Patents Examined by Gwendolyn Driggers
  • Patent number: 9470344
    Abstract: A component used for drilling and operating hydrocarbon wells which is substantially tubular in form, and including a first end configured to be connected to a second end of another component also used for drilling and operating hydrocarbon wells. The first end includes a terminal portion including a first abutment surface configured to cooperate by interference with a corresponding abutment surface on the second end, and including a sealing surface configured to cooperate by interference with a corresponding sealing surface on the second end, the terminal portion being preceded by a threaded zone configured to be made up into a corresponding threaded zone of the second end. A compressible volume is provided in the thickness of the first terminal portion and partially beneath the sealing surface, to reduce radial stiffness of the terminal portion by at least 20%, while conserving at least 60% of axial stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: VALLOUREC OIL AND GAS FRANCE
    Inventors: Eric Verger, Yann Gallois
  • Patent number: 9175796
    Abstract: A directional hopper tee has a fluted interior vertical pipe that merges into a horizontal pipe. The horizontal pipe has an inlet that may receive bulk material, and subject to pressurized air that conveys the bulk material through the hopper tee. Bulk material may be discharged from a hopper through the vertical pipe, for conveyance for discharge from the horizontal pipe of the tee. A closure gate or door is provided through the bottom of the tee, generally in alignment with the vertical pipe, to allow for discharge or dropping of the granular material directly downwardly through and from the tee. The arcuate door is hinged on one side, and is locked by a cam lock on the opposite side, when located into closure against the bottom of the tee, but can be forced opened, through its cam mechanism, to provide for opening of the arcuate door and allow a direct downward discharge of the granular bulk material, from any hopper, and through the drop opening of the tee, as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bulk Tank, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 9151420
    Abstract: A tube or pipe clamp has two clamp members that are pivotably connected to one another at respective hinge-forming ends thereof. The tube or pipe clamp has a locking device that includes a shaft and a locking element operatively attached to the shaft, the shaft being pivotably attached to one of the clamp members. The other clamp member has a pair of prongs defining a slot for receiving the shaft of the locking device, the locking element being engageable with the prongs to lock the clamp members to one another at ends thereof opposite the hinge-forming ends. The prongs each have at least one projection on a side facing away from the one clamp member. Each of the projections is disposed proximate the free end of the respective prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ENGINEERED PRODUCT SUPPLY, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McKiernan
  • Patent number: 9145995
    Abstract: Adapter (3) for connecting a receptacle connector to a connection socket of a dialysis machine, each provided with two fluid lines, whose ends are concentric on the connector and non-concentric and distant from each other on the socket. The adapter (3) has concentric first (301) and second (302) adapter ribs, the first forming a circular chamber open towards the outside, in the bottom of which a first orifice is produced, while the second forms an annular chamber open towards the outside, in the bottom of which a second orifice is produced. The adapter also has first and second connection channels (306, 307) isolated from each other, in which the first and second orifices coming from the first and second annular chambers open out. Each channel (306, 307) includes a connecting piece (308, 309) consisting of a circular tube, for introduction into the reception elements of the coupling socket (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND
    Inventors: Paul Gastauer, Philippe Laffay, Bruno Faye
  • Patent number: 9121539
    Abstract: A corrosion management system is designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a connector, a connection, a welded joint, or some other type of interface (e.g., a valve joint used to join to portions of piping). In another embodiment, the system is designed to deliver at least one form of corrosion, UV, salt spray, and/or fire damage protection, mitigation and/or the management to a connector, a connection, a welded joint, or some other type of interface (e.g., a flange used to join to portions of piping).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: NOTHERN TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Keiji Uemura, Yefim Vaks, Marcelo Schultz
