Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
  • Patent number: 11946233
    Abstract: A sensing assembly of a hydrant can include a sensor housing defining a housing cavity, the sensor housing distinct from a stem of the hydrant and configured to be removably coupled to the stem; a sensor located within the housing cavity; at least one battery in electrical communication with the sensor and located within the housing cavity; and an antenna in electrical communication with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno
  • Patent number: 11946579
    Abstract: A multi-part connector assembly is provided which realises a compact snap coupling between a hose (40) and a pipe socket (50) with only a single potential leaking position and requiring only a minimum number of parts: a first retaining member (10), a second retaining member (20) and a sealing element (30) sandwiched therebetween in the axial direction of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Oetiker Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Morgan Ryman
  • Patent number: 11946236
    Abstract: A drain trap assembly for sanitary appliances allows a worker to conveniently and swiftly perform assembly for installation and disassembly for maintenance and repair, without use of a separate tool, since a drain trap has a one-touch connection with an inlet pipe and/or an outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: IB KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Geum Jin Hwang
  • Patent number: 11898676
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a quick-connect fitting that provides a leak-proof connection between two components of a waterway. The quick-connect fitting of the present disclosure is releasable and reusable for disconnecting and reconnecting the waterway connection. Moreover, the quick-connect fitting further comprises an audible identifier which identifies the quick-connect fitting has secured the waterway components to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Scott Raymond Gardner, Earl Christian, Donald Currey, Grandin Rushlander, Jay Burnett
  • Patent number: 11892109
    Abstract: When a pipe is inserted into a connector main body of a quick connector, first leg parts of a retainer are deformed and expanded by pressing force in the axial direction on tapered surfaces of the first leg parts caused by an annular protrusion of the pipe, and the annular protrusion of the pipe can pass through the first leg parts in the insertion direction. When the pipe releases from the normal position, the retainer moves in a prescribed direction from a standard position, the first leg parts make contact with a first guide of the connector main body, and the first leg parts are deformed so as to expand, and due to the deformation and expansion of the first leg parts the annular protrusion of the pipe can pass through the first leg parts in the release direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Sumitomo Riko Company Limited
    Inventors: Ryousuke Kanegae, Yorihiro Takimoto, Yoshitsugu Imanishi
  • Patent number: 11867328
    Abstract: A plug-in connection system for fluid-conducting components of fire extinguishing systems that has a first component having an outer peripheral surface and a first recess in the peripheral surface, and a second component having an inner peripheral surface and a second recess in the inner peripheral surface, wherein the first and the second component can be plugged into one another such that the recesses lie opposite one another and define a locking element channel. A locking element which can be inserted into the locking element channel until an interlock position is reached and at least part of which engages in both recesses in the interlock position. A locking element safety device is provided for reversibly releasably securing the locking element on the first and/or second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Felberg, Wolfgang Habitzl
  • Patent number: 11859738
    Abstract: A coupling nut for sealingly engaging a ferrule of a fluid line to a component of a hydraulic system, has: a shank extending along a central axis and having threads to engage a nipple, the threads extending circumferentially around the central axis, the shank defining an inner passage extending along the central axis and sized to receive the fluid line; and a head extending from the shank circumferentially around the inner passage relative to the central axis, the head: defining faces circumferentially distributed about the central axis and edges at junctions between the faces, the faces including torque-transmitting faces each facing a direction having a circumferential component relative to the central axis, and having a cross-section in a plane normal to the central axis, the cross-section defining a plurality of symmetry planes containing the central axis, the torque-transmitting faces free of intersection with the plurality of symmetry planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Gerard Theriault, Hubert Marcotte, Gilles Fournier
  • Patent number: 11821394
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus to be mounted in a vehicle includes an injector, a rear delivery pipe and a front delivery pipe connected to the injector, and a fixed flange that is provided in the rear delivery pipe to fix the rear delivery pipe to a PCU. The fixed flange includes a cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignees: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Nobutaka Teshima, Tetsuji Aishima
  • Patent number: 11806198
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument comprises a shaft comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a wall extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the wall surrounding an interior of the shaft. A transmission housing is located at the proximal end of the shaft and the shaft is rotatably coupled to the transmission housing. An actuator in the transmission housing is operably coupled to actuate rotation of the shaft. A port accessible from an exterior of the transmission housing is configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid supply. A manifold in the transmission housing comprises an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in fluid communication with the port, the outlet being in fluid communication with the interior of the shaft at the proximal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: S. Christopher Anderson, William J. Park, Denise Ponganis
