With Latch Or Lock Patents (Class 285/29)
  • Patent number: 10648694
    Abstract: The invention provides an HVAC duct having an inner composite tube and an outer composite tube. The inner composite tube has an interior metal wall, a primary foam wall, and an exterior metal wall. The outer composite tube has an interior metal wall, a secondary foam wall, and an exterior metal wall. In certain embodiments, the inner composite tube is nested inside the outer composite tube in an end-offset configuration. In these embodiments, the first end of the duct defines a male detent having a radially-outward-facing metal engagement face projecting beyond the interior metal wall of the outer composite tube, whereas the second end of the duct defines a female detent having a radially-inward-facing metal engagement face projecting beyond the exterior metal wall of the inner composite tube. Also provided is an HVAC ductwork assembly wherein two ducts of the described nature are connected in an advantageous end-to-end manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AQC INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sterling P. Minter, James M. Lubratt
  • Patent number: 9375520
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8881830
    Abstract: A riser pipe section (4) is disclose for offshore well drilling operations comprising a main tube element (6) having as an extension a male connector element (10) and a female connector element (9) comprising a first series of tenons. At least one auxiliary tube element (7) is secured to the male connector element (10) and to the female connector element (9) so that the main tube element (6) and the auxiliary tube element (7) jointly transmit tensile stresses between the male connector element (10) and the female connector element (9). A locking ring is mounted on the male connector element and the ring comprises a second series of tenons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: GĂ©rard Papon, Emmanuel Persent
  • Patent number: 8567209
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Kyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8434318
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a body defining a storage space; a door selectively shielding the storage space; a container connecting part disposed in the storage space or the door; a water supply container separably coupled to the container connecting part, the water supply container including an opening for injecting water; an ice making device for making ice using the water supplied from the water supply container; a water supply passage fluidly connecting the water supply container to the ice making device, the water supply passage extending in an inside direction of the water supply container; and a pump connected to the water supply passage to supply the water within the water supply container into the ice making device. According to the refrigerator, installation cost is reduced, and quality and reliability are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sung Kyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8251405
    Abstract: A pressurized water container for water fountains, ponds, swimming pools, and aquariums has at least two housing parts and at least one seal arranged between the at least two housing parts, wherein the at least two housing parts are connectable to one another in a lockable way. The at least two housing parts have projections and matching recesses, wherein the projections engage the recesses and, by a displacement of the at least two housing parts relative to one another in opposite directions, they are lockable on one another and releasable from one another when reversing the displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: OASE GmbH
    Inventor: Dominik Brune
  • Publication number: 20120006555
    Abstract: A connector is lowered onto and secured to a subsea member, effecting a seal between subsea member and the connector. The connector includes an outer body defining a cavity, and an inner body defining a bore, wherein the lower end of the inner body resides within the cavity. The connector also includes an engaging member coupled to the outer body and adapted to engage the subsea device, the engaging member radially movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The connector includes a seal carried by the inner body and adapted to form a seal between the bore and the subsea device. Finally, the connector includes a pre-loading member coupled to the outer body, operable to urge the inner body and seal against the subsea device to exert a pre-loading force on the seal. A differential pressure between the bore and a subsea environment energizes the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fraser, John G. Landthrip, Eric D. Larson, Sara N. Riddle, Dale Norman, Jamie C. Gamble, Satish N. Ramasheshaiah, James R. Reams
  • Patent number: 7717471
    Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Langenfeld, Matthew N. Westendorf, Neal W. Westendorf, James Curtis Stender, Mitch Gibler
  • Publication number: 20100013213
    Abstract: A connecting structure for an integration panel and a fluid device which, in order to promote integration of fluid pipes, can be further compactified is provided. In a concentric double flow path type connecting structure, an integration panel 1 and a valve 2 are connected to each other in a sealed state via inner and outer annular gaskets G1, G2 while pipe-like fluid passages 3a, 7 and annular fluid passages 4a, 8 are concentrically arranged. Annular projections 11, 21, 31, 41 are formed on fluid supply/discharge port portions 1A, 2A made of a fluororesin, and annular grooves 51, 61 are formed in the gaskets G1, G2 made of a fluororesin. A joined state where the annular projections and the annular grooves are fitted to each other to form a fitting sealing portion 10 is held by holding means I for attracting together the fluid supply/discharge port portions 1A, 2A and maintaining the attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Masayoshi Katsura
  • Publication number: 20090302597
    Abstract: A liquid tank connector for preventing leakage of contents in a liquid tank when removing a socket from a plug fixed to the liquid tank is provided. The liquid tank connector which includes a plug to be fixed to a liquid tank where liquid is stored, a socket which is able to be connected and disconnected with respect to the plug, and a sleeve for releasing a connected state between the plug and the socket by a relative movement with respect to the socket, and in which a liquid flow channels and gas flow channels are formed in a liquid deliverable state in which the plug and the socket are connected, and which includes: a cock which forms a gas flow channel in the liquid deliverable state, and the relative movement of the sleeve is controlled by the position of the cock in the liquid deliverable state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Takanohashi, Masahiro Hasunuma