  • Patent number: 9109734
    Abstract: Grip rings for pipe push-fit fitting devices, having an annular structure with an external surface which has a conical and curved like structure. On the inner surface of the grip ring two types of annular gripping teeth are placed. The annular grip ring is radially deformable and is a split type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: PLASSIM FITTINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Yefim Gershkovich, Evgeny Nayman, Tanyana Kogan
  • Patent number: 9103475
    Abstract: A swivel misalignment coupling for connecting pipe sections in a high-pressure conduit. In one embodiment, the coupling is a three-bolt coupling having a female coupling member, a male coupling member, and a swiveling collar member. The male and female coupling members have contact surfaces that are spherical to enable sealing contact between them. A seal ring may be positioned between the contact surfaces to ensure a good seal. The collar swivels around the male coupling member to facilitate fastening of the collar to the female coupling member, which holds the male and female coupling members in sealing engagement. Recesses may be positioned radially inward from the attachment points (e.g., bolt holes) of the female coupling member to reduce stress and potential deformation of the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Erik M. Howard
  • Patent number: 9103578
    Abstract: A substance communicating device for coupling to a host in at least two distinct orientations, as well as a modular system comprising a host, and a functional device in addition to the substance communicating device. The substance communicating device provides a substance from the host to the functional device. The substance communicating device may be an adapter for coupling the functional device to the host, or a functional unit of an adapter and a functional device. The substance communicating device may include a first member having a first interface connectable to the host, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member and having a second interface connectable to the functional device. The modular system may include a plurality of hosts having differently-oriented substance communication service interfaces and the substance communicating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Kuehl
  • Patent number: 9103443
    Abstract: A sealing structure for a cylindrical body has an O-ring holder in which a planar O-ring that provides a seal in the planar direction and a radial O-ring that provides a seal in the axial line direction of the cylindrical body are incorporated in the crossing direction provided at both end parts of the cylindrical body; a pressing means for pressing the O-ring holder in the axial line direction of the cylindrical body via a pressing lid; the O-ring holder is pressed against a tube sheet of the fluid chamber via the pressing lid by the pressing means to press the planar O-ring onto the tube sheet, whereby a fluid tight seal is provided between the fluid chamber and the outside; and the radial O-ring is pressed onto the outer periphery of the cylindrical body to provide a fluid tight seal between the fluid passage and the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ogino, Shigeru Nishida, Haruaki Hirayama, Ken Shoji, Taiji Sato, Hiroshi Tsubone
  • Patent number: 9080700
    Abstract: Coupling devices for joining pipe ends include annular gaskets. Example gaskets include pipe interface profiles for sealing performance and manufacturability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International LLC
    Inventors: Sandra M. Lippka, Michael Horgan
  • Patent number: 9046210
    Abstract: An improved protective jacket for insulated, angled pipe includes a metal jacket having a first portion and a second portion, each portion having a generally semi-circular cross-section, and including two or more fingers. Each of the fingers defines a fillet at a junction of the fingers and a baseline of the jacket. The fingers include a flat face at an inner angle and curve from the flat face to a superior surface of the jacket. A first finger is formed a minimum distance of about 0.5 inches from a second finger, and a width of the fingers is created by an isosceles triangle with a radius of curvature between about 0.3 inches and 0.5 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Workers Inc.
