With Ball, Ring Or Pin Detent Patents (Class 285/276)
  • Patent number: 6733046
    Abstract: A hose swivel connection apparatus for connecting a pair of hose sections, the swivel member having male and female swivel members with underlap and overlap portions, respectively, forming radially-facing annular ball grooves between which bearing balls are captured to provide swiveling and to hold the swivel device together, and a seal between the swivel members, preferably a ring seal positioned between a pair of axially-facing opposed seal-abutment surfaces. The invention also involves hose-end couplings on swivel members of a swivel device, the couplings each having a sleeve member over and permanently secured to a hose section and being adapted for snap-engagement with one of the swivel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Pollvergnuegen
    Inventor: Dieter J. Rief
  • Publication number: 20040080160
    Abstract: A hose swivel connection apparatus for connecting a pair of hose sections, the swivel member having male and female swivel members with underlap and overlap portions, respectively, forming radially-facing annular ball grooves between which bearing balls are captured to provide swiveling and to hold the swivel device together, and a seal between the swivel members, preferably a ring seal positioned between a pair of axially-facing opposed seal-abutment surfaces. The invention also involves hose-end couplings on swivel members of a swivel device, the couplings each having a sleeve member over and permanently secured to a hose section and being adapted for snap-engagement with one of the swivel members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Dieter J. Rief
  • Patent number: 6725464
    Abstract: A rotary joint used for armored diving suits which joint allows rotary motion and which seals the internal portions of the diving suit from the high pressure water in which the user is operating. The rotary joint allows axial movement during operation and reduces premature seal failure due to moments created about the axis of the joint which are prevented from reaching the seals allowing rotating movement. In the event of seal failure, a fail-safe sealing system comprising back up seals not used during normal suit operation is used to isolate the internal portions of the diving suit from water ingress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Oceanworks International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Michael Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20040051312
    Abstract: A bearing assembly for relatively moveable pipe sections in a fluid delivery system, said assembly comprising a main body (12) adapted to be connected to one end of one pipe section, the main body having in a generally radially extending annular face, a coaxial seat (16), to receive a first, generally annular bearing member (17), and a coaxial groove (18) to receive an annular seal member (19), an annular center swivel section (21) adapted to be connected to one end of a second pipe section and having on one generally radially extending face, a coaxial seat (22) to engage said first bearing member and having a second coaxial seat (23) on an opposed generally radially extending face to receive a second annular bearing member (24), said swivel section including an annular, axially extending boss (28) extending away from said main body with the opposed generally radially extending face extending radially outwardly from said boss, and a bearing end cap (26) adapted to engage around said second pipe section and be
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Geoffrey Haviland
  • Publication number: 20040046386
    Abstract: A joint device in a pipeline includes a connecting body, a joining screw nut, a connecting joint and two fixing coils. The connecting body has a connecting pipe with an end thereof being a connector and another end thereof being another connector. The first connector is provided with an annular recess and the second connector has at least two annular recesses. The joining screw nut at an end thereof is provided with internal threads and at another end thereof has a radial hole and is used for engaging with the first connector. The connecting joint at an end thereof has a radial hole corresponding to one of the annular recess on the second connector and extends outward a screw rod portion with a conical end. One of fixing coils is inserted into the annular recess on the first connector via the radial hole of the joining screw nut and the other fixing coil is inserted into one of the annular recesses on the second connector via the radial hole of the connecting joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Alex Chien, Chun-Pao Chiang
  • Publication number: 20040041395
    Abstract: A swivel coupling comprises a male member having an annular groove formed on an outer surface and a female member overlapping the male member to form a central flow passageway. An annular groove is defined at an end of the female member and the annular groove of the female member is positioned adjacent the annular groove of the male member. A locking member is movably mounted around the male and female members and an annular groove on the locking member is positioned adjacent the annular grooves of the male and female members. The grooves together define an annular ball race. A plurality of ball bearings are trapped in the ball race and the male member is rotatable relative to the female member about the ball bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Brian L. Frost
  • Patent number: 6685234