  • Publication number: 20090102182
    Abstract: A connection apparatus. The apparatus comprises a wing mandrel having a first check valve disposed within an inner bore of the wing mandrel, a thread mandrel abutting the wing mandrel, with the thread mandrel having outer threads and a second check valve disposed within an inner bore of the thread mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a latch dog carrier disposed about the wing mandrel and the thread mandrel, with the latch dog carrier having a plurality of dogs, wherein the dogs having an inner portion with threads and an outer portion with outer ribs. The apparatus further contains a shell partially disposed about the latch dog carrier, with the shell having inner ribs, and wherein the inner ribs of the shell engage the outer ribs of the dogs. The apparatus further comprises a hydraulic port configured to deliver hydraulic fluid to the latch dog carrier so that the shell moves relative to the latch dog carrier in order to disconnect. A method of releasing a union is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Gazewood
  • Publication number: 20090051161
    Abstract: Multiconnector for hoses (9) or the like for media under pressure, comprising a first and a second connection element (3?, 3?); the multiconnector (1) comprises first and second male parts (21?, 21?) and first and second female parts (23?, 23?); one of the connection elements (3?) comprises a female part (23?) that comprises a locking sleeve (17), that is spring-loaded towards a locked position, in which position the locking sleeve (17) holds a ball catch (52) in an engaged position for locking the male part (21?) in the female part (23?) in a connected position; the locking sleeve (17) can be moved against the spring-loading in a direction (p) away from the male part (21?) for releasing the first connection element (3?) from the second connection element (3?). The locking sleeve (17) of the female part (23?) is associated with an operating device (29) for the said releasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Bo Erik NYBERG
    Inventor: Jorgen Ekstrom
  • Patent number: 7021668
    Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Langenfeld, Matthew N. Westerndorf, Neal W. Westerndorf, James Curtis Stender, Mitch Gibler
  • Patent number: 6902199
    Abstract: A subsea connector is remotely actuated to connect a subsea flowline to a subsea connector hub. The connector has a frame with a tubular mandrel located within it. The mandrel connects to the flowline and has a forward end that engages the connector end. The mandrel moves axially relative to the frame between retracted and extended positions. A lock member on the forward end of the mandrel will engage the profile of the connector hub. An actuator mounted to the mandrel causes the lock member to move into engagement with the connector hub after the mandrel has been moved into engagement with the connector hub. A portable telescoping jack assembly has an ROV interface for receiving power from the ROV. The jack assembly fits within a first pocket in the frame to move the mandrel to the extended position. The jack assembly is retrievable from the first pocket and fits within a second pocket in the frame to move the actuator and the lock member into locking engagement with the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Offshore Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Angus N. Colyer, Jon E. Hed
  • Patent number: 6682107
    Abstract: A connector for connecting two tubular members has a pin and a box, the box having a bore that receives the pin in stabbing engagement. The bore having a grooved profile, and a split lock ring mounted to the pin, the lock ring snapping into engagement with the grooved profile in the box when the box and pin are stabbed together to lock the tubular members together. An annular wedge shoulder is located on the pin axially spaced apart and facing a rim on the box. The wedge shoulder and rim are inclined relative to each other, resulting in a closer axial distance between them at outer diameters of the pin and box than farther inward. An annular recess is located on the pin at an inner portion of the wedge shoulder, the recess having an inner wall facing outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Rockford Dee Lyle
  • Patent number: 6598279
    Abstract: A multiple connection socket assembly for operatively associating semiconductor device fabrication equipment with a plurality of external facilities. The multiple connection socket assembly includes a connective structure configured to substantially simultaneously connect at least two different external facilities selected from a power supply, a computer, a vacuum, a chemical source, a source of water vapor, a source of liquid water, a pressurized air source, a hydraulic fluid source, and a ventilation system. The connective structure itself may include interconnectable first and second members with corresponding connector elements disposed on the faces of each member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5769461
    Abstract: A releasable connection assembly couples fluid supply lines in a printing machine with the use of first and second coupling parts. The first coupling part is part of a subassembly fastened to the printing machine frame and adapted for pivotal movement about the frame. The second coupling part is arranged on a movable assembly, such as a washing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Joerg Hildebrandt, Joachim Olek, Herbert Schoppe, Helmut Schild
  • Patent number: 5624075
    Abstract: A fixing device for a spraying device for fixing a spraying device (2) to a support (6), especially to an arm of a robot is disclosed. A mechanical quick-fixing device (16, 18, 20, 22, 26) and a pneumatic tensioning device (10, 12, 14) are provided in combination in such a way that the spraying device (2) may be quickly fixed mechanically to the support (6) or removed from it by the quick-fixing device, and that the spraying device (2), as long as it is mechanically fixed to the support (6), is pneumatically tensioned or biased relative to the support (6) by the pneumatic tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: ITW Oberflachentechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Dankert
  • Patent number: 5362108
    Abstract: An passive automatic fluid coupler mechanism utilizes the relative motion between a pallet and a pallet support to operate a self-locking, quick disconnect coupling thereby connecting and disconnecting a fluid path between the pallet and the rotating table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: LeBlond Makino Machine Tool Co.