  • Patent number: 11795777
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for securing a component, such as a sealing element, to a tubular member, such as a mandrel, of a downhole tool. In at least one example, a retaining ring is used to secure the component to a mandrel. The retaining ring is secured to the mandrel with a plurality of discrete retention segments disposed within a channel at least partially defined by an internal groove on the retaining ring and an external groove on the mandrel. The retention segments are individually insertable into the channel through an access opening on the retaining ring. A compression spring may be provided in the channel to provide compressive engagement of the retention segments. Various closure configurations are also disclosed for closing the access opening once the retention segments have been inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Humphrey, Richard Decena Ornelaz, Matthew Arran Willoughby
  • Patent number: 11754106
    Abstract: An attachment assembly includes a first component, a second component, and a locking device assembly. The locking device assembly is structured to move between an unlocked position corresponding to the second component being attachable to, and removable from, the first component and a locked position corresponding to the second component being securely coupled to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Jesse Benedict Rothschild
  • Patent number: 11753257
    Abstract: A bidirectional air conveyor device is disclosed, including: a housing that includes an intake port and an outlet port; a first air input port; a first airflow generator defined within the housing, wherein the first airflow generator is coupled to the first air input port; a second air input port; a second airflow generator defined within the housing, wherein the second airflow generator is coupled to the second air input port; wherein the first airflow generator is configured to cause a first airflow to enter the intake port and exit the outlet port in response to a first supply of air to the first air input port; and wherein the second airflow generator is configured to cause a second airflow to enter the outlet port and exit the intake port in response to a second supply of air to the second air input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: AMP Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Cameron D. Douglas, Mark Baybutt, Matanya B. Horowitz
  • Patent number: 11752383
    Abstract: Training devices having at least two elastic members are respectively connected to opposing ends of an inelastic member. The training devices have first and second handles coupled to a respective one of the at least two elastic members. The training devices may be used to add various strength training modalities to a cardiovascular workout or fitness regimen. The training devices may be provided in the form of a kit including elastic and inelastic members having differing elasticities, lengths, and widths and including removable handles, potentially of differing types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BOSU Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Weck, Marty Shannon
  • Patent number: 11746817
    Abstract: A retaining means for retaining a cartridge on a body includes a snap ring having an opening angle of between 130° and 300°, and comprising a first indexing means, the snap ring being arranged to be slideable between a first position with respect to the body in which the retaining means retains the cartridge on the body and a second position with respect to the body in which the cartridge can be removed from the body. The retaining means also includes a cap arranged to be fixedly connected to a housing of the cartridge, and comprising a second indexing means. The first indexing means is arranged to interlock with the second indexing means so as to allow the snap ring to be moved between, and held in each of, the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventors: Sophie Emily Groves, Benjamin Lea
  • Patent number: 11746932
    Abstract: Hemp fibers may be disposed throughout or in selected portions of a hose (e.g., an expandable water hose). The hemp fibers deployed in the hose enhance the durability of the hose, and imparts various advantageous properties (e.g., anti-microbial or anti-bacterial, mildew-resistant, odor reduction, moisture wicking, etc.) to the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: HEMPVANA, LLC
    Inventor: Ajit Khubani
  • Patent number: 11724084
    Abstract: A tube coupling component (4;6) serves for use in a tube coupling system and an irrigation system. The tube coupling component (4;6) comprises a male coupling part (12) opposite a respective female coupling part (11), or a first end fitting (33) opposite a respective second end fitting (34), which tube coupling component (4;6) has an interior pipe (13;31) that extends axially inside an exterior pipe (14;32), wherein the interior pipe (13;31) and the exterior pipe (14;32) are concentric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MBH-INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Ole Hougaard, Henrik Bork Bjerregaard
  • Patent number: 11697081
    Abstract: A water purifier structure includes a container assembly and a buffer unit mounted in the container assembly. The container assembly includes a housing and a cap unit. The housing has a first receiving section and a second receiving section. The second receiving section of the housing is provided with a retaining portion. The buffer unit is mounted in the second receiving section of the housing and includes a positioning ring secured in the retaining portion of the housing, and a cushioning member mounted in the positioning ring. The cushioning member is elastically movable in the positioning ring. When the cushioning member is compressed by a force, the cushioning member is contracted and elastically deformed toward the second receiving section of the housing, to form a buffering force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Kemflo International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Hsiung Lin, Sheng-Nan Lin
