Pipe Coupling Or Union Patents (Class 251/148)
  • Patent number: 11739873
    Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for a reusable, aseptic connector. A connector system provides aseptic fluid connection. The connector system has an inlet connector assembly having an inlet fluid passageway and an inlet valve configured to seal the inlet fluid passageway when in a disconnected state. The connector also has an outlet connector assembly having an outlet fluid passageway and an outlet valve configured to seal the outlet fluid passageway when in a disconnected state. The inlet valve is configured to couple to the outlet valve to form an aseptic fluid connection between the inlet and outlet fluid passageways when in a connected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
    Inventor: Moses Rowen
  • Patent number: 11408542
    Abstract: A fluid conduit assembly is provided that includes a first conduit coupler, a second conduit coupler and a lock. The second conduit coupler is mated with the first conduit coupler at a threaded interface. The lock is configured to rotationally fix the first conduit coupler with the second conduit coupler. The lock includes a flange, a clip and a fastener. The flange is arranged with the first conduit coupler. The flange is configured with a plurality of flange apertures arranged circumferentially about an axis of the first conduit coupler. The clip is arranged with the second conduit coupler. The clip is configured with a clip aperture. The fastener is mated with the clip aperture and any one of the plurality of flange apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher B. Shaner, Jihad Ramlaoui, Aleksandar Ratajac, Colin R. Terrey
  • Patent number: 11306835
    Abstract: Pivot valves have a valve seat and a valve closure mounted for pivoting movement through a closure chamber in a passage. The pivot valves may be selectively set in a check mode and an open mode. Flapper valves have a hydrofoil extending from a flapper. Valve assemblies comprise the pivot valves and flapper valves and have an open condition, a check condition, and a shut-off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: KHOLLE Magnolia 2015, LLC
    Inventors: Mark C. Dille, Larry Mitchell Hill, William Brent Stroebel, Scott Taylor Donaldson, E. Lee Colley, III
  • Patent number: 10967161
    Abstract: A device includes a container for accommodating a medicament, a pressure route and a valve. The pressure route, disposed in the container, includes an extending pathway, a pressure-route inlet connected with a connecting port, and a pressure-route outlet extending toward a container bottom. The valve includes a first through hole connecting spatially the pressure-route inlet and outlet, and a valve body dividing the extending pathway into a pressure-in pathway and a pressure-out pathway. The device can convey the medicament such as a hemostatic agent more stably and smoothly to effectively avoid blocking upon a field of vision of an endoscope by the disturbed medicament while hitting a target tissue. Thereupon, the medicament can be provided more precisely, continuity of an endoscopic surgery can be improved, efficiency of hemostasis can be enhanced, and also surgery time can be substantially shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG TANZHEN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yu-Ming Yang, Yang Yang
  • Patent number: 10934946
    Abstract: The present invention is a throttle body assembly which is adaptable for both gasoline and diesel applications, and may also be used for applications to meter fluid, such as for a water cooling valve. The throttle body assembly includes at least one bearing assembly and at least one seal which is used to configure the bearing assembly to withstand a high-pressure environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Norman Stockbridge, Nathan Cowan
  • Patent number: 10914382
    Abstract: A shaft sealing structure for a rotation shaft, includes a sealing ring having ends formed by removal of its part. The ends abutting each other are continuous in the circumferential direction when the sealing ring is reduced in diameter to a radially inner side. The sealing ring is provided along the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft so as to be contactable with an outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft. The structure also includes a pressing member configured to be movable between a pressing position and a retracted position; an elastic member configured to bias the pressing member toward the pressing position by elastic force; and a support member configured to support the pressing member at the retracted position against the elastic force, and to allow the pressing member to move to the pressing position at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naotaka Komatsu, Takumi Hori, Yuichi Otani, Hidetaka Kafuku, Hiromu Okamoto, Shunsuke Tanaka, Yasushi Takayama, Tomoki Hanada
  • Patent number: 10767433
    Abstract: A controls module for use with a subsea landing string, a blowout preventer (BOP) stack and a lower marine riser package (LMRP) is disclosed. The controls module can be integrated into the BOP stack or the LMRP or between the BOP stack and the LMRP. The controls module includes an input line that is coupled to control the subsea landing string through the BOP or the LMRP. The input line can be a hydraulic line, an electrical line, or a combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Bilal Rafaqat Hussain, Khurram Rehmatullah, Christopher Nault, Vikas Rakhunde, Darcy Ryan
