With Leakage Or Drip Disposal Patents (Class 285/13)
  • Patent number: 7931306
    Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Energy Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Royston, John A. Samudovsky
  • Patent number: 7874772
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved drain structure of a cutting fluid supplied to a spindle of a milling spindle. The milling spindle 100 comprises a spindle 20 supported within a housing via a bearing 16, and a drawbar 24 having a through coolant passage 22. The cutting fluid C1 passing through the rotary joint 40 and 50 is sent to the through coolant passage 22, but a portion thereof is collected in a drain chamber 110. When the pressure within the drain chamber rises, the drain device 150 pushes open the ball 160 resisting against the spring 170, and the cutting fluid C1 is discharged to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Ikuta, Hiroki Tazawa, Jojiro Kimura
  • Patent number: 7857358
    Abstract: A fitting for use with metal tubing in a jacket, the fitting including: an adaptor having exterior threads at a first adaptor end, the adaptor having a longitudinal passage for fluid flow; a body having interior threads at a first body end, the interior threads engaging the exterior threads to secure the body to the body in a first body cavity; and a jacket lock ring positioned at a second body end, the jacket lock ring including barbs for engaging a surface of the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stirling Keith Rolland, Dean W. Rivest
  • Publication number: 20100289196
    Abstract: An overhead wire tension balancer has a water draining structure and can prevent lubricating oil in the tension balancer from scattering to the outside. The overhead wire tension balancer is for supporting a spanned overhead wire while applying tension thereto, and rainwater collecting inside the overhead wire tension balancer is collected from a collecting pipe connecting part into a collecting tank through a collecting pipe. The oil content of grease applied to the inside of the overhead wire tension balancer is prevented from scattering to the outside even if the oil content is carried together with the rainwater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kimura
  • Publication number: 20100288018
    Abstract: The application relates to a connector (11) for connecting at least a portion of a double-wall tubing (9) to a high-pressure line (4) and a fuel system having a high pressure line (4), a double wall tubing (9) and connector for coupling the double-wall tubing (9) to the high-pressure line (4). The connector (11) is configured to establish a fluid connection between a portion of the double wall tubing (9) and the high pressure line (4). The connector also provides a fluid detection passage, and a fluid connection between another portion of double wall tubing and said fluid detection passage. The application also relates to a method for detecting a leakage in a fuel system of the above type, having a plurality of first detection units and a second detection unit, in which fuel leakage, which may stem from different areas of the fuel system, may be detected by at least one of said first and second detection units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ulrich Hopmann
  • Publication number: 20100207379
    Abstract: A fluid conduit coupling for a turbofan engine wherein the engine has a gas path defined by inner and outer duct walls and the exterior surface of the outer duct wall is readily accessible for visual inspection. In one example, a first fluid line extends across the gas path between the inner and outer duct walls and a second fluid line is connected to the first fluid line at the level of the outer duct wall. The first fluid line may include a female coupling member and the second fluid member may include a mating male coupling member. An annular sealing member is associated with the first and second couplings and a leak path is defined between the annular sealing member and the exterior surface of the outer duct wall, whereby fluid may be detected by visual inspection of the outer duct wall if a leak should occur at the annular sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Bryan W. Olver
  • Patent number: 7753412
    Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Energy Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Royston, John A. Samudovsky
  • Patent number: 7744018
    Abstract: A power operated pressure washer having a high pressure liquid supply hose with an inlet fitting formed with an axial stem having a central liquid passageway that can be connected to a pressure washer outlet fitting by a threaded retaining ring. As a feature of this invention, the retaining ring can be unscrewed from the pressure washer outlet for permitting the dissipation and venting of high pressure buildup within the hose while the retaining ring safely retains the hose fitting on the outlet. In one embodiment, the stem has a pair of axially spaced annular sealing members adaptable for sealing engagement with relatively smaller and larger size pressure washer outlets and the stems is formed with a transverse passageway for venting liquid from the central stem passageway around one of the sealing members, as an incident to unscrewing of the retaining ring, while the other sealing member remains in sealed engagement with the pressure washer outlet fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: FAIP North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gus Alexander, Morgan McCarthy, John Pianetto
  • Patent number: 7740284
    Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. A containment chamber is disposed below ground level which creates a confined space which has, as its only egress, a fluid connection to a gas escape passageway. Any gas which leaks into the containment chamber is directed into the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks into said containment chamber is directed through the gas escape passageway and through the at least one vent and into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Energy Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Royston, John A. Samudovsky
  • Patent number: 7722093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting for connecting lengths of pipe by compression, having a substantially cylindrical internal contour. The fitting has a ridge which is configured in a radially outward direction and in which a sealing element is provided. The fitting is slidable onto the lengths of pipe, the internal contour having a region of non-circular cross-section. The invention also relates to a connecting arrangement for connecting lengths of pipe by compression, comprising a length of pipe and a fitting plus a sealing element which is arranged in the ridge. One axial gap which extends over the entire connecting region is formed between the length of pipe and the internal contour of the fitting in the uncompressed state. Such an axial gap with an open end would ensure that a leak exists even in the region of the sealing element in an uncompressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Yorkshire Fittings Ltd.