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a pair of glands having ends that seal on opposite faces of a seal member. A coupling nut assembly cooperates with the glands to urge the ends against the seal member. A torque suppression assembly is mounted on a groove of the gland to limit rotational forces from the coupling nut assembly to the gland. The torque suppression assembly includes a thrust member that engages the coupling nut assembly and a bearing member that transfers axial make-up forces from the thrust member to the gland and rotates relative to the thrust member to reduce the torque transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 6684529
    Abstract: A manually operated vehicle blow-drying device having a swingable overhead boom and an air supply hose extending down from a distal end of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: James T. Morris, Dennis D. Evans, Duane A. Kent
  • Patent number: 6595555
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a coiled tubing swivel for rotatably connecting a first conduit to a second conduit. The swivel comprises a swivel body having a cylindrical receptacle and a flowpath that communicates between the receptacle and the first conduit, a tubular mandrel having a first end that is received within the receptacle and a second end which communicates with the second conduit, and a bearing assembly positioned between the receptacle and the mandrel. The bearing assembly includes a central axis, a cylindrical outer sleeve having an inner surface and a number of annular inner grooves which are formed on the inner surface coaxially with the central axis, and a cylindrical inner sleeve having an outer surface and a number of annular outer grooves which are formed on the outer surface coaxially with the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tep Ungchusri, Steven L. Schwegman
  • Patent number: 6595551
    Abstract: A break-away lock to secure a fire hydrant water meter to a fire hydrant so as to stop thieves and dishonest building contractors from removing the water meter from the fire hydrant. The break-away lock is advantageously adapted to permit the water meter to automatically separate from the fire hydrant in the event that a pulling force is applied to a water supply hose connected between a water tanker truck and the water meter to prevent a possible unearthing of the fire hydrant should the truck inadvertently pull away from the fire hydrant without first detaching the hose from the water meter. The break-away lock includes a swivel connected to the fire hydrant, a slide-out coupler, one end of which is connected to the water meter and the opposite end of which is slideably received by the swivel, and an outer clamping shell surrounding the swivel and slide-out coupler to deny unauthorized access thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur A. Hendey
  • Patent number: 6561549
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sealing connector with variable geometry, comprising two hollow elements (2, 3) having respectively a truncated surface (22, 32) inclined at an angle (&agr;) relative to the generator (23, 33) of the element, each truncated surface (22, 32) has a circular and planar contact surface to enable the elements (2, 3) to be assembled by fixing means such that the generators (22, 23) of each element are assembled in one single point of intersection (C) so that the connection (1) may present two different angular positions when one of the two elements rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: MDC SARL
    Inventors: Claude Moris, Damien Moris, Christophe Moris
  • Patent number: 6554322
    Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a gas controller to a water heater includes a shank that is longitudinally received in a spud attached to the water heater. O-rings serve to form a water tight seal between the interior surface of the spud and the exterior surface of the shank. Slots formed in the spud and a groove formed in the shank allow the two components to be axially locked to one another with the insertion of a retainer spring clip. The spring clip is readily removable to allow the two components to be separated without the destruction of any components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Thach Duong, Raymond-Paul Joubran, Joseph Raffaelli, Kenneth N. Minkler
  • Publication number: 20030075921
    Abstract: A connector for forming a connection between the tubular end of a first fluid conveying member and a threaded end of a second fluid conveying member as a threaded portion (19, 117) for engagement with a threaded end (112) of a second fluid conveying member. The connector is provided with means (39, 141) for engaging an external circumferentially extending groove (31, 137) located on the tubular end of said first fluid conveying member. Means (23, 133) are provided for effecting sealing engagement with said threaded end of said second fluid conveying member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Davidson
  • Patent number: 6550817
    Abstract: A ball bearing swivel connectable between the output end of a fuel dispensing hose and the input end of a fuel dispensing nozzle to allow multi-plane rotation of the nozzle The swivel includes three segments, a nozzle fitting, a midsection, and a hose fitting. The end segments are joined to the midsection by ball bearing races which allow each segment to rotate 360° relative to the adjacent segment. The ball bearing races are positioned between a first and second O-ring seal to prevent dust or dirt accumulation and fuel leakage. The ball bearing races allow rotation of the swivel under increased fluid pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas O. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20030067164
    Abstract: A serviceable design for a pressure vessel or reservoir includes a removable retainer accessible from a location external to the reservoir. Many existing, commercially available components can be used with only slight modification while providing ease of access to repair/replace seal members if so desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company