    Inventors: Lucian G. Boncalo, Jyi-Jiin Luo, James Robinson, Sailesh B. Athreya
  • Patent number: 9039047
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first connector having an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube being equipped with a pin having a first flow path, the inner tube being equipped with a first valve element opening and closing the first flow path; a second connector having a second flow path and a second valve element for opening and closing the second flow path; a locking device interconnecting, in an assembled state in which the first and second connectors are assembled together, the inner tube and the second connector; and an unlocking device for unlocking the connection between the inner tube and the second connector effected by the locking device. The first and second flow paths are interconnected in the assembled state. In this interconnected state, the connection between the inner tube and the second connector by the locking device cannot be unlocked by the unlocking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaomi Imai
  • Patent number: 9033373
    Abstract: An axially swaged fitting for use in permanently coupling tubes together. The swaged fitting may be useful in coupling metal hydraulic lines to one another in an airplane. According to one embodiment, the swaged fitting includes a sleeve with a hard metal surface and a swaging ring with a soft metal surface, such that during the swaging process the soft metal surface of the swaging ring is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James P. Irwin, Michael E. Rorabaugh, Benjamin A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9010813
    Abstract: Particular implementations of an electrical conduit coupling comprise a coupler body having an open end defined by an outer body wall. The open end comprises an interior diameter sized and shaped to accept a cylindrical conduit. A raised shoulder portion extends inward from an inside surface of the coupler body. A locking element in the outer body wall comprises a locking tab recess. The locking element comprises a compression plate, a locking tab, and a release. The compression plate is slidably engaged with the outer body wall and extends past the inside surface of the coupler body to engage an outer wall of the conduit. The locking tab extends into the locking tab recess when the compression plate is in its engaged position. Upon actuation of the release, the locking tab withdraws from the locking tab recess and the compression plate slides to an unengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Jimmy Wade, Brad Fulghum
  • Patent number: 8985640
    Abstract: A threaded pipe connection is shown which features a pressure energized flex-seal structure. The connection includes a first box member having a box end, the box end having an end opening defining an interior surface with internal threads, the internal threads being defined by crests and roots and opposing flanks. A second, mating pin member has a pin end with a pin nose, the pin end having an exterior surface with mating external threads, the external threads also having crests and roots and opposing flanks, at least selected ones of which move into engagement with the internal threads of the box when the connection is made up. A flex-seal region is located on either the box and interior surface or the pin end which forms a primary containment seal upon make up of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: TorqueLock Corporation
    Inventor: Kuo-Tsung Leng
  • Patent number: 8944471
    Abstract: An electrically conductive hose apparatus includes a hose having a wire reinforcer therein that is electrically conductive, an end section with some hose material being cut away to expose ends of the wire reinforcer; a hose end stem engaging the hose but not the wire reinforcer; a conductive ferrule sleeve clamped onto the exposed ends of the wire reinforcer; an insulated wire in electrical contact with the exposed ends of the wire reinforcer and the sleeve to form an electrically conductive circuit; and a rotatable coupling nut for rotatably connecting the hose and stem to a high pressure hydraulic system but that is insulated from the electrically conductive circuit. The apparatus can be used in an existing pre-approved high pressure hydraulic hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Rodenburg
  • Patent number: 8939470
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly includes a retainer to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A sleeve extending between a fluid sealing member and the retainer includes a rearward abutment surface in abutting contact with the retainer. The retainer locking arms include forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the tube upset and forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the sleeve. An insertion verifier includes a ring portion with axially extending legs positioned in the slots between the retainer locking arms. At least one leg includes a releasable latch engaged with the retainer in the slots between the locking arms. Guide elements on the retainer and insertion verifier align the verifier legs and retainer slots on insertion of the verifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8646814
    Abstract: Coupling devices for joining pipe ends include annular gaskets. Example gaskets include pipe interface profiles for sealing performance and manufacturability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Anvil International LLC
    Inventors: Sandra M. Lippka, Michael Horgan
  • Patent number: 8632104
    Abstract: A lock member capable of contacting an engaging projection of an inserted pipe section from a direction of the pipe axis and relatively rotatably attachable between an annular wall portion of a receiving pipe section and the engaging projection of the inserted pipe section includes engaging stopper portions projecting therefrom for contacting an inward surface of the annular wall portion from the direction of the pipe axis. The annular wall portion has attachment/detachment recesses formed therein for allowing inserting and removing movements of the engaging stopper portions in the direction of the pipe axis. An elastic urging member is provided between an extending portion projecting from the lock member to the outside of the pipe through an inner peripheral surface of the annular wall portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inserted pipe section, and an outward surface of the annular wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Taisei Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Go Horikawa, Fumiyoshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8628119
    Abstract: A tube connector that allows for a secure connection between a plug and a socket is provided. An accommodation space is provided such that, when the plug is inserted into an insertion hole of the socket while a sleeve is lifted upward to a base-end position, if a ball rolls on an outer periphery of the plug so as to come into abutment with a projection, the accommodation space entirely accommodates the ball at a side adjacent to the socket relative to the outer periphery of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hasunuma, Hiroshi Imai