  • Patent number: 10385974
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive shutdown sealing device (20) for a reactor coolant pump unit comprising: a split sealing ring (23) having an inactivated position in which a leakage flow is permitted and an activated position in which said ring stops said leakage flow; at least one piston (22) designed to position said split sealing ring (23) in its activated position; locking/unlocking means (25) designed to lock said at least one piston (22) in its inactivated position when the temperature of said locking/unlocking means is below a temperature threshold and to release said at least one piston (22) when the temperature of said locking/unlocking means is above said temperature threshold; elastic means (24) designed to move said at least one piston (22) when said piston is released, so as to position said sealing ring (23) in its activated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Areva NP
    Inventor: Romain Thuillier
  • Patent number: 10369578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shower apparatus, systems and methods of using the same. Specifically, the shower apparatus of the present invention comprises embodiments of circular and/or arcuate water dispensing tubes for utilization in a shower. Further, embodiments further include connection and leveling mechanisms and water flow diverters for use in the same. In addition, embodiments further include water dispensing holes disposed within the circular and/or arcuate water dispensing tubes for specialized water distribution and coverage thereof of a user within a shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Gene R. Allard
  • Patent number: 10066751
    Abstract: A valve device includes: a ball valve having a ball face shaped in a convex spherical surface; and a valve seat having a seat face shaped in a concave spherical surface. The seat face is pressed onto the ball face. The ball valve is rotated to open a valve by communicating a valve opening defined in the ball valve and a seat opening defined in the valve seat with each other, and to close the valve by stop the communication. A diameter of the seat opening ?2 is smaller than a diameter of the valve opening ?1. A curvature radius of the ball face R1 is smaller than or equal to a curvature radius of the seat face is R2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naohito Seko, Yoshiaki Yamamoto, Shinichi Yokoyama, Yuuji Nakano, Ryo Sano
  • Patent number: 9970570
    Abstract: A shut-off valve repair system includes a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid supply and a plumbing fixture. Thus, the shut-off valve selectively restricts and allows a flow of a fluid to the plumbing fixture. A valve unit is selectively fluidly coupled to the shut-off valve when the shut-off valve fails. Thus, the valve unit selectively inhibits and allows the fluid to flow to the plumbing fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Jack Moncada
  • Patent number: 9867731
    Abstract: An improved urine collection bag assembly is presented. The improved urine collection bag assembly of the present invention features a one-way low control valve to prevent the backflow of urine into a urinary catheter a subsequently, into a patient's bladder. The improved urine collection bag also features at a lower end a urine sampling valve. In the exemplary embodiment, the one-way flow control valve is a flap style valve and the sampling valve is a slider style valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Cheryl Mitts
  • Patent number: 9647089
    Abstract: Thin film transistor substrate includes: a substrate; a crystalline silicon layer on the substrate; and a capping layer covering the crystalline silicon layer and including a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woonghee Jeong, Joonhwa Bae, Youngki Shin, Yoonho Khang
  • Patent number: 9581262
    Abstract: A vacuum valve including a closure element (3) and a valve housing (1) with a valve opening (4) and an interior (2) in which the closure element (3) is arranged, the closure element resting against a valve seat (6) surrounding the valve opening (4) in the closed state of the vacuum valve. The valve housing (1) has a housing wall (19) made of sheet metal, the housing wall delimiting the interior (2) and being provided with a window opening (20) in order to form the valve opening (4). The valve opening (4) is surrounded by a flange ring (21) that can be connected to a connection flange (28) of a vacuum unit (27) via screw connections, the vacuum unit having an interior and being attachable to the vacuum valve. The flange ring (21) has the valve seat (6) on which the closure element (3) is placed in the closed state of the vacuum valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Duelli, Thomas Blecha, Anton Neumeir, Christoph Angst
  • Patent number: 9387494
    Abstract: A sprinkler and side-loading nozzle insert assembly includes a sprinkler body provided with a flow passage, a bearing housing in a side wall of the sprinkler body, and a nozzle insert received in an access opening formed in the side wall of the sprinkler body substantially opposite the bearing housing. The nozzle insert includes an insert body having a bearing portion received in the bearing housing, a ball-valve portion connected to the bearing portion and provided with a nozzle bore having an inlet and an outlet orifice, and a lock/release portion connected to the ball-valve portion, the lock/release portion including plural, flexible spring arms extending away from the ball-valve portion. The nozzle insert is rotatable to plural operating positions by manipulation of the spring arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: George L. Sesser, Sean M. Scott
