Patents Examined by Aaron Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 9568127
    Abstract: A mechanical coupling between a straight pipe end and a socket fitting comprises a seal ring and a locking ring disposed within the interior of the socket. The locking ring has a generally frustoconical shape with a plurality of corrugations extending circumferentially thereabout, the corrugations presenting inner edge portions engaging the outer annular surface of the pipe end and outer edge portions engaging the interior annular surface of the socket for opposing withdrawal of the pipe end axially outwardly from the socket. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking ring is assembled with a support disk to optimally orient the locking ring with respect to the fitting and the pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company
    Inventors: William Boykin Morris, Gregory Eugene Nahrgang, Adam John Miloser, Haskell Simpkins, Robert Gerald States, III
  • Patent number: 9568135
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system includes a first and second connecting member and a biasing member. The first connecting member includes (i) a first body defining a first fluid channel therethrough and having a first coupling portion at a first end portion, and (ii) a first ring assembly supported by the first body and extending about the first end portion and including a first mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly. The second connecting member includes (i) a second end portion defining a second coupling portion with a second fluid channel and configured to couple with the first coupling portion, and (ii) a second mating feature on an external surface of the second end portion configured to rotatably engage the first mating feature. The biasing member biases the first connecting member away from the second connecting member when the first and second mating features are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Fiskars Oyj Abp
    Inventors: Charles A. Lehmann, Lawrence P. Heren, Robert R. Brimble
  • Patent number: 9562635
    Abstract: A fitting for a tube or pipe capable of functioning a high pressures having a first fitting component adapted to receive the conduit end; a conduit gripping device such as a ferrule or ferrules and a second fitting component that can be joined to the first fitting component to cause the conduit gripping device to grip the conduit and seal when assembled. In one aspect of the invention, the first fitting component is constructed from a material that is softer than the material used to construct the second fitting component. An additional aspect of the invention include a retaining portion on the second fitting component that constrains the tube gripping device against pressure. The retaining portion can also be configured to retain the tube gripping device to the second fitting component prior to installation and in a finger-tight condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Tobin Berry, George A. Carlson, Andrew P. Marshall, Mark A. Clason, Mark A. Bennett, Sanjeev S. Moghe
  • Patent number: 9556990
    Abstract: A connection device for the plug connection of at least one media line includes a housing part with at least one reception orifice for plugging in a plug portion connected or connectable to the at least one media line. The housing part includes a basic part and an insert part. The basic part is releasably connected with a form fit to the insert part via a latching connection. The latching connection holds the insert part releasably and is formed by a C-shaped spring clip which is seated on the outside of the basic part and engages with at least one latching extension radially through an orifice of the basic part into a circumferential latching groove of the insert part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hagen, Andreas Suhr, Reiner Mitterer
  • Patent number: 9550546
    Abstract: A hydraulic bicycle hose structure includes a hydraulic hose and a first seal. The hydraulic hose has a first end with a first opening. The hydraulic hose is configured to be coupled to a hydraulic component. The hydraulic hose is filled with hydraulic fluid. The first seal is arranged to seal the first opening of the first end of the hydraulic hose. The first seal is configured to be physically ruptured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Kariyama, Masahiro Nakakura, Takahiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9551443
    Abstract: A vehicle fluid line for transporting high and low pressure fluids of an engine includes a rigid pipe having opposing ends configured to fixedly couple with the engine. An adjustable joint divides a length of the rigid tube into first and second segments. The adjustable joint has a cylindrical housing coupled with the first segment and having an inner diameter. A stop feature protrudes from an outer diameter of the second segment and interfaces with the cylindrical housing to prevent disengagement of the second segment from the housing. An elastomeric grommet is seated between the inner and outer diameters and is configured to maintain a fluid seal that allows the second segment to rotate axially, pivot radially, and slide longitudinally within the cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Shane Hale, William Michael Sanderson
  • Patent number: 9546623