  • Patent number: 11692521
    Abstract: A connection assembly is used to connect a first body to a second body. The first body includes a bore that is coaxial with a first axis, and a retainer opening that extends coaxially with a second axis. The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis and offset relative to the first axis. In addition, a portion of the retainer opening intersects the bore. The second body includes an insertion portion that is disposed in the bore, a fluid passage that extends through the insertion portion and communicates with the bore, and an outer surface of the second body has a channel. The connection assembly employs an elastic retaining pin that retains the insertion portion within the bore. The retaining pin is disposed in the retainer opening such that a portion of the retaining pin resides in the channel, and the retaining pin is self-aligning and self-retaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Cesar Omar Medina Juarez, Luis Humberto Guzman Trevino, John Casari
  • Patent number: 11668423
    Abstract: Female quick couplings have a housing defining an axial bore therethrough that has a frustum-shaped bore portion that defines a restriction orifice, a first slot transverse to the axial bore, an a first shoulder between the first slot and the restriction orifice, and a locking member slidingly received in the first slot. The frustum-shaped bore can have an upstream conical frustum and a downstream conical frustum mated at their respective smaller diameter. The upstream conical frustum has a largest diameter that is larger than a largest diameter of the downstream conical frustum. Engine systems incorporating the female quick coupling and female quick coupling kits are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Donald P. Tinsley, III, Kevin W. Lucka, David E. Fletcher, Matthew C. Gilmer
  • Patent number: 11660482
    Abstract: A sprinkler includes a body defining (a) a passage having an inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a source of fire suppressant fluid, (b) an outlet fluidly coupled to the passage, and (c) a compression pin aperture extending from an outer surface of the body to the passage and configured to receive a compression pin, a button received within the passage, and a seal engaging the button and the body to fluidly seal the inlet from the outlet. The compression pin aperture is positioned such that the compression pin engages the button to force the button against the seal when the compression pin is inserted into the compression pin aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Steven Lee Shields, Manuel R. Silva, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11652284
    Abstract: A nozzle cap assembly includes a body with a first curved side wall, the body defining a top end and a bottom end positioned opposite from the top end; a nut, the top end of the body positioned between the nut and the bottom end of the body; a spacer comprising a hollow body, the hollow body defining a curved outer surface, the spacer positioned between the nut and the bottom end of the body; and an antenna assembly coupled to the curved outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Isaac Ortiz, David James Carlos Dunn, Yanlong Li, Jesse Alvin Faunce
  • Patent number: 11644139
    Abstract: A female connector for receiving a male connector includes a housing, a support ring, a clip, and a clip blocking member. The male connector includes a groove. The housing includes an outer surface and housing openings. The support ring includes support ring openings. The clip includes an operation portion between a pair of clip legs. The pair of clip legs can pass through the housing and support ring openings. The clip blocking member is located outside the housing and has a pair of blocking faces which face the pair of clip legs. When the groove aligns with the housing and support ring openings, the pair of clip legs enter the groove, and the operation portion moves to a travel end position. In the travel position, the distal ends of the pair of clip legs are between the pair of blocking faces and the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Zhiming Han, Yue Gu
  • Patent number: 11621483
    Abstract: A nozzle cap assembly includes a body with a first curved side wall, the body defining a top end and a bottom end positioned opposite from the top end; a nut, the top end of the body positioned between the nut and the bottom end of the body; a spacer comprising a hollow body, the hollow body defining a curved outer surface, the spacer positioned between the nut and the bottom end of the body; and an antenna assembly coupled to the curved outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Isaac Ortiz, David James Carlos Dunn, Yanlong Li, Jesse Alvin Faunce
  • Patent number: 11608905
    Abstract: A modular valve system having fixed valve ports with frame openings on the exterior of each port. Corresponding connectors or plugs are designed to fit within the valve ports and be locked in place by a clip passing through the framed openings and around the connector or plug. The internal valve component may be electrically or mechanically controlled. The modular valve system may be connected to a vehicle coolant system to control fluid flow to a heat exchanger or bypassing the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: TSI Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen William O'Brien, Todd Michael Coleman
  • Patent number: 11598462
    Abstract: A locking member is mounted to the housing to be able to move in the outer diameter direction by a tapered portion of the tubular body, when the tubular body is inserted. The housing is equipped with slits formed to pass a curved portion bent in the inner diameter direction disposed at a leading-end side of the locking member and to lock with the engagement portion of the tubular body mounted on the housing. A gap is disposed between the curved portion, and the end portion of the slit positioned at a side in an opposite direction to the leading-end side of the locking member, so that there is no contact while at least the locking member is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Mikio Nezu
  • Patent number: 11598465