  • Patent number: 9383022
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal on a disk valve, in which a sealing collar consisting of elastomeric material is used for both the static flange seals and the dynamic seals on the valve disk and on the switching pin, the sealing function of the static flange seals (14) being separate from the sealing function of the dynamic disk seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Frank Lauer, Thomas Kramer
  • Patent number: 9217512
    Abstract: A combined faucet handle and control valve assembly has a faucet handle, a plurality of connecting joints and a control valve. The faucet handle provided with a chamber, with an engaging space formed by a dividing member and a base in the chamber, an assembly aperture disposed in the base and passing through the faucet handle. The assembly aperture is engaged with a corresponding first securing member. Each connecting joint has a rod, an end of the rod provided with a connecting portion having an engaging aperture, the engaging aperture having a shape corresponding to a valve rod of the control valve, another end of the rod provided with a first section and a second section, the first section provided with a through aperture disposed axially through the rod and the connecting portion and engaging with a second securing member, and the second section is provided with a positioning aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: ALEXANDER YEH INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 9194276
    Abstract: Exhaust routing devices are disclosed that include (a) a body defining an exhaust routing chamber, the body having an intake port configured to provide fluid communication between the exhaust port of a cylinder head and the chamber, and two outlet ports configured to provide fluid communication between the chamber and first and second exhaust pipes; and (b) a gate, mounted within the chamber to pivot between a first position, in which the gate occludes one of the outlet ports, and a second position, in which the gate occludes the other outlet port. Exhaust routing systems and method of using them are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Wirt
  • Patent number: 9033311
    Abstract: A fluid flow connector and a method of manufacturing the same wherein the fluid flow connector utilizes a valve having a plunger which is made by overmolding a soft exterior to a hard core. The soft exterior being overmolded to the hard core by either insert or multi-shot methods. The method also including attaching the soft exterior to the hard core mechanically and/or by molecular bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Mark A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150129788
    Abstract: A ball valve including upstream and downstream seats and a ball having a flow opening disposed between the upstream and downstream seats. A flow path is defined through the valve only when the ball is disposed in an open position. In one embodiment, when the ball is disposed in a closed position the upstream seat may intermittently disengage from the ball to relieve hydrostatic expansion of a liquid within the ball resulting an increased pressure that is greater than a pressure within a body cavity of the valve outside the ball. In another embodiment, a distance between the upstream and downstream seats is greater than an outer diameter of the ball and the ball engages only one of the upstream and downstream seats when disposed in the closed position and a pressure differential is defined between the upstream and downstream seats. The upstream and downstream seats may each include a partially spherical sealing surface that may have a crenulate configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Charles C. Hansen, III
  • Publication number: 20150122342
    Abstract: Plumbing fitting assemblies are described. The plumbing fitting assemblies use a male and female fitting combination that enables a user or installer to make a sealed connection on an internal diameter of a female part or receiving end by way of an o-ringed shank on a male part or insert end. A connecting device is rotatably attached to the male end. The connecting device also engages to an outer surface of the female part such that the sealed fitting assemblies will not disconnect under normal pressure of a fluid or air working through the assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Publication number: 20150115184
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a hose coupler to a drain knob. The connector includes a base plate, an appendage, and a lateral projection. The base plate includes an opening configured to allow engagement of the hose coupler to the base plate at a first side thereof. The appendage extends axially from a second side of the base plate and is disposed about the opening. The appendage has a substantially oblong profile in a first plane disposed parallel to the base plate. Further, the appendage has a convex face configured to abut a concave portion of a sidewall of the drain knob. The lateral projection extends radially inward from the appendage. The lateral projection is configured to abut an end face of the drain knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Allott, Brian J. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20150115186