    Inventor: Stefan Henke
  • Patent number: 7717470
    Abstract: A quick fluid connector includes two mating portions. Leakage may occur during mating and demating. In order to contain such leakage, the mating portions of the connector are mounted on the distal end of a projecting boss and at the fundus of a matching well, respectively, so that the boss and well together define a chamber which surrounds the two mating portions of the quick connector. One or more drainage channels are coupled to the chamber to carry away leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Brian A. Pluymers
  • Publication number: 20090295145
    Abstract: The invention relates to a draining or venting device for a compensator (15) that has a central interior space (17) and a peripheral formation (16), especially a corrugation (16), which surrounds an interior space (25) of the formation. The draining or venting device comprises a suction means (50) for sucking a fluid out of the interior space (25) of the formation, and a connecting line (30, 47) that establishes a flow connection between the interior space (25) of the formation and the suction means (50), the connecting line (30, 47) running through the central interior space (17) of the compensator (15) and running through a through opening (40) in one wall of a component (19) that is connected to the compensator (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Conrad, Kay Degner
  • Publication number: 20090250921
    Abstract: A docking system for docking a liquid stream carrying line to a docking body, a line end for docking a liquid stream carrying line to a docking interface of a docking body, as well as to a method for preventing liquid from continuing to flow when undocking a line end of a liquid stream carrying line from a docking interface of a docking body. The docking system includes a line end having a first form that is conically tapered in the direction of flow and a docking interface which is situated on the docking body and has a second form that is conically tapered in the direction of flow. The first conically tapered form and the second conically tapered form are adapted to one another in such a way that, in the docked state, they are mutually set apart in one coupling region by an interspace defined by a sealing ring, concentrically opposing one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Eberth, Martin Friedrich, Hans-Martin Krafft
  • Patent number: 7573565
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining the density and/or temperature of a fluid based on a reflection of optical energy directed at the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Strube, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Mentzer, Nicholas P. Petrillo, Wayne A. Webb
  • Patent number: 7467811
    Abstract: A threaded pipe coupling is disclosed which comprises a connection stub, a pipe, and a union nut, and in which any leakage quantities that occur can be carried away through the union nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Frasch, Stephan Wehr
  • Patent number: 7458618
    Abstract: A spray deflecting joint of fluid conveying structures has a spray obstructing structure lying in the path of any fluid that might spray from the joint in any direction within a range of directions, wherein the spray obstructing structure is permanently attached to one of the fluid conveying structures, is shaped to reduce the momentum of liquid sprays and/or has a surface treatment to reduce the momentum of liquid sprays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies
    Inventors: Glenn Mahnken, Paul H. Dobson
  • Patent number: 7416223
    Abstract: A coupling device for an adapter connection point, including a first fitting and a second fitting, wherein at least one of the first and the second fittings includes at least one channel, and wherein when a user begins to disengage the coupling device any trapped pressure will be relieved through the at least one channel prior to total disengagement of the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Sulmone
  • Patent number: 7374211
    Abstract: Rotary joints are provided, to allow fluid to flow from a stationary member to a rotating member. The rotary joints include a housing, configured to fit over the rotating member, a rotatable coupling disposed within the housing, configured to be fixedly attached to the rotating member, and a floating seal system that allows relative movement between the parts being sealed, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the rotating member and associated parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: S.D. Warren Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Reifschneider, Richard A. Lippert
  • Patent number: 7350830
    Abstract: Lubricant escape passages are formed in the threads used to connect one tubular body to another. The passages conduct trapped thread lubricant out of the threaded area to prevent the creation of high lubricant pressure that may damage or cause improper make up of the threaded connection. The passages may be grooves in the crests of the thread teeth and/or may be corner bevels on the thread teeth. In a conductor pipe or other pipe assembly using axially spaced internal and external seals at each axial end of the threaded area, the escape passages form a helical flow path through the engaged thread area. The external seal prevents the entry of corrosive fluids into the threaded area and the internal seal prevents leakage through the threaded area from within the conductor pipe. When the lubricant pressure increases excessively during assembly or impact loading of the connection, the lubricant escapes past the seals to prevent connection damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard W. DeLange, Woodward A. Taylor, Curtis J. Parker
