Abstract: The present invention is a fluid conduit coupling assembly for coupling a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The fluid conduit coupling assembly comprises a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is for connecting to the first fluid conduit and comprises a first housing and a first valve. The first valve comprises a first lever arm. The second coupler is for connecting to the second fluid conduit and comprises a second housing and a second valve. The second valve comprises a second lever arm. When a force is applied to couple together the couplers, at least a portion of said force is communicated to each lever arm, thereby causing each valve to pivot from a closed position to an open position. The first valve and first lever arm are contained within the first housing, and the second valve and second lever arm are contained within the second housing.

Abstract: A fluid connector system may include a female connector for releasable coupling with a male connector. The male connector defines a fluid conduit and includes a male end adapted to be received within the female connector. The male end includes a coupling feature. The female connector comprises an opening, a collet finger, and an actuation element. The opening is adapted to guide the male connector along a first line of action as the male connector passes into the opening to be received within the female connector. The collet finger includes an engagement feature adapted to engage the coupling feature of the male end and displace along a second line of action generally normal to the first line of action. The actuation element is adapted to displace along a third line of action generally normal to the first and second lines of action in order to disengage the engagement feature from the coupling feature of the male end.

Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.

Abstract: A connection assembly for creating a releasable fluid seal connection between two or more sections of tubing includes a male fitting and a female fitting. Connection assemblies generally include the male fitting having a pair of clasps that releasably interact with corresponding catch structures on the female fitting. Interactions between the female and male fittings can be rotatable with respect to the male and/or female fittings. Buckle structures are also disclosed having connection capabilities for a plurality of sections of tubing.

Abstract: The present invention is a female connector for releasable coupling with a male connector. The male connector defines a fluid conduit and includes a male end adapted to be received within the female connector. The male end includes a coupling feature. The female connector comprises an opening, a collet finger, and an actuation element. The opening is adapted to guide the male connector along a first line of action as the male connector passes into the opening to be received within the female connector. The collet finger includes an engagement feature adapted to engage the coupling feature of the male end and displace along a second line of action generally normal to the first line of action. The actuation element is adapted to displace along a third line of action generally normal to the first and second lines of action in order to disengage the engagement feature from the coupling feature of the male end.

Abstract: A female connector for releasable coupling with a male connector is disclosed herein. The male connector defines a fluid conduit and includes a male end adapted to be received within the female connector. The male end includes a coupling feature. The female connector comprises an opening, a collet finger, and an actuation element. The opening is adapted to guide the male connector along a first line of action as the male connector passes into the opening to be received within the female connector. The collet finger includes an engagement feature adapted to engage the coupling feature of the male end and displace along a second line of action generally normal to the first line of action. The actuation element is adapted to displace along a third line of action generally normal to the first and second lines of action in order to disengage the engagement feature from the coupling feature of the male end.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluid conduit coupling assembly for coupling a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The fluid conduit coupling assembly comprises a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is for connecting to the first fluid conduit and comprises a first housing and a first valve. The first valve comprises a first lever arm. The second coupler is for connecting to the second fluid conduit and comprises a second housing and a second valve. The second valve comprises a second lever arm. When a force is applied to couple together the couplers, at least a portion of said force is communicated to each lever arm, thereby causing each valve to pivot from a closed position to an open position. The first valve and first lever arm are contained within the first housing, and the second valve and second lever arm are contained within the second housing.

Abstract: A fluid fitting coupling system which retains two assemblies axially through the use of a flange and lip arrangement and simultaneously retains those assemblies rotationally through either a radial detent or a snap spring are shown in variations. The designs are especially configured for molding so that each might utilize the material properties available and yet be economically manufactured. Further, user features including both visual and potentially audible indications of full assembly are incorporated into the designs and automatically achieved. Shut-off valve designs are shown which are automatically delayed in opening until some axial retention occurs to minimize any blow-off or other undesirable operational events. Swivel features may be incorporated when the application requires.

Abstract: An apparatus which creates a pre-engineered solvent bond is disclosed which acts to self-optimize the characteristics of the resultant solvent bond. These characteristics can thus be chosen by the part designer with confidence that inherent variations in the assembly process will not unduly impact the resultant bond. The design establishes a specific volume through integral tabs or removable shims within which solvent acts to precisely dissolve material so that the predetermined bond characteristics are automatically created without reliance upon assembler technique.

Abstract: An automatic tubing assembly device of modular design and suitable to utilization with thin-walled, flexible tubing is shown in several embodiments. The device includes a mechanical assembly for pure rectilinear motion to avoid tubing damage and an elongated jaw set (18) which applies a force to the tubing (45) over the fitting (1) involved and which flexes outward over the fitting (1). Use of a springed friction member (54) and sliding cam (21) act to achieve the rectilinear motion. The fitting (1) is supported along its length and the entire device is operable from one lever (7) which has only one degree of freedom and thus lends itself to assembly line automated uses. Additionally, multiple axis fittings can be accommodated through simple reconfiguration of the modular design.

Abstract: A simulated shake shingle for replicating the random appearance of natural wood shakes is provided, the shingle including a generally rectangular top plate having forward and rearward ends, the top plate being rearwardly tapered. A generally rectangular bottom plate is also provided, being secured and partially underlying the top plate and being rearwardly and transversely offset therefrom. The bottom plate is of a size and shape for flush engagement against a flat roof surface and is adapted for side to side engagement with bottom plates of six identical adjoining shingles positioned with the top plates thereof in adjacent nonoverlapping relation. The shingle may also include a plurality of venturi grooves formed on the underside thereof for forming an air insulating barrier to reduce heating or cooling loses from a building interior through the roof.