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for installing a valve in a pipeline while the pipeline is pressurized, and without leakage of pipeline media. A valve body is formed by attaching a sleeve with an annular space to a pipeline, filling the annular space with curable material, and then machining a cylindrical hole through the pipe, into which a valve is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Robin N. BORLAND, Dennis R. JARNECKE, Edward B. JOHNSTON
  • Publication number: 20150115185
    Abstract: A device has a body made of a first material, for example aluminum, and a component coupled to the body and made of a second material different from the first. The device further includes, between the body and the component, a spacer element of annular shape arranged around the component so as to be in contact on the one hand against the body and on the other against an abutment surface of such component, preventing, or at least reducing, direct contact between the component and the body. In some embodiments, the spacer element is made of a third material having an electric potential value between the first two materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Giulio Brizzolari, Roberto Defilippi
  • Publication number: 20150083950
    Abstract: A first male member (110) and a tubular portion (30) are in communication via first to third holes (21 to 23). A liquid channel (211) and a gas channel (212) of the second male member (210) are in communication with the tubular portion. First to third channels (41 to 43) are formed in a stopcock (40). The stopcock can switch between a first rotation position at which the first channel puts the first hole and a syringe connection portion (32) of the tubular portion in communication, and a second rotation position at which the first channel puts the liquid channel and the syringe connection portion in communication. When the stopcock is at the second rotation position, the second hole and the gas channel are in communication via the second channel, and the first male member and an inner cavity (45) of the stopcock are in communication via the third hole and the third channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Tadashi Okiyama
  • Publication number: 20150088033
    Abstract: A collection fitting, system, and method for sampling fluid from a tissue site is described. The collection fitting includes a switch fitting having a first passage and a second passage. The collection fitting also includes a bypass switch coupled to the switch fitting. The bypass switch is operable to fluidly couple the first passage and the second passage through the bypass switch. The bypass switch is also operable to fluidly couple the first passage and the second passage through a specimen container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Brian Locke
  • Publication number: 20150048117
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an inflatable object adapted to be inserted into a beverage container, and a mechanism adapted to inject air into the inflatable object in response to a decrease in pressure within the beverage container. The beverage container may hold a carbonated beverage, for example. In one embodiment, the mechanism is adapted to maintain an equilibrium between a first partial pressure within the carbonated beverage and a second partial pressure of an air pocket within the beverage container. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cap adapted to fit onto the beverage container, wherein the inflatable object is coupled to the cap. The cap may comprise a tube connecting the cap and the inflatable object, wherein the tube comprises a channel adapted to transmit air to the inflatable object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Wai T. Lam, Wayne Lam, Jonathan A. Tyler
  • Patent number: 8939172
    Abstract: A ball valve is provided for threaded connection to a separable component 72 having male threads 74. A housing 10 contains a ball 12 selectively rotatable for passing fluid through the housing, and a flange member 20 threadably secured to the valve housing. A stop ring 16 is positioned outward of the valve housing and engages the flange member. A coupling 20 is threadably secured to the stop ring and includes female threads for engagement with male threads on the separable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd
    Inventor: Spencer Nimberger
  • Patent number: 8899550
    Abstract: A connector for removably connecting two fluid channels which includes a first element and a second element that fit into one another and wherein the first element includes a body connected with the second element when the second element and the first element are at least partially fitted into one another following a combined relative rotational and translational movement, by a first link between at least one locking pin and at least one locking slot, and wherein the first element includes a single ring mounted around the body and wherein the body and the ring are linked following a combined relative rotational and translational movement by a second link between at least one guiding pin and at least one guiding slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux, Serafim Marques Barroca
  • Patent number: 8851446