  • Patent number: 7311337
    Abstract: A housing structure is provided having at least two housing sections each provided for covering and/or closing a hydraulic coupling, particularly for dust protection. A first hydraulic coupling is disposed above a second hydraulic coupling, preferably in a vehicle or tool, such as a commercial agricultural or industrial vehicle. A housing section has an opening that is reversibly sealable with a closing element and through which a counterpart of a hydraulic coupling can be inserted to create a hydraulic connection. The housing structure has an area disposed below for collecting leaking fluid. Retaining means are provided for each reversibly sealable opening by which the escape of leaking fluid from the respective opening is largely preventable. Wetting of the hydraulic coupling with leaking fluid and the escape of leaking fluid from the opening of the housing structure is avoided by simple structural means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Trinler, Sascha Wendel
  • Patent number: 7269537
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the sensing and measurement of infrasound (pressure variations with frequency content under 10 Hertz). The invention measures the infrasound pressure variations and then attenuates undesired contributions due to, but not limited to, changes in ambient fluid speed and changes in altitude of the sensing device. The undesired contributions are attenuated using an adaptive filter with the measurements of the change in ambient fluid speed and the change in altitude. This approach differs from existing applications of adaptive filtering in that the invention uses measurements of speed and displacement to improve a pressure measurement. This approach differs from existing methods for attenuating the affects of the wind on the measurement of infrasound in that it does not require the use of a large spatial averaging filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Duane Loren Mattern
  • Patent number: 7150477
    Abstract: Rotary joints are provided, to allow fluid to flow from a stationary member to a rotating member. The rotary joints include a housing, configured to fit over the rotating member, a rotatable coupling disposed within the housing, configured to be fixedly attached to the rotating member, and a floating seal system that allows relative movement between the parts being sealed, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: S.D. Warren Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Reifschneider, Richard A. Lippert
  • Patent number: 7033442
    Abstract: In the fabrication of semiconductor integrated circuits, a ventilation system is disclosed which includes a sleeve device, a ventilator and a sensor. The sleeve device has at least one aperture thereon for gas transfer. The ventilator is coupled to the sleeve device. The sensor is coupled to the sleeve device. A method of ventilation is also disclosed, which includes a step of sensing a relative movement between a sleeve having at least aperture for gas transfer and a gas outlet connected to a pipeline, and a step of generating a signal to control a ventilator when the relative movement between the sleeve and the gas outlet is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: I-Kai Lin, Jia-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 7017952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid connector, comprising a shaft having at least one solid shaft element and a plurality of connector surfaces, wherein the plurality of connector surfaces includes a surface with a plurality of threads and a plurality of grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Robert Brewer, Gerard Jakuszeski
  • Patent number: 6905149
    Abstract: Lubricant escape passages are formed in the threads used to connect one tubular body to another. The passages conduct trapped thread lubricant out of the threaded area to prevent the creation of high lubricant pressure that may damage or cause improper make up of the threaded connection. The passages may be grooves in the crests of the thread teeth and/or may be corner bevels on the thread teeth. In a conductor pipe or other pipe assembly using axially spaced internal and external seals at each axial end of the threaded area, the escape passages form a helical flow path through the engaged thread area. The external seal prevents the entry of corrosive fluids into the threaded area and the internal seal prevents leakage through the threaded area from within the conductor pipe. When the lubricant pressure increases excessively during assembly or impact loading of the connection, the lubricant escapes past the seals to prevent connection damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard W. DeLange, Woodward A. Taylor, Curtis J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6851720
