least one insulation pillow member further being operably disposed between the first and second duct ends for providing at least one of pulsation damping between the first and second duct ends, and thermal insulation for retarding the migration of heat from the expansion joint; a flexible sealing cover peripherally circumferentially surrounding the at least one insulation pillow member, and substantially sealingly connecting the first duct end to the second duct end; and a resilient bellows liner structure, operably disposed between the inner and outer liner duct structures, and oriented to the inside of the at least one insulation pillow member, and engaged in a compressive, substantially sealing relationship, relative to the inner and outer liner duct structures, for substantially precluding exposure of the at least one insulation pillow member to air or other gaseous material from the flow path that can infiltrate past the overlapping inner and outer liner duct structures.