    Inventors: Fred Hoffman, Leonard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030067161
    Abstract: The hydraulic swivel connector generally consists of a swivel spud that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the swivel spud preferably includes a first region with a relatively small diameter, a second region having a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the first region, and a third region having a diameter somewhat larger than the second diameter of the exterior surface of the swivel spud. The second region preferably comprises an externally disposed circumferential groove adapted to receive a snap ring. The hydraulic swivel connector also includes a connector end component that includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The connector end component is adapted to receive at least a portion of the swivel spud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Merle L. Smith, Wayne Busdiecker
  • Patent number: 6517356
    Abstract: A swivel adaptor for connection to an inlet pipe leading to a storage tank includes two swivel adaptor members, one of which is rotatably mounted on the other. A plurality of electrically conductive ball bearings are positioned in the channel formed by the swivel adaptor members. The ball bearings facilitate rotation, prevent separation of the swivel adaptor members and provide an electrical interconnection between the swivel adaptor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Philip E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6517119
    Abstract: A retainer ring connector comprised of a ring situated between matching spokes on both the male and female members of a hose coupling. The ring is contained behind the outwardly extending spokes on the male member. When the male member is inserted into the female member, spokes on the inside of the female member pass between the spokes of the male member and are forced over the ring element which compresses sufficiently to allow the spokes to pass. After the spokes of the female member pass over the compressed ring member, the ring member expands and prevents the male and female members from disengaging and backing away from each other. The spoked retainer ring connector allows for complete rotational movement with preventing the male and female members from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Bruce Thomas
  • Patent number: 6505861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel adapter-coupler that is to be positioned between a conventional fixed drop elbow on the end of a hose of a tanker truck for an underground storage tank. The other end of the swivel adapter-coupler attaches to the pipe adapter (either the fill pipe or the vapor pipe) of the underground storage tank, in the conventional quick-connect type connection. The swivel adapter-coupler permits loops and kinks in the hose to be removed by rotating the swivel adapter-coupler in the proper direction. Likewise, the invention relates to a rotatable drop elbow to replace the conventional fixed drop elbow at the end of a hose on a tanker truck. The rotatable drop elbow eliminates loops and kinks in the hose by merely rotating the drop elbow in the proper direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Syltone Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: Eric John Butterfield, Peter C. Goodier
  • Patent number: 6485064
    Abstract: A connector is forming a connection between a pipe or other item having a threaded end and a length of hose. The connector comprises an elongate hose engaging element (5) and, located thereon, a collar (35) having a threaded portion (39) for engagement with a threaded pipe end. The connector is provided with sealing means (49) for sealing between the collar and the hose engaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Oystertec Plc
    Inventor: Paul Davidson
  • Patent number: 6478342
    Abstract: A swivel coupling for attachment to a hose. The swivel coupling comprises a sleeve defining an aperture sized to received a retainer clip. The hose is formed with convolutions so that the retainer clip may be attached to the hose. When the hose is inserted into the sleeve, the retainer clip may be inserted into the aperture to secure the hose against axial movement yet the allow the hose to swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Berfield
  • Publication number: 20020135181
    Abstract: A retainer ring connector comprised of a ring situated between matching spokes on both the male and female members of a hose coupling. The ring is contained behind the outwardly extending spokes on the male member. When the male member is inserted into the female member, spokes on the inside of the female member pass between the spokes of the male member and are forced over the ring element which compresses sufficiently to allow the spokes to pass. After the spokes of the female member pass over the compressed ring member, the ring member expands and prevents the male and female members from disengaging and backing away from each other. The spoked retainer ring connector allows for complete rotational movement with preventing the male and female members from separating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Bruce Thomas
  • Patent number: 6435232
    Abstract: A proximal end of a coolant nozzle is inserted into a large-diameter portion provided at an end of a shaft's coolant passage. The coolant nozzle is urged toward the distal end thereof, by a coil spring, and is prevented from coming out, by a stopper screw. Provided at the distal end face of the coolant nozzle is an O-ring, as a sealing member, that contacts to the periphery of an opening to a coolant passage of a tool holder. The O-ring may be easily replaced because the O-ring can be removed together with the coolant nozzle after the removal of the stopper screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Tanigawa