    Abstract: In a hydraulic joint structure for joining respective tubular joint portions of two members, opposed pressure-contact surfaces of the two members for preventing loosening form a downstream space on the downstream side of a seal member. A passage is formed on the pressure-contact surfaces in such a manner that when working fluid leaks from the upstream side of the seal member to the downstream space via a clearance between the seal member and the tubular joint portions, the passage permits the working fluid to flow from the downstream space to an external space in the state in which the pressure-contact surfaces are in pressure contact. The passage is formed in such a manner that the passage extends in a circumferential direction of the thread portions, and communicates at one end with the downstream space and at the other end with the external space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Hayashi, Kenichi Suzuki, Yuichiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 6848720
    Abstract: A shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus is provided that includes at least one outer conduit and at least one inner conduit disposed within the outer conduit. Preferably, the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus further includes at least one shrouded end fitting disposed at an end of the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus and at least one support member engaged with the inner and outer conduits. The shrouded end fitting allows the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus to be engaged with an additional shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus. The support member allows for the transfer of loads from the inner and/or outer conduits to one or more components external to the shrouded fluid-conducting apparatus. Accordingly, the shrouded-fluid conducting apparatus may be used to transport fuel through an aircraft “ignition zone” in an FAA-compliant manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Carns, Theron L. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
  • Patent number: 6845784
    Abstract: A fire sprinkler water catching apparatus includes a funnel member which has a funnel top portion, a funnel bottom portion, a funnel drain portion connected to the funnel bottom portion, and a pole-reception fitting. A drain hose is connected to the funnel drain portion. The end of a support pole is received in the pole-reception fitting. The fire sprinkler water catching apparatus of the invention is used to catch and carry away unwanted water that is sprayed from a fire sprinkler when the fire sprinkler is spraying water at an unwanted time, such as when a fusible link on the fire sprinkler is accidentally broken. Preferably, a flexible funnel cover is fitted onto the top of the funnel top portion. The flexible funnel cover includes a plurality of flexible and resilient funnel cover flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: James J. Pascznk
  • Patent number: 6792967
    Abstract: A latched, spring loaded valve having a water sensor and an activation mechanism shuts off water supply, when a water leak is detected, to specific application as cloths washing machines, dishwashing machines, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators equipped with ice makers. The shutoff valve system with leak detector has a sealing member movable with a valve body between an open position and a closed position wherein the sealing member blocks fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Robert C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 6726256
    Abstract: A fitting or a mounting part including an end section extending in a longitudinal direction, which end section can be pressed together with a tube for establishing a connection. The fitting or mounting part has a ring-shaped elevation on the end section forming a space, a sealing ring in the elevation and at least one flow channel in the elevation. The flow channel extends diagonally to a plane in a longitudinal direction of the end section and changes a depth of the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Franz Viegener II GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Viegener
  • Patent number: 6695358
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid piping system is provided with two or more coupled pipe spools, each spool having an inner and outer pipe, the inner for carrying cryogenic fluid. The pipe spools are also configured with a bayonet connection to allow expansion and contraction of the system without failure. A leak control device and pressure relief device are included to protect the system from catastrophic failure in the event of a cryogenic fluid leak from the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Chart, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Bonn
  • Patent number: 6695000
    Abstract: A valve with an integral means for bleeding internal pressure prior to separation of a bonnet for the valve from its engagement with the valve body, provided by a bore through the valve body. This allows the internal pressure of the valve to equalize with atmospheric pressure prior to complete disassembly of the bonnet from the valve body. The bore through the valve body also serves as a leak detector, by providing a path for fluids passing through the valve to leak to the exterior of the valve body in the event of a failure of the seal between the bonnet and the valve body, which can readily be detected by passersby upon inspection of the exposed end of the bore at the exterior of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Randy Jerold Hall, Ronald Charles Burr, Mark Douglas Stiehl