    Abstract: A product transfer valve (1) includes a valve body (3), an inlet port (2), an outlet port (18). A safety interlock mechanism includes a segmented collar (22) with internal threads (23) for mounting the valve to a connection. A safety collar (6) is axially movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and causes movement of the segmented collar. An interference member (12) is supported on the cam operated mechanism (8) and engages the safety collar (6) to prevent inadvertent radial outward movement of the internal threads on the segmented collar until the safety collar is moved to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Publication number: 20140264117
    Abstract: A valve structure may include a valve body having a plurality of connecting tubes; a resilient cover, one end of which forming a ring portion and the other of which having a tapered cone portion, and the resilient cover plugs into the connecting tube through the cone portion to form a restricting position; a connecting unit that is tubular, having a tubular connecting section and a plugging section, and the plugging section plugs into the through hole of the resilient cover, so the second stopping surface is against the ring portion of the resilient cover; and a locking cover covering the tubular connecting section of the connecting unit to secure the connecting unit and the resilient cover at the connecting tube of the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEN SHENG FU CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hung-Lin Lai
  • Publication number: 20140264118
    Abstract: This female quick-coupling element for a quick-connect coupling is able to cooperate with a male coupling element. A control ring is able to move in translation along a longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. A blocking member prevents translation of the control ring as far as its second position. An element for the elastic return of a piston, integral in transverse movement with the blocking member, to its internal position is mounted in a housing of the first coupling element situated outside the housing of the piston, and fluidically isolated from the fluid-flow conduit. The first coupling element comprises transmission means, disposed between the return element and the piston, to return the piston to its internal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe TIBERGHIEN, Antoine CHAMBAUD
  • Publication number: 20140264116
    Abstract: A method of installing a pipe fitting that includes providing a pipe fitting including an extended run portion having a length that is greater than a length of the opposing run portion of the pipe fitting, and removing a portion of a line of pipe to provide an opening. The extended run portion of the pipe fitting is slid over the first end of the line of pipe within the opening formed in the line of pipe. The pipe fitting may then be moved to a second position by sliding the opposing run portion of the pipe fitting over the second end of the line of pipe, while the extended run portion of the pipe fitting is still present over the first end of the line of pipe. The pipe fitting is fused to the first and second end of the line of pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert P. Cappadora, Nicholas Cappadora
  • Publication number: 20140264115
    Abstract: A needleless connector has a body having an internal cavity with a sealing ridge, a port, an output flow channel, and a fluid flow path between the port and output flow channel. The connector also has a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity. The valve includes a cylindrical wall having a center axis, an internal surface, and a shoulder configured to sealingly contact the ridge of the body, thereby blocking the fluid flow path. The valve also includes a head fixedly attached to the wall. The head has a smiley cut at a first angular position about the center axis and a continuous top surface that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The valve also includes a first dimple formed in the internal surface of the cylindrical wall. The dimple extends around the internal surface over an angle in the range of 90-270°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew QUACH, George Michel MANSOUR, Jonathan YEH, Christopher J. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 8833733
    Abstract: A valve assembly having a valve body; at least one port to receive tubing; and a collar group to secure the tubing to the port, wherein the collar group is selected from a first collar group configured to secure the tubing by a flattening a washer, thereby driving teeth of the washer into the tubing, and a second collar group having a smooth interior surface to which the tubing is bonded, wherein either the first or the second collar groups may be interchangeably threaded onto the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Switch Company
    Inventors: Roy B. Bogert, Christopher Ganci
  • Publication number: 20140246616
    Abstract: A connector system for medical fluid includes a male connector and a female connector that have a closed configuration when detached from one another. The first end of the male connector is configured to mate with a first end of the female connector. When the male connector is coupled with the female connector, complementary structures engage to move seals away from ports in the male connector and the female connector, opening a fluid pathway through the connectors. The mating ends of the connectors are not exposed to the medical fluid when the connectors are coupled so that when the connectors are disconnected, the mating ends are substantially free of residual medical fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 8807525
