Patent ID: 8182212
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: F04B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupling assembly for forming a liquid-tight seal in a water pump, comprising: a pump housing defining an opening and including a first flange formed about a periphery of said opening, said first flange including a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a first plurality of apertures formed through said first flange, said pump housing being provided with a first sealing surface disposed at a first angle with respect to an inner periphery of said second surface of said first flange; a seal plate including a second flange formed about a periphery thereof, said second flange including a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a second plurality of apertures formed through said second flange, said seal plate being provided with a second sealing surface disposed at a second angle with respect to an inner periphery of said second surface of said second flange; a gasket disposed between said first sealing surface, said second sealing surface, and said second surface of said second flange; a plurality of inserts each having a threaded boring extending therethrough and each including an insert head portion and an insert shank portion extending from said insert head portion through one of said first plurality of apertures; a plurality of spacers each having a boring extending therethrough and each including a spacer head portion and a spacer shank portion extending from said spacer head portion through one of said second plurality of apertures to align said boring with said threaded boring; and a plurality of connectors each including a connector head portion abutting said spacer head portion, a connector shank portion extending from said connector head portion, through said boring, and at least partially through said threaded boring, and a plurality of threads formed on said connector shank portion cooperating with said threaded boring to induce a liquid-tight seal between said gasket, said first sealing surface, said second sealing surface, and said second surface of said second flange.