  • Patent number: 6688650
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a dry disconnect coupling. The dry disconnect coupling includes a first coupling member for coupling to a second coupling member. A circuit provides a first signal based on when the first coupling member is disconnected to the second coupling member. Thermally coupled to the first coupling member is a first heater. The first heater generates heat based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shlomo Novotny
  • Patent number: 6648007
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a safety hose system. In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the steps of positioning the inside hose with the outside hose; inserting first and second pre-mold inserts about the first and second end portions of the inside hose; attaching the first and second connectors to the first and second end portions of the inside hose to form first and second crimped portions, respectively; applying an adhesive to the first and second crimped portions; inserting the first and second crimped portions into the connector inlet portions of the first and second pre-mold inserts, respectively; inserting the drain hose into the drain hose inlet portion of the first pre-mold insert; molding a first end-cap member to the first end portion of the outside hose, the first pre-mold insert, and the drain hose; and molding a second end-cap member to the second end portion of the outside hose and the second pre-mold insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Samar Company, INC
    Inventors: William J. Selby, Ronald A. Selby
  • Patent number: 6588806
    Abstract: A radially offset valve is mounted in a bypass passage that extends through two movable members that are jointly moved during coupling between two couplers. The valve is moved from a closed position in which the flow of a pressurized fluid through a flow channel of an outer tubular body is prevented from being discharged through a discharge passage, to an open position in which the fluid is permitted to flow to the discharge passage, thereby resisting fluid leakage to the environment during coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Faster, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Arosio
  • Patent number: 6581983
    Abstract: A fitting or a mounting part, particularly for the connection with a tube-shaped component, comprises an end section, which can be pressed together for establishing a connection. At the end section, a ring-shaped elevation is arranged in which a sealing ring is disposed. According to the invention, a bulge is provided on the elevation. By means of the bulge, a space is formed between the sealing ring and the wall of the end section, such that a fluid can flow between the tube-shaped components. Only by pressing together this leaky point, will a sealed-off connection arrangement be established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Franz Viegener II GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Walter Viegener
  • Patent number: 6546951
    Abstract: A safety hose apparatus delivers water from a standard threaded hose bib to an appliance or plumbing fixture. The apparatus includes an outer hose and an inner hose that extends through the outer hose. A first threaded connector is rotatably attached to the outer hose and is in communication with the inner hose. The first threaded connector is threadably engagable with the spout to communicably connect the inner hose to the hose bib. A second threaded connector is rotatably attached to the outer hose and is in communication with the second end of the inner hose. The second threaded connector is threadably engagable with the inlet to communicably connect the inner hose to the inlet. A first closure is engaged with the first end of the outer hose and a second closure is engaged with a second end of the outer hose for sealing the space between the inner and outer hoses and retaining within the space water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: John G. Armenia, Alfred L. Calciano
  • Patent number: 6501067
    Abstract: An apparatus for non-intrusively sensing fluid flow within a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes an array of sensors that include a plurality of optical fiber coils. The array of sensors senses the fluid flow inside the pipe. At least one optical reflective device is disposed between adjacent optical fiber coils. An isolation pad is disposed between each optical reflective device and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Jones, Allen R. Davis, John M. Faustino
  • Patent number: 6446661
    Abstract: An improved safety hose apparatus includes an inner hose having threaded connectors attached rotatably at each end thereof. An inner hose is disposed about the outer hose. The inner hose is alternatable between longitudinally expanded and contracted conditions. The outer hose includes a pair of resiliently expandable end coupling portions. Each end portion is selectively expanded to releasably grip the peripheral surface of a respective threaded connector. This seals the end of the apparatus so that water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose is retained within the outer hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: John G. Armenia, Alfred L. Calciano