  • Publication number: 20020079700
    Abstract: A fast rotation joint is disclosed. The fast rotation joint is engaged between a machine body and a joint of the transferring flexible tube. The fast rotation joint includes mainly a first main body, a second main body, and a third main body. A drain-preventing pad is illustrated between the first main body and the second main body. The drain-preventing pad is used to prevent air from drainage so that the pressure will be insufficient. A plurality of rollers are mounted between the second main body and the - :third main body for preventing the deformation from the engagement of the machine body with the transferring flexible tube so as to increase the lifetime of the transferring flexible tube and the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Wen Hua Lu, Tzu-Chuan Tien
  • Patent number: 6409227
    Abstract: A fast rotation joint is disclosed. The fast rotation joint is engaged between a machine body and a joint of the transferring flexible tube. The fast rotation joint includes mainly a first main body, a second main body, and a third main body. A drain-preventing pad is illustrated between the first main body and the second main body. The drain-preventing pad is used to prevent air from drainage so that the pressure will be insufficient. A plurality of rollers are mounted between the second main body and the third main body for preventing the deformation from the engagement of the machine body with the transferring flexible tube so as to increase the lifetime of the transferring flexible tube and the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Wen Hua Lu, Tzu-Chuan Tien
  • Publication number: 20020043803
    Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit swivel connector. The connector includes concentric, aligned outer and inner races and a plurality of bearing elements contained in an annular roller track defined between the races. The bearing elements hold the outer and inner races captive while allowing them to be freely, relatively rollable. A first tubular connecting stub is fast with the outer race and provides a first connector for connection to a conduit, and a second tubular connecting stub is fast with the inner race and provides a second connector for connecting to a conduit. The connector includes an integral cover which is received over the outer race, and an inner liner extending substantially through the connecting stubs. The invention extends to a pool cleaner, to a pump suction line for a pool cleaner installation, and also to a pool cleaner installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Clemens Kietzmann
  • Patent number: 6371527
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a swivel joint for fluid conduits which comprises a central axis; a tubular male member having an outer annular surface, a first end and at least first and second outer annular grooves formed on the outer surface coaxial with the central axis; a tubular female member having an inner annular recess, an annular shoulder formed at an inner end of the recess and at least first and second inner annular grooves formed on the recess coaxial with the central axis; wherein the outer surface of the male member is adapted to be received in the recess of the female member such that the first end is disposed proximate the shoulder and each outer groove is aligned with a corresponding inner groove to thereby define at least first and second annular races; a plurality of balls disposed in each race to secure said male and female members together and to facilitate relative rotation of the male and female members about the central axis; wherein the radius of each race as measured from the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Tep Ungchusri, Sergio A. Castillo
  • Publication number: 20020024219
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a pair of glands having ends that seal on opposite faces of a seal member. A coupling nut assembly cooperates with the glands to urge the ends against the seal member. A torque suppression assembly is mounted on a groove of the gland to limit rotational forces from the coupling nut assembly to the gland. The torque suppression assembly includes a thrust member that engages the coupling nut assembly and a bearing member that transfers axial make-up forces from the thrust member to the gland and rotates relative to the thrust member to reduce the torque transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 6299219
    Abstract: A hydraulic swivel, the hydraulic swivel including a female component that is capable of being placed in fluid connection with a first line, a male component rotatably positioned within the female component and capable of being placed in fluid connection with a second line, the male component having one or more radial surfaces proximate the female component and the female component having one or more radial surfaces proximate the male component, and one or more split rings, at least one split ring located in a radial recess defined by one of the radial surfaces of at least the male component or the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Remanco Hydraulics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Hoegger
  • Patent number: 6217083