    Inventor: Scott Hrvatin
  • Patent number: 5249830
    Abstract: Device for locking two coaxial tubes designed to be fitted into each other, comprising a longitudinal tab which is elastically flexible in the radial direction, connected to the outer tube and presenting at least one area capable of coming into axial abutment, once the two tubes have been fitted together, with a shoulder provided in register on the outer face of the inner tube and projecting radially with respect thereto. The wall of the outer tube 2 presents a groove 5, open at the end of the tube, whose lateral edges are parallel to the axis of the tube. The outer face of the inner tube 1 presents two radially projecting guide surfaces, said surfaces being parallel to the axis of the tube and spaced apart from each other by a distance substantially equal to the one separating the lateral edges of &he groove of the outer tube, whilst the free end of the locking tab 7 is located substantially in the transverse plane of the end of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Lionel Calmettes, Pascal Detable
  • Patent number: 5141157
    Abstract: A pop-up sprinkler having a nozzle housing threadably coupled to a pop-up stem, and including an axially projecting tab formed on the upper end of the stem which cooperates with spaced ribs formed on the inside of the nozzle housing to prevent over tightening of the nozzle housing relative to the stem during assembly and which resists unthreading of the nozzle housing from the stem to prevent vandals from unthreading the nozzle housing from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Anthony Mfg. Corp., Industrial Div.
    Inventors: Joseph U. Han, Hendrik Amirkhanjan, Christopher M. Moralez
  • Patent number: 5092364
    Abstract: A push-to-connect, pull-to-disconnect ball detent coupling has a socket, a plug, detent balls carried by the socket for holding the plug in coaxial coupled relation, and a collar with two interlocking sleeves forming a channel. The channel receives a spring biased plunger for moving the collar to actuate the detent balls. The collar is biased so that when the socket and plug are disconnected, the ball detents are not maintained in a fixed position. The plug enters the socket through an orifice in the plunger and engages the balls and the plunger to compress the plunger spring. On further insertion of the plug into the socket, the retaining balls move inwardly into an annular groove on the plug and release the collar. The compressed spring then causes the collar to snap so that a projecting shoulder on the inner sleeve of the collar holds the balls in place in the annular groove in the plug and the socket and plug are locked in coupling engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Perfecting Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 4905938
    Abstract: A robotic connector or interface includes a roughly conical male member in which the conical side may be concave. The male member includes a radial indexing pin, and a central bore in which polarized electrical connectors are located. A mating female member includes a cavity with a fundus and movable peripheral lips adapted for grasping the base of the male member when engaged for drawing the male member into full mating relation with the cavity. A tapered slot in the side of the female member guides the index pin to impart rotational forces so that mating can take place even if the approach is skewed. The electrical connectors are mounted on a separately indexed, spring loaded connector plate at the fundus of the cavity. A motor-driven linkage operates the peripheral lip members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew Braccio, David W. Gross, John J. Zimmer, Jack R. Badura
  • Patent number: 4880257
    Abstract: A pressure compensation multi tubular safety joint for use with tubular sections is disclosed wherein a weak link is included that causes the joint to separate under axial load before permanent damage is done to the tubular sections but which compensates for pressure changes in the tubular sections. The joint includes two members, one of which has means for permitting the separation under conditions where the load is only partially axial. The joint further includes means for pre-stressing the joint to relieve the load on the weak link while the joint is lowered into position and further means for relieving the pre-stress through the flowing fluid in the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Max Bassett
    Inventor: Marvin L. Holbert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4630847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple tube connector (60). The multiple tube connector (60) includes two substantially identical first and second connector housings (62, 64). The first and second connector housings (62, 64) include an aperture (65) coaxially positioned therein. The aperture (65) includes a plurality of inwardly projecting, evenly spaced apart and substantially identical splines (88) defining key ways (90) therebetween. A locking spindle (66) is rotatably mounted in one of the first and second connector housings (62, 64). The locking spindle (66) includes evenly spaced apart, outwardly projecting and substantially identical splines (92) defining key ways (96) therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Blenkush
  • Patent number: 4568110