  • Patent number: 6446671
    Abstract: A double wall safety hose delivers water from a standard threaded hose bib to an appliance or plumbing fixture. The apparatus includes an outer and an inner hose that extends through the outer hose. The inner hose is communicably attached at each end to respective threaded connector. A closure in the form of a ferrule or bushing surrounds and sealably interengages each end of the inner hose. A corresponding end of the outer hose sealably interengages an enlarged outer surface of the ferrule. This seals each end of the safety hose apparatus so that water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose is retained within the outer hose. A drain port attached to the outer hose discharges water that has leaked from the inner hose to a drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: John G. Armenia, Alfred L. Calciano
  • Patent number: 6431608
    Abstract: The invention is to provide a high pressure fuel injection pipe for a diesel engine wherein a fuel, leaked from a seat port is discharged to the outside of a head cover without leaking into the head cover so that a leakage of fuel can be promptly detected and is directed to the high pressure fuel injection pipe formed by abutting and engaging a pressure portion formed on a connecting head of a fuel injection pipe body to a pressure receiving seat portion of a counterpart member so as to provide a firm connection of the fuel injection pipe body to the counterpart member by screwing a fastening nut to press the connecting head to the counterpart member, wherein an annular washer having at least one groove or through hole formed in a radial direction on the circumference of the washer and a seal member is disposed in the vicinity of an outer end portion of a threaded engagement potion defined between the fastening nut and the counterpart member so that a fuel leaked into the inside of the fastening nut from a se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Nobuo Kato
  • Patent number: 6412821
    Abstract: A device for connecting two bodies, especially a quartz body and a metallic body, which assures with few and simply formed components a high sealing ability at high temperature differences and at very low pressures and makes possible an easy assembly and disassembly. The device for the vacuum-tight connecting of two bodies of different materials, each of which has an essentially tubular end section (20, 30) and in the connected state of which the tubular end section (30) of the first body surrounds at least partially the end section (20) of the second body, includes an intermediate conduit (13) for intermediate suction removal of gases and is formed between the tubular end sections (20, 30) of the bodies with two seals (100, 150) which seal off the intermediate conduit (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Unaxis Balzers Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Winfried Schulmann, Helmut Kaiser, Udo Wenske
  • Patent number: 6401746
    Abstract: A rotating union for transferring a material stream, and especially a bearing damaging material stream, includes, a generally cylindrical body and an annular sleeve that is annularly spaced from the body and rotatably coupled thereto via a pair of axially-spaced bearings. The body and the sleeve are formed with ports and interconnecting passages for carrying the material stream and these ports and passages communicate with each other via a material transfer interface that is sealed by at least one dynamic seal assembly. Finely lapped material is used to improve the quality of the dynamic seal faces, and the seal faces are uniformly spring loaded. This, along with the axial spacing of the bearings, helps to minimize seal face misalignment and consequent leakage. In the event that material leakage does occur, the rotating union further includes a leakage collection area filled with a barrier fluid. The leakage collection area may encompass the bearings or it may be separate therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Grant E. Scott, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6394504
    Abstract: A clampless coupling which attaches a hose to a nipple without need of a clamp at the end of the hose to ensure sealing, including a connector and a nipple of a fluid system component. The connector is sealingly pre-connected at one end with a hose; the opposite end is in the form of a sleeve. The sleeve features a notch at its forward end, a boss on a resilient lock arm, and an O-ring seal. The nipple has a pocket depressionally formed on its outside nipple surface and an alignment tab. In operation, a user slides the sleeve over the nipple by pressing the connector toward the near end of the nipple. As the sleeve slides over the nipple, the tab is received by the notch to align the connector with the nipple, the boss drops abuttably into the pocket, and the O-ring seal sealingly compresses between the nipple and the connector. A seal assurance feature reveals improper connection when a pressure test is undertaken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Brummans, Steven M. Haar, Scott D. Wixom, Thomas K. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 6328345