    Abstract: A swivel fitting is provided for use on a riser line associated with the underground storage tank of gasoline service stations. The swivel fitting includes an adapter sleeve that attaches to the riser line and a swivel sleeve with a quick release fitting for use in removably attaching a product transfer hose as is typically used to transfer product to the underground storage tank from a tanker truck. The adapter and swivel sleeves are rotatably coupled by a plurality of ball bearings to permit smooth rotation of the quick release fitting with respect to the riser line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6164707
    Abstract: A fluid-carrying swivel joint has a stepped bearing race arrangement on interconnecting hubs having an improved bore seal capability. The stepped arrangement allows more ball bearings per adjacent race which allows equal distribution of hydrostatic end loading to each bearing race, thereby enabling maximum total end loading while minimizing load concentration on a particular bearing race section due to increased total ball and race contact area. A straight bore type seal is used to reduce surface area subject to axial pressure and to minimize rotational friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Tep Ungchusri, Sergio A. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6145889
    Abstract: A rotary joint comprises: a joint main body constructed of a casing (1) and a housing (3); and, a rotary body (8) inserted in the joint main body and rotatably mounted therein. In the joint: a part of an outer peripheral surface of the rotary body (8) serves as a corresponding inner race of a sliding bearing; and, the sliding bearing rotatably supports the rotary body (8), and constructed of the corresponding inner race (11) and a corresponding outer race (10) incorporated in the housing (3). The sliding bearing (10, 11) may be constructed of: a plurality of units of thin-width sliding bearings; or, a single unit of a thick-width sliding bearing. A pin (12) is pounded into the joint and engaged with both the outer race (10) and the housing (3), whereby the outer race (10) is prevented from rotating in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., LTD
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imai
  • Patent number: 6126207
    Abstract: A self-supported rotary joint for introducing a heating or cooling medium, such as steam or water, into a rotating drying or cooling drum. The rotary joint is supported upon the drum structure by a rotating bearing housing whose bearings support the stationary nipple. The nipple supports the stationary rotary joint body head, and the stationary syphon support tube which supports the stationary syphon structure inside the drum. To prevent damage to the hoses supplying steam or water to the joint body head, and removing condensate or water from the joint, in the event of bearing seizure causing rotating of the nipple, the joint body head is mounted upon the nipple outer end by frangible connectors in the form of shear pins which prevent excessive torque being imposed on the joint body head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: The Johnson Corporation
    Inventor: Alan T. Ives
  • Patent number: 6086112
    Abstract: A fluid swivel coupling device for rotatably interconnecting a pair of fluid conduits. The coupling device includes a plastic swivel housing forming an internal cavity and a fluidly connected first port. The internal cavity includes a cylindrical inner surface having an annular housing retention groove and a spaced apart annular seal groove. A plastic tubular second swivel body portion extends between an internal end and a second port. The internal end is rotatably seated within the internal cavity and includes an annular retention groove opposing the housing retention groove and an annular seal groove opposing the seal groove within the housing. The second swivel body portion is fluidly connected with the first port to define an all plastic fluid passageway between the first and second ports. An annular seal is seated within the internal cavity between the opposing seal grooves for preventing fluid from leaking out of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: Alan P. Schofield, John W. Kosty, Jon Maynard Lenhert
  • Patent number: 6082783
    Abstract: A hose connecting structure includes a hose whose central and engaging portion having a thermal flexibility resin which is molded by a blow molding method and a mating member which is inserted into the edge opening of the hose. The hose connecting structure further includes a ring-shaped sealing material and a first engaging portion which is disposed in the axial direction by a predetermined distance to the sealing material at either the edge portion of the hose or the mating member and second engaging portion which is directly or indirectly engaged with the first engaging portion at either the edge portion of the hose or the mating member. The central and the engaging portion of the hose connecting structure includes a thermal flexibility resin which is molded by a blow molding method. Therefore, the most suitable soft and hard resin for the appropriate portion can be used. When the engaging portion with the mating member and the central portion are molded integrally, the working efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Kawasaki, Atsuo Miyajima, Hiroyuki Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6062605
    Abstract: In a weldless joint 13, screwing a fastening member 13 into a joint body allows two pipes to move closer to each other in an axial direction without rotating. The two pipes can be thus connected without welded. Packings and disposed in the joint body prevent the leakage of gas through the contact surfaces of the pipes and, further, the leakage of gas from the inside of the joint body to the outside thereof. Accordingly, no packing or sealing element is needed on the periphery of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Goshima, Hiroshi Itafuji, Shigenobu Nishida
  • Patent number: 6056325