    Abstract: A multiple coupling with plate-shaped coupling halves in which the fluid-conducting spigot and hub parts of the individual couplings are fastened. The coupling halves are held pin-centered with respect to each other and detachably to each other in coupling position by a locking-ball interlock such that a plug projection of one coupling half enters into a socket opening of the other coupling half. The plug projection is held in the socket opening by locking balls which can be released by displacement of an interlock sleeve into the open position. The plug projection which is arranged approximately concentrically to the one coupling half is provided at its end with a grip of smaller cross section for a pull member developed preferably in the form of a rope, which passes through the socket opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Carl Kurt Walther GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Momberg
  • Patent number: 4490073
    Abstract: A connector for coupling a plurality of flowlines in a catenary bundle in fluid-flow relationship with a plurality of wellheads supported on a submerged buoyant support. The connector comprises a first member that is rigidly coupled to the submerged support, has a plurality of conduits extending therefrom to the wellheads, and has an open-ended member with a rotational orientation member therein; and a second member that is coupled to the end of the flowline bundle, is receivable on the first member and has an elongated stinger thereon receivable in the annular open-ended member on the first connector member. The stinger has a second orientation member for mating with the orientation member in the open-ended member. Run from the surface through the open-ended member and attached to the end of the stinger is a hauling wireline used to bring the first and second connector members into engagement, at which time they are rotationally oriented and locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Armco Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Lawson
  • Patent number: 4340117
    Abstract: Underwater well apparatus in which the handling string for manipulating a handling tool to, e.g., orient and land a multiple string tubing hanger includes a power portion in the form of a single metal piece having a plain cylindrical outer surface to be presented to the blowout protectors, so that orientation of the handling string relative to the protectors is not necessary, and also having through passages for communicating with the tubing strings, and coupling means for attaching the handling tool to the handling string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Armco Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Lawson
  • Patent number: 4333531
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for multiple well completion, in which a multiple string tubing hanger or like component is equipped with a gapped flange to accept dependent splines on the handling tool and on the production upper body to establish precise orientation of the production upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: Armco Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Lawson
  • Patent number: 3973625
    Abstract: An improved underwater connection apparatus is provided for selectively making fluid connection between a Christmas tree flowline and a flowline extending underwater from surface storage facilities, the storage flowline being pulled into a position of partial alignment with the Christmas tree flowline by a wireline device and completely axially aligned by a remotely operable hydraulic mechanism, the two flowlines being thereafter secured together for fluid transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1976
    Assignee: Vetco Offshore Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 3968838
    Abstract: An improved underwater connection apparatus is provided for selectively making fluid connection between a Christmas tree flowline and a flowline extending underwater from surface storage facilities, the storage flowline being pulled into a position of partial alignment with the Christmas tree flowline by a wireline device and completely axially aligned by a remotely operable hydraulic mechanism, the two flowlines being thereafter secured together for fluid transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1976
    Assignee: Vetco Offshore Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benton F. Baugh
  • Patent number: 3946805
    Abstract: The establishment of control of a stack of underwater well head equipment is achieved by preliminarily positioning a locating means at the well head, and then:A. lowering to the well head first and second connector means and effecting reception thereof by the locating means so that the first and second connector means extend in laterally spaced apart relation as determined by the locating means, andB. lowering to the well head crossover third and fourth connector means and effecting generally vertical coupling thereof to the previously located first and second connector means respectively, for operatively interconnecting the first and second connector means via the crossover connector means.The first connector means typically has control line communication with a surface control station, and the second connector means typically has control communication with equipment in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1976
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventor: Charles P. Peterman