    Abstract: A secondary tubing containment system (10) is provided for a discharge tube (18) of a chemical metering pump (14) in a chemical addition system (12). One end of the discharge tube (18) is engaged in a fitting (20) on the metering pump (14), and the other end of the discharge tube (18) is engaged in a fitting (22). The containment system (10) includes a pair of coupling nuts (30, 32), a connector in the form of a Tee (34), two cylindrical tubes (36, 38), a pair of unions (40, 42), and a drain tube (44). The inside and outside diameters of the tubes (36, 38) are sized to allow the tube (38) to be slid or telescoped into the tube (36) to allow the length of the containment system (10) to be adjusted. The union (40) is configured to sealingly engage the tube (38) along the length of the tube (38) to accommodate the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Liquid Metronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Kevin Moran
  • Patent number: 6305407
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety hose system for use in delivering water from a water supply source to an inlet connector of a washing machine. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first connector engageable with the inlet connector of the washer machine and a second connector engageable with the water supply source. The system further comprises a first hose having first and seconds end connected to the first and second connectors, respectively. The system further comprises a second hose disposed concentrically and sealed about the first hose and extending from the first connector to the second connector. The system further comprises a sealing material. The first and second ends of the second hose are molded to the first and second connector, respectively, by the sealing material to form an unitary one piece structure. The system may further comprise an over-spill portion formed by said second hose being disposed about the first hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Samar, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Selby
  • Patent number: 6290263
    Abstract: A detachable hose coupling having improved interlocking U-shaped staple includes a female sleeve piece, a male piece of a size and configuration to permit insertion into the female sleeve piece, and a generally U-shaped staple having a cross-section with a peripheral surface which includes at least one radially recessed surface portion to permit a predetermined amount of fluid flow thereby when inserted into the male—female coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph S. Murken
  • Patent number: 6244290
    Abstract: A containment bag for installation over a fluid control valve is provided. The valve containment bag is configured to contain leaks emanating from fluid control valves connected in line between an associated first inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The inlet pipe and the valve form a first junction and the outlet pipe form a second junction which are to be housed, along with the valve itself, within said bag so that fluid leaking from the junctions leaks into the containment bag. The containment bag is formed of an impermeable fabric which encloses an internal volume sufficient to accommodate the control valve and the associated junctions. The impermeable fabric defines first and second openings between the internal volume and the external environment, the first opening has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inlet pipe, and the second opening has a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: MPC Containment Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward E. Reicin, Dennis W. O'Brien, James A. Parker
  • Patent number: 6230735
    Abstract: A valve jacket is provided to surround a valve and contain any liquid that may leak from the valve as a part of a secondary containment system of the type found a gasoline service stations. The valve jacket is provided as a hollow body with a pair of openings through which a pair of primary pipelines associated with the valve can extend. One of the two openings is sized large enough that the jacket can be slid over the valve. The two openings are sealed to a pair of secondary conduits associated with the primary pipelines. A reservoir can be provided in the jacket to collect any liquid and a sensor can be provided in the reservoir to detect the presence of liquid in the reservoir. Preferably, a removable and sealable cap is provided to allow access to the valve for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6217080
    Abstract: In the coupling assembly, after a plug member 42 is slightly inserted into a socket member 15 with a slight push of the plug member 42 relative to the socket member 15, air pressure enables the plug member 42 to reach its innermost position inside the socket member 15 so that the plug member 42 is connected with the socket member 15. The coupling assembly comprises: the socket member 15 for receiving therein a valve 16 which is opened when pushed; and, a cylindrical slider 25 for slidably receiving therein the socket member 15. The slider 25 is provided with a piston 28 and an engaging means 34 in its rear and its forward end portion, respectively. Through the engaging means 34, a plug member 42 is connected with the forward end portion of the slider 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imai