    Abstract: An improved ratcheting tool swivel body assembly which would include a swivel body having a principal body portion, and a threaded port extending outward from the wall of the stem body, the stem body would further include a continuous opening therethrough, for receiving an elongated stem member, the stem member including a port through the stem member, for allowing fluid to flow between the port and the stem member and the threaded port of the swivel body. The stem member would include a first end having a threaded male end for threadably engaging to the hydraulic fluid source of the torque wrench, and a second end terminating in a hex head portion which is engaged against the upper end of the swivel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Francis Torq/Lite
    Inventor: William P. Bernard
  • Patent number: 6053539
    Abstract: A swivel fitting is provided for use on the riser line associated with the underground storage tank of gasoline service stations. The swivel fitting includes an adapter sleeve that attaches to the riser line by a standard threaded connection. A swivel sleeve includes a fill adapter fitting for use in removably attaching a product transfer hose as is typically used to transfer product to the underground storage tank from a tanker truck. The swivel sleeve is sleeved to the adapter sleeve to permit rotation of the fill adapter fitting with respect to the riser line. A pair of bearing surfaces and a bearing between the swivel sleeve and the adapter sleeve allow smooth rotation of the swivel sleeve with respect to the adapter sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6007105
    Abstract: A swivel seal assembly is defined for providing sealed high pressure fluid communication between relatively rotatable generally coaxial conduits where dynamic runout and static misalignment may occur to one conduit relative to the other. A generally tubular washpipe is mounted in pivotally articulating relation to one conduit, and a generally tubular seal housing is telescoped over the washpipe and mounted in pivotally articulating relation to the other conduit. High pressure, staged rotary seals are supported by the seal housing and maintain bearing and sealing engagement with the washpipe so that the seal housing and washpipe articulate in unison in response to said static misalignment and dynamic runout, thereby virtually eliminating relative lateral motion between the seal housing and washpipe and minimizing rotary seal extrusion damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Kalsi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Lannie Dietle, Manmohan S. Kalsi
  • Patent number: 6003907
    Abstract: A rotating joint for pressure hoses has a plug-in part (1) with a hollow pin (4) that projects into and is sealed against a receiving part (2). The rotating joint also has a rolling bearing, in particular a ball bearing, that has an outer race joined to the receiving part (2) and a inner race joined to the plug-in part (1), as well as two coaxially-arranged elastically biased angular ball bearings (K1 and K2). The angular ball bearings are biased by a thrust collar (21) under pressure, which is slipped onto the hollow pin (4) coaxially to the receiving part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Stolco Stoltenberg-Lerche GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gunter Gau, Jochen Seelbach
  • Patent number: 5992898
    Abstract: A quick-connect assembly that includes a hollow tubular fitting having axially spaced ends and an outer surface with at least one circumferential groove or channel. A tubular conduit of plastic-coated electrically conductive composition is received over one end of the fitting and is magnetically deformed so as to extend into the channel on the fitting adjacent to the one fitting end for fastening the conduit to the fitting. A coupling is rotatably mounted on the opposing end of the fitting for fastening the fitting to a mating coupling, and carries an elastomeric seal in sliding engagement with the conduit or the fitting for preventing leakage of fluid through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Echlin, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K Saylor
  • Patent number: 5947530
    Abstract: Live swivel coupling has a hollow first housing and a hollow second housing, each of which is open on opposing ends in a main axial direction. The first has a generally radially symmetrical inner surface and an indentation in the inner surface, and the second has a generally radially symmetrical outer surface and an indentation in the outer surface. The indentations are for retaining a rotatable bearing set of one or more rotatable bearings when the first and second housings are coupled. The rotatable bearing set also serves as a retaining device to hold the first and second couplings together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kat Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Harle
  • Patent number: 5944364
    Abstract: Live swivel coupling device has a hollow first housing and a hollow second housing, each of which is open on opposing ends in a main axial direction. The first has a generally radially symmetrical inner surface, an indentation in the inner surface, and an internal, gasket-holding extension; the second has a generally radially symmetrical outer surface to relate with the inner surface of the first housing and an indentation in the outer surface. The indentations are for retaining the rotatable bearing set when the first and second housings are coupled. At least one rotatable bearing makes up a rotatable bearing set which also serves as a retaining device to hold the housings together in the main axial direction when the housings are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kat Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Harle