    Abstract: A quick-release coupling includes a socket defining a first passage in a connection port thereof, a locking member mounted in a front end of the socket and adapted for locking an inserted external male mating connector, an air valve control device mounted in a rear end of the socket, and a leak-proof device having a stopper mounted in the front end of the socket and defining therein a second passage, which is kept in communication with the first passage upon insertion of an external mating male connector into the front end of the socket to move the stopper backward, or blocked from the first passage after removable of the inserted external mating male connector and a forward movement of the stopper by the air valve control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sun-Wounder Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Chia-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 8800962
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing and a harbor provided at a lower portion of the valve housing. The valve housing has an internal bore for receiving a valve control cartridge, and the harbor has a first recess suitable for receiving a water supply tube, and a second recess suitable for receiving a second water tube, wherein the harbor also has a slot. The valve assembly further includes the water supply tube mounted in the first recess, the second water tube mounted in the second recess, and a retainer clip positioned in the slot with that clip simultaneously engaging both tubes. The retainer clip comprises a first leg and a second leg connected by a waist to define there between a retaining area, and at least the first leg has formed thereon a notch adjacent a heel of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: David H. Ritter, Chad J. Cochart, Douglas J. Brouwer, Christopher M. Shay, Brian S. Core, Michael W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8757667
    Abstract: A connector for a flow managing device in fluid communication with an outlet conduit is disclosed. The connector can comprise a receiving member, an engaging member, and an adapter. The receiving member can be secured to the adapter, which can be secured to a side wall of a basin near an outlet coupled to the outlet conduit. The adapter can comprise a curvature plate having a curvature that complements a curvature of the side wall. The adapter can further comprise an adapter bore through the curvature plate and an adapter conduit extending from the curvature plate and at least partially overlapping the adapter bore. The flow managing apparatus can be secured to the engaging member, which can be engaged with the receiving member. Fluid from the basin can flow through the flow managing device, the engaging member, the receiving member, and the adapter and into the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: IPEX Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Guillaume Hugo Marquis-Martin
  • Publication number: 20140091244
    Abstract: A liquid-transfer device that comprises a tubular coupling element for fastening in sealed manner to a liquid-transfer orifice and including a bore extending through the coupling element, and a valve member mounted to slide in the coupling element between a closed position for closing the coupling element and a liquid-transfer position for transferring liquid through the coupling element. The valve member is slidable against a return spring urging it towards the closed position and being suitable for sliding from the closed position to the liquid-transfer position under the action of an adapter that is reversibly connectable to the coupling element. One coupling element and the adapter includes a set of longitudinal grooves and the other includes radial teeth that engage in the grooves while the adapter is being actuated, the coupling element having an abutment against which the adapter bears after the valve member has been actuated by the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: OIL SYSTEM
    Inventor: Yves GRICOURT
  • Patent number: 8656942
    Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to length-adjustable pressure-retaining components used in piping systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a device comprising a first pressure component and an adjustable spacer ring operatively coupled to the first pressure component is disclosed, wherein the adjustable spacer ring is adapted to adjust a combined overall length of said the pressure component and the adjustable spacer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Wong, Pablo Garce, Sandra Lipezker, Yue Gong
  • Publication number: 20130299726
    Abstract: A joint that connects pipelines, a pipeline with a fluid control device, or a pair of fluid control devices is provided therein with a pipe functional component. Examples of the pipe functional component include various valves such as a diaphragm valve, a check valve, a branch valve, a relief valve, a ball valve and a bellows valve, or a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Ihara Science Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu KARASAWA
  • Publication number: 20130284962
    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 minimise flow of oxidising fluid from the bore into the micro-annulus between the liner and the pipe while maximising 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: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Lockwood Gledhill
  • Patent number: 8528877