    Abstract: An assembly device between two sections of a double-skinned fuel pipe of an aircraft has a clamp for assembling the internal pipes, a coupling device for assembling the external pipes, a fitting extending between the ends of the external pipes of the first and second sections, with a shape complementary to the shape of an internal portion of the coupling device, and such that its section through any cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis common to the coupling device and the external pipes contains the smallest surface delimited by: a line corresponding to the intersection of the internal surface of the coupling device with this cutting plane and a straight line cutting said line at two points, this straight line being tangential to the orthogonal projection in this cutting plane, of the internal surface of the external pipes of the first or of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Damien Fraysse, Thierry Gagnaire
  • Patent number: 9546749
    Abstract: An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventor: Andy Ali Jaffari
  • Patent number: 9541228
    Abstract: A housing for receiving a fluid conduit has an internal annular shoulder. A cylindrical first cartridge is positioned in the housing and has an internal annular groove and an outer annular groove. An O-ring in the internal annular groove provides a seal with a fluid conduit. A second O-ring is positioned within the outer annular groove to provide a seal between the first cartridge and the housing. A gripping ring is positioned adjacent and in contact with the first cartridge and has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing. A second cylindrical cartridge is positioned adjacent the gripping ring on a side opposite the first cartridge. The housing includes a lip at one end to engage the second cartridge for holding the first and second cartridges and the gripping ring against the annular shoulder in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIBCO INC.
    Inventors: David Bobo, David Phelps, James LaFortune, Derek Oldsen
  • Patent number: 9541227
    Abstract: A lock mechanism includes a hood (20) that is arranged so as to surround the periphery of a male member (10) and is for insertion of a female connector (100), and a single lock lever (30) having a cantilever support structure capable of elastic displacement. The lock lever (30) is arranged with the free end (30a) thereof on the tip side of the male member (10), with the fixed end (30b) thereof on the base end side of the male member (10), and with the lengthwise direction thereof being approximately parallel to the male member (10). The lock lever (30) includes a claw (34) for engaging with the female connector (100). An operation arm (35) protrudes from the face of the lock lever (30) on the side opposite to the male member (10), and extends toward the fixed end (30b) side. If a pressing force in the direction approaching the male member (10) is applied to the tip (35a) of the operation arm (35), the lock lever (30) undergoes elastic deformation such that the claw (34) moves away from the male member (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: JMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadashi Okiyama
  • Patent number: 9528641
    Abstract: A mechanical joint restraint including a clamping ring for pressing against a seal of an annular flange, the clamping ring having an annular lip, a pipe grip ring assembly including a yoke with a pair of transverse fastener receiving members, one or more transverse fasteners for fastening the transverse fastener receiving members to one another, and a plurality of grip elements, tightenable against an outer surface of a pipe, wherein the annular inner surfaces of the yoke include adjoining abutment surfaces that form an acute angle, and the grip elements have a wedge shape that is received in and abuts against the adjoining abutment surfaces and one of the abutment surfaces has an extension which is an annular lip that fits over and abuts against the annular lip of the clamping ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Eliezer Krausz Industrial Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 9528639
    Abstract: A tube seal includes a tube through hole, a pressure housing tube seal penetration cavity for an elastomeric interference seal, a ferrule sealing surface for a ferrule, and an internal channel for a backing nut. A tube penetrates through the backing nut, the ferrule, the elastomeric interference seal and the tube through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Eddie Kimbrell, Ted Lichoulas, John Toth
  • Patent number: 9512945
    Abstract: An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Andy Ali Jaffari
  • Patent number: 9500043
    Abstract: A threaded tubular connection includes a first body terminated by an external abutment, and linked to a male threading prolonged by a terminal portion forming an internal abutment surface at its axial end, such that the connection includes a second body defining a bearing surface for the external abutment at one free end, and including an initial portion on its internal surface connecting the bearing surface to a female threading, made up onto the male threading, and terminating in an internal shoulder facing the internal abutment, such that the linking profile between one of the following: the external abutment, the internal abutment, the bearing surface, and/or the internal shoulder, has a profile with a variable diameter in cross section, over a length of the body which is less than the terminal portion or initial portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE
    Inventors: Didier David, Fabien Carrois
  • Patent number: 9500306
    Abstract: In a multiple secured coupling device for oxygen lances (1), the male connector (8) of the safety pipe (3), the connection part (18) of the lance holder (2) and also the cap nut (9) have extending safety pieces (10, 11). The male connector (8) can be inserted very far into the female part (19) or the connection part (18) and then located in position by using the cap nut (9). A total of five sealing zones are created and are particularly effective in preventing the escape of highly flammable gases, in particular oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BEDA Oxygentechnik Armaturen GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhardt Bayer
  • Patent number: 9500305
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fitting mechanism capable of distributing pressure applied on an outermost layer of plastic, and contributing to cooperation and complementary reaction between a fitting body and a ferrule body under severe temperature change. A fitting mechanism according to the present invention comprises a fitting body formed of metal, and a ferrule body formed of metal, wherein the fitting body is coupled to the ferrule body by fastening the third threaded portion of the ferrule body with the second threaded portion of the fitting body, and the fitting body slope surface is impinged onto the ferrule body slope surface forming a fluid tight contact and causing the ferrule body deformation portion to be deflected inwardly, tightened around and penetrate into outermost layer of plastic, and the outermost layer of plastic of the leading end of the multilayer composite pipe impinges onto coupling end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: LORDO AMERICA
    Inventors: Jun Bae Lee, Kyung Wook Ahn
  • Patent number: 9494113
    Abstract: A turbocharger system includes a flexible duct having an elongated elastomeric body extending longitudinally between first and second ends configured to attach to respective turbocharger devices. A plurality of constricting rings are spaced longitudinally between the ends. Each constricting ring applies a radial compression force around a respective circumference of the duct. Each ring is comprised of a molded thermoplastic retained in a concentric shape by a clasp. The spacing of the constricting rings has a density sufficient to limit a volume increase of the duct under turbocharger operating pressure to less than 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall A. Stec, Roger Khami, Christopher B. Bishop, Erik H. Hermann
  • Patent number: 9488304
    Abstract: A connector for lined pipelines includes a tube having opposed male interface elements extending inwardly from respective ends of the tube. One or more circumferential permeable chokes project radially from each male interface element. The chokes minimize flow of oxidizing fluid from the bore into the micro-annulus between the liner and the pipe while maximizing flow of fluid from the micro-annulus into the bore in the event of catastrophic pressure drop in the bore. To maintain gaps between the tube ends and the pipe liners for fluid flow, shoulder formations defined by radially-projecting bands extend circumferentially around the tube. The connector may be used in a joint arrangement where each liner includes a body section, an end section of lesser thickness and greater bore than the body section that terminates short of an end of the pipe, an inner step disposed between the body section and the end section, and an outer step disposed between the end section and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Limited
    Inventor: Peter Lockwood Gledhill
  • Patent number: 9488305
    Abstract: Setting position, direction and magnitude of compressive force applied to a crossing part. A joint with: crossing part in which first and second channels bored in casings cross on an XY plane; and pressure device holds casings from both sides with crossing part between the direction of the Z-axis perpendicular to the XY plane by a pressure member and applies compressive force to the crossing part, the pressure device with: a bored part h is formed in the casings, into which the pressure device is fitted and supports pressure; adjusting the compressive force, the pressure member is in position including an intersection of a peripheral wall of the first and second channels in the z-axis direction, an abutting part of the pressure member and bottom of the bored part presses intersection of peripheral walls; a noncontact part provided to the center preventing the center of the crossing part from pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: SUGINO MACHINE LIMITED
    Inventor: Sho Sato
  • Patent number: 9487936
    Abstract: An apparatus and method in which an adaptor mechanism that can be coupled with a faucet to permit the faucet to be installed or removed from the top of the counter top surface without the need for needing installation connection materials or installation connections underneath the countertop. Lugs or feet underneath the adaptor mechanism secure or firmly grasp the underside of a countertop to secure the adaptor mechanism once coupled to the faucet to the countertop to firmly mount the faucet and adaptor mechanism in place. At least four different embodiments for coupling the faucet with the adaptor mechanism are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventor: Chaim Sallah