  • Patent number: 5873387
    Abstract: A faucet spout mounting assembly includes a spout having an elongated tubular portion. There is a spout hub having a cavity, with an end of the spout tubular portion being positioned within the cavity and rotatable relative thereto. There is a water passage in the hub communicating with the cavity. The spout hub has exterior threads thereon and there is a spout nut threadedly engaging the spout hub and extending along the spout elongated tubular portion and beyond the spout hub. There is a recess in the spout nut facing the spout elongated tubular portion and a spring member is positioned within that recess. The spring member has spaced portions thereon, some of which bear against the spout nut and some of which bear against the spout elongated tubular portion, to thereby restrain radial movement between the spout and the spout nut while providing no essential increase in resistance to rotary movement of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric M. Weber, Mark C. Fenn
  • Patent number: 5865477
    Abstract: A fixing structure for use in a combination tap having a water discharging device, an engaging seat, a big fixing nut, a combination tap, a bolt, a nut, and two ring washers. The water discharging device is provided with a three-staged section at one end wherein three consecutive small, mid, and large stages are arranged from top to bottom defining the interior wall thereof. The upper section of the engaging seat having a protruding ring flange, two locating rib plates and two water stopper rings disposed thereon can be mounted onto the three-staged section of the water discharging device with the two water stopper rings being abutted against the small stage, the two locating rib plates against the mid-stage, and the protruding ring flange against the large stage of the three-staged section of the water discharging pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Chung Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Chia Ko
  • Patent number: 5851034
    Abstract: A pipe swivel joint comprises a female conduit element and a male conduit element rotatably engaging the female conduit element. A removable plug within the female conduit element maintains a main seal in proper position for bridging a clearance between the female and male conduit elements. The plug is easily removed once the main seal is to be replaced, and is installed back in place once the main seal has been replaced, thereby avoiding dismantling of the swivel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Assen Exports Inc.
    Inventor: Jayesh Shah
  • Patent number: 5845944
    Abstract: A coupling for pressurized medium comprising a stud member and a socket member, the stud member and the socket member are mutually locked together in a completely coupled position by a locking ring which engages with circumferential locking ring grooves in the stud and socket member, two sealing rings sealingly engage the stud member and socket member and the stud member and socket member have second grooves into which a safety ring is fitted, the second groove in the socket member has a larger axial extent than the safety ring so that when the locking ring is engaged in the locking ring grooves, the safety ring is not effective to retain the stud and socket members together but is only effective prior to the locking ring engaging the locking ring grooves when the stud and socket members are incompletely coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Raufoss Technology A/S
    Inventors: Jens Olav Enger, Kjell Villanger
  • Patent number: 5839764
    Abstract: An air line connector includes a hose block having first and second passageways disposed in flow communication; a connector block having third and fourth passageways disposed in flow communication; a pivot member having opposite ends rotatably received within the second and third for pivotally connecting the hose and connector blocks; a connector member having one end rotatably received within the fourth passageway; first and second attaching arrangements for connecting the ends of the pivot member to the hose and connector blocks to prevent separating movement of such blocks axially of the pivot member; and a third attaching arrangement for connecting the connector member to the connector block. The first attaching arrangement may include a locking pin supported by the hose block for engagement with the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Dynabrade, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 5816624
    Abstract: The hose end conduit swivel connector consists of a first conduit, adapted to be connected for example to a filler hose, and terminating in a bell-like housing within which resides a nipple with ball bearing rotation permitted between the two. Thus a pair of aligned conduits are provided with relative 360 degree rotation between the nipple and the housing. Leakage of fluid being transmitted through the connector is prevented by two sealing faces, one being located on a annular stationary seal member retained in the housing, which cooperates with a corresponding sealing face on an opposed rotating metallic seal. The sealing faces are carefully lapped so that leakage is substantially prevented from the interior of the conduits. A thrust plate and wave spring are interposed between the swivel connector and the nipple to cushion shock to the connector should the connector be accidently dropped or otherwise misused to prevent damage to the seals and the other components comprising the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Walter W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5797627
    Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: Peter W. Salter, James N. Curti, Duane D. Kazal, Laurence McGann