    Abstract: A quick connector structure includes a fitting connector, a connector, and a U-shaped positioning snap pin. The fitting connector is a pipe connector, a three-way valve connector, or a washing machine valve connector. The fitting connector is combined with a pipe body. The U-shaped positioning snap pin ensures the stability of the connection between the fitting connector and the connector. The quick connector structure enables rapid positioning and assembly, reducing the assembly difficulty in a smaller or concealed space and achieving the effects of assembly stability and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventors: Chao-Chi Chen, Shen-En Chiang
  • Patent number: 11578828
    Abstract: A connector and process for coupling a tube and the resulting assembly is disclosed. A receptacle includes a pilot in a mounting position. The pilot including an indicator piece and guide members each located in a respective channel on the receptacle and slidable within the channels from the mounting position to a final position. A retention clip having legs is urged into a spread condition during a transition between the mounting position and the final position wherein in the final position the legs of the retention clip retract to a relaxed condition, the indicator piece becomes visible on the receptacle and the first and second guide members latch the pilot to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Gocha, Stephen S. Frederiksen, Christian A. Veraza
  • Patent number: 11519535
    Abstract: A pipe grip is having an ability to apply increased compressive pressure against an exterior surface of an inserted spigot end of a pipe internal to a bell end of a pipe such as indirectly against a gasket to provide an improved pipe seal or directly against the exterior surface to provide a pipe restraint so as to prevent the spigot end from pulling out from the bell end in an undesired manner. The pipe grip preferably applies one of tension and/or movement of a tensioner from internal to the bell end of the pipe such as from a groove through a bore to an external surface of a pipe where a tension applying device applies tension so as to at least one of move and/or apply tension to the tensioner through one or more bores which extend from the external surface of the bell end of the pipe to an internal surface of the bell end of the pipe to direct a compressive force onto the inserted pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Troy Daniel Roach
  • Patent number: 11502495
    Abstract: A utility conduit and related methods of assembling lengths of utility conduit with a mechanical spline connector. The utility conduit includes opposed male and female ends, wherein the male end is slidably insertable into the female end of adjacent conduits. The female end includes one or more circumferential sealing channels into which a seal member is positionable and an internal spline groove that is circumferentially defined inside the conduit. The female end includes a wall bore through a conduit wall that intersects with the internal spline groove. The male end includes an exterior spline groove on an exterior of the conduit. A spline can be inserted through the wall bore and into a space cooperatively defined by the internal spline groove and the external spline groove. The spline is inserted such that the spline occupies the space cooperatively defined by the internal spline groove and the external spline groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Leavitt
  • Patent number: 11428480
    Abstract: A radiator includes a main body, two connecting members and two taps. The two connecting members are disposed on opposite sides of the main body. Each of the two taps is rotatably connected to one of the two connecting members, such that the two taps are rotatably disposed on opposite sides of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shui-Fa Tsai, Hsin-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 11391403
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluidic arrangement having at least one hose and one male connector with a locking ring configured to cooperate with a female connector, the method is has the following steps of: (a) providing a male connector with a locking ring configured to cooperate with a female connector, (b) providing a metallic hose, (c) mounting the male connector with a locking ring on the hose, (d) enlarging the metallic hose. A fluidic arrangement is made by the manufacturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: AKWEL SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Jan Olofsson, Villy Olsson
  • Patent number: 11365939
    Abstract: A method provides a sealed connection of a connector to a heat exchanger of the coaxial tubular type is particularly suitable for a motor vehicle air-conditioning circuit. The method includes the steps of mounting a free end of an external tube of the exchanger in or on the connector. The external tube is directly secured with the connector, and an internal tube is inserted in the external tube until a free end of the internal tube is mounted in or on the connector. This mounting ensuring a sealing between the internal tube and the connector. The method further includes directly securing the internal and external tubes against one another to avoid relative displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: HUTCHINSON
    Inventor: Bérenger Dieumegard
  • Patent number: 11262008
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling for making a severable connection with a male member and a female tube in a fluid line includes a connector body having a through bore for receiving the male member having a tubular shape sized to extend into the through bore of the connector body and having an upset, a retainer releasably securing the male member within the connector body, and a verifier including an antenna having a contact point and moving between a latched position and an unlatched position inside the connector body. The connector body includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip having a signal, which is enabled to read through the antenna when the contact point of the antenna contacts the RFID chip of the connector body in the latched position of the verifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Cody Rydin, Rick Pepe, David Gabbey, Alexis Rogers
  • Patent number: 11248642