    Abstract: The latching gas ON/OFF assembly includes a housing with a female threaded bore for receiving a male threaded neck of a gas tank cylinder having a tank valve with a pin. A bonnet is slidably connected to the housing and slides between a forward OFF position and rearward ON position. A pin depressor connected to the bonnet with a transverse latch button for locking the bonnet in the ON position and for releasing the bonnet from the ON position. When the bonnet is slid to the rearward ON position it causes the pin depressor to contact the pin of the tank valve to permit gas to flow therefrom. The latching button is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Planet Eclipse Limited
    Inventor: Jack Kingsley Wood
  • Patent number: 8511714
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a flow restricting apparatus is disclosed. The flow restricting apparatus comprises an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet conduit. The connector assembly comprises a first member configured to be engaged with the flow restricting apparatus at least partially about the outlet. The first member comprises a first face, a second face, and a bore defined through the first member. The connector assembly comprises a second member comprising a first side, a second side, a bore defined through the second member, at least one projection extending outwardly from the first side of the second member, and sealing means for sealing positioned intermediate the first member and the second member. The at least one projection forms a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ipex Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Guillaume Hugo Marquis-Martin
  • Patent number: 8511639
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adaptor used in a fitment valve assembly, said adaptor comprising an outer ring collar having a top and a bottom, and an outer and an inner surface; a flange molded to the bottom of said outer ring collar; an interior ring collar having a top and a bottom, and an outer and an inner surface molded in adjacent relationship to said outer ring collar near the top of said interior ring collar; an inverted dome structure molded toward the bottom of said inner surface of said interior ring collar defining at least one opening for the flow of fluid there-through; a groove for an O-ring molded in said inner surface of said interior ring collar above said dome structure; a lip molded onto said bottom of said interior ring collar for forming a seal with said fitment valve assembly; and a groove for an O-ring molded in said outer surface at the bottom of said interior ring collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8469162
    Abstract: A piston with a piston rod coupled thereto is inserted in a cylinder, which sealingly contains oil. An oil flow generated by movement of the piston is controlled by a damping force generation mechanism, thereby generating a damping force. A separator tube is disposed around the cylinder, and the oil is transmitted to the damping force generation mechanism through a branch tube integrally formed on a cylindrical sidewall of the separator tube. The branch tube is tapered at the outer circumferential portion thereof with the outer diameter thereof reducing toward the distal end of the branch tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Nishimura, Jin Yamasaki, Shinichi Kagawa, Tetsuo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8468849
    Abstract: A multi-port device such as a thermal expansion valve for an air conditioning system includes a seal structure with a first seal portion and a second seal portion. The first seal portion includes a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal. The second seal portion is attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal. The multi-port device with seal structure militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric William Kesler, Fred Georg Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8464689
    Abstract: At least one set of locator pins is provided on the flange of an intake manifold which couple with an orifice provided on the flange of a throttle body to align the two parts to ensure that they are properly oriented when assembled. In addition, through holes are provided on the throttle body flange and threaded inserts are provided on the flange of the intake manifold. The locator pins are coupled with the orifices prior to inserting a bolt through the through holes to engage with the threads of the threaded insert. By providing the locator pins, the two flanges are held in a desired orientation so that the ducts of the two flanges are properly aligned to substantially eliminate a step or mismatch at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Born, Jeremy Walter Church
  • Patent number: 8448448
    Abstract: An air bleed device for cooling components in a turbine engine, including an annular conduit having a substantially rectangular cross-section formed in a housing and having a radially internal wall swept by an airflow is disclosed. The device includes an air inlet orifice, and a flap valve for controlling the airflow entering through the orifice, formed by a plate borne by a maneuvering member mobile in translation parallel to the axis of the orifice between a position in which the plate closes off the orifice and a position in which the plate opens the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stephane Pierre Guillaume Blanchard, Mathieu Dakowski, Thomas Daris, Romain Nicolas Lunel