Patents by Inventor Mark L. Melni

Mark L. Melni has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230049943
    Abstract: A connector for elongated members such as wires or cables receives the members into holes in opposite ends of the connector, so that the members are offset radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the connector on opposite sides of the axis. Portions of the connector housing may be twisted/rotated relative to each other on the axis to connect the members mechanically, and electrically if the members are conductive. The twisting/rotation of the housing portions moves the portions of the elongated members that are inside a hollow interior space of the connector to be against, and then to wrap around, a central, axial element that is on or near the central longitudinal axis of the connector. This causes each member to wrap around or adjacent to coils of the other member, forming a purposely tight and/or tangled knot of coils of both elongated members around the central element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: MARK L. MELNI, CAMERON TROY WILLIAMS, MIKE J. WILMINK
  • Publication number: 20220255243
    Abstract: A connector, and associated methods, connect conductors or conduits by twisting/wrapping multiple lines around the conductors/conduits after they are inserted into the connector. Flexible/bendable lines extend between relatively rotatable housing portions and through the interior of the connector, parallel to but distanced from the longitudinal axis of the connector. After inserting the conductors/conduits into the connector at/near the longitudinal axis, between the lines, the housing portions are rotated relative to each other, automatically twisting/wrapping the lines around the outer surfaces of the conductors/conduits. This way, the conductors are secured together in electrical contact, or the conduits are secured and fluid-sealed to a hollow tubular insert on which the conduits ends are placed and which connects the interior fluid passageways of the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: MARK L. MELNI, CAMERON TROY WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 11306855
    Abstract: A connector includes one or more spirals securing a fluid conduit to the connector for fluid communication with another hollow object such as another fluid conduit. The spiral(s) press/compress and seal the conduit around an outer circumference of an end of rigid, hollow insert of the connector. Another portion of the connector may include spiral(s) that press/compress and seal a second conduit around a second end of the insert, or may include a hose-coupler that connects to a second conduit. Thus, two fluid conduits may be fluid-sealed to an inner-passageway of the insert, by tightened spiral(s) or by tightened spiral(s) and coupler combination, so the conduits are in fluid communication with each other. The spiral(s) may be retained in, and released from, the tightened condition, by a ratchet-based latching and unlatching system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20200224807
    Abstract: A connector comprises one or more spirals securing a fluid conduit to the connector for fluid communication with another hollow object such as another fluid conduit. The spiral(s) press/compress and seal the conduit around an outer circumference of an end of rigid, hollow insert of the connector. Another portion of the connector may comprise spiral(s) that press/compress and seal a second conduit around a second end of the insert, or may comprise a hose-coupler that connects to a second conduit. Thus, two fluid conduits may be fluid-sealed to an inner-passageway of the insert, by tightened spiral(s) or by tightened spiral(s) and coupler combination, so the conduits are in fluid communication with each other. The spiral(s) may be retained in, and released from, the tightened condition, by a ratchet mechanism and an unlatching mechanism, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Patent number: 9614304
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. Various housing portions may be provided for connection to different portions of the spiral, to facilitate the tightening of the spiral and to cooperate with a latch/lock system to retain the spiral in tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector and/or in spiral ports extending transversely from a main spiral(s). Terminal ends or additional spiral units/ports may be connected to a given spiral, either permanently, semi-permanently, or detachably, for producing a wide variety of configurations and modular connection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: MELNI, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Patent number: 9608346
    Abstract: A mechanical and/or electrical connector grips onto one or more members inside a hollow passageway of a spiral connector by means of the spiral, or a portion of the spiral being pulled axially to elongate the spiral/spiral-portion, which consequently reduces the diameter of the passageway. The reduction in the diameter of the passageway causes the spiral/spiral-portion to tighten/squeeze/grip on or around the member(s) inside the passageway, to retain the member(s) inside the passageway. Thus, the spiral/spiral-portion mechanically connects the inserted member(s) to each other and/or to another object to which the spiral/spiral-portion is mechanically connected. For example, members inserted into opposite ends of the passageway, or multiple members inserted together into one end of the passageway, will be mechanically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MELNI, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20150200471
    Abstract: A mechanical and/or electrical connector grips onto one or more members inside a hollow passageway of a spiral connector by means of the spiral, or a portion of the spiral being pulled axially to elongate the spiral/spiral-portion, which consequently reduces the diameter of the passageway. The reduction in the diameter of the passageway causes the spiral/spiral-portion to tighten/squeeze/grip on or around the member(s) inside the passageway, to retain the member(s) inside the passageway. Thus, the spiral/spiral-portion mechanically connects the inserted member(s) to each other and/or to another object to which the spiral/spiral-portion is mechanically connected. For example, members inserted into opposite ends of the passageway, or multiple members inserted together into one end of the passageway, will be mechanically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: MELNI, LLC
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Publication number: 20150079852
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. Various housing portions may be provided for connection to different portions of the spiral, to facilitate the tightening of the spiral and to cooperate with a latch/lock system to retain the spiral in tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector and/or in spiral ports extending transversely from a main spiral(s). Terminal ends or additional spiral units/ports may be connected to a given spiral, either permanently, semi-permanently, or detachably, for producing a wide variety of configurations and modular connection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: MELNI, LLC
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Patent number: 8771000
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. Various housing portions may be provided for connection to different portions of the spiral, to facilitate the tightening of the spiral and to cooperate with a latch/lock system to retain the spiral in tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector and/or in spiral ports extending transversely from a main spiral(s). Terminal ends or additional spiral units/ports may be connected to a given spiral, either permanently, semi-permanently, or detachably, for producing a wide variety of configurations and modular connection devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Melni, LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20130217250
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. Various housing portions may be provided for connection to different portions of the spiral, to facilitate the tightening of the spiral and to cooperate with a latch/lock system to retain the spiral in tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector and/or in spiral ports extending transversely from a main spiral(s). Terminal ends or additional spiral units/ports may be connected to a given spiral, either permanently, semi-permanently, or detachably, for producing a wide variety of configurations and modular connection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Patent number: 8246370
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire(s). The spiral coils around the wire(s) multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing or otherwise retained from movement in the housing, while another region of the spiral is rotated and latched to retain the spiral in the tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector. Modular connectors that include spiral(s) may be assembled in multiple combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20120135622
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire(s). The spiral coils around the wire(s) multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing or otherwise retained from movement in the housing, while another region of the spiral is rotated and latched to retain the spiral in the tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector. Modular connectors that include spiral(s) may be assembled in multiple combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Patent number: 8066525
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing or otherwise retainer from movement in the housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20110097948
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing or otherwise retainer from movement in the housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Patent number: 7901233
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20100323561
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that \the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI
  • Patent number: 7794255
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that/the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark L. Melni
  • Publication number: 20100048051
    Abstract: An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. One region of the spiral is preferably fixed to an insulating housing, while another region of the spiral may be rotated for the tightening on the wire and then preferably latched to the housing so that the spiral remains in the tightened condition. A terminal end may extend from the spiral, or connectors without a terminal end may be used to electrically connect wires to each other that extend from and to other equipment not located on the connector itself. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: MARK L. MELNI