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a first component to a locking pin of a second component having a head is disclosed. The connector has a base body with a receiving space for receiving the head. A retaining spring is held by the base body is provided, which has a relative position, referred to as the holding position, relative to the base body and which has a protrusion in this holding position protruding into the receiving space. The protrusion in the holding position can be moved in a release direction and projects less far into the receiving space after moving from the holding position in the release direction than in the holding position. Moving the protrusion from the holding position in the releasing direction tensions the retaining spring. When the retaining spring is in the holding position, the base body can be moved relative to the retaining spring along a locking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Jan Regensburger, Mathias Schwenk
  • Patent number: 11231134
    Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting pipes that includes an elongate tubular body having an outer diameter, a sleeve disposed over the elongate tubular body, and a first wire ring. The elongate tubular body that has a groove formed on the outer diameter. The sleeve has a groove formed on an inner diameter that is spaced from a first end of the sleeve and is aligned with the groove of the elongate tubular member. The first wire ring is disposed within the groove of the elongate tubular body and within the groove of the sleeve such that the sleeve is coupled to the elongate tubular body by the first wire ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew James Heaton, Brian Lee Dillinger, Jagtar Singh Thethy
  • Patent number: 11215304
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting components in a fluid system has an adapter body defining a cylindrical space and lock buttons which are biased into a locked position to secure the adapter to another component. The adapter body has a circular collar defining an inlet into the cylindrical space, a channel defining an outlet out of the cylindrical space, a support wall and a support flange defining one or more cutouts in an outer cylindrical side wall of the adapter body, and a slot defined between the collar and the support wall connecting the one or more cutouts to the cylindrical space. The lock buttons have a contact element positioned in one of the cutouts and an arm projecting positioned in the slot. The arms are partially in the cylindrical space in the locked position and are movable into an unlocked position when the contact elements are moved toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher E. Greco, Matthew J. Del Duke
  • Patent number: 11204008
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a fuel injection assembly comprising: a fuel injector; an injector cup comprising a cylindrical body with a cavity at the lower end to receive a fuel inlet port of the injector; a holding element for securing the injector to the cup; a spring clip; and a first opening formed in a peripheral wall of the cup for receiving the holding element. The holding element comprises a U-shaped body with two parallel arms engaging opposite sides of an annular groove in the injector to secure the injector in the cup. When inserted in the cup, the free ends of the two arms project from the cup, and include adjacent the free ends a retention arrangement engageable by the spring clip. The spring clip comprises a depending leg engageable in a corresponding receiving part on the injector to locate the angular position of the injector relative to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Marco Pasquali, Andrea Puccini
  • Patent number: 11192240
    Abstract: A robot including a second arm supported by a first arm so as to be swingable around an axis line, the second arm has an arm main body supported by the first arm in a swingable manner, and a cover which is attached to the arm main body. The robot further includes an interface member attached to the cover, a cable support member one where end of which is fixed to the arm main body and the other end of which is exposed outside the second arm by passing through a hole or a cutout provided in the interface member, and a seal which seals a space between the cable support member and the interface member and which allows movement of the cable support member in a direction along the axis line with respect to the interface member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11174973
    Abstract: A connection device for at least one plug-in portion including an annular external groove includes a housing, into which at least one plug-in portion can be plugged, and also at least in each case one integral locking element and a securing device. A locking element includes a securing portion and a locking portion which can be preassembled in the housing. In the preassembled state, the locking portion, by elastic deflection, permits a plug-in portion to be plugged into the housing and brings about the locking of the plug-in portion in the housing. By means of the securing device, the securing portion can be secured on an outer side of the housing opening against displacement in a circumferential direction. A securing device is designed as a ring which engages around the housing and is movable on the housing at least axially counter to a resistance and has an axial recess in a plugging-in direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: EMS-PATENT AG
    Inventors: Thomas Jeltsch, Patrick Schmid, Ming Jiann Cheung
  • Patent number: 11160968
    Abstract: A tube coupling system serves for providing annular flow through a flexible annular double lumen tube between fluid reservoir(s) and flexible connection pieces of an annular double lumen device. The tube coupling system has a first coupling component and a second coupling component and an end fitting system. The first coupling component that has a female coupling part and a male coupling part adapted for coupling to a proximal end of the flexible annular double lumen tube. The second coupling component has a second interior pipe that axially extends inside a second exterior pipe, a first end fitting adapted for coupling to at least the female coupling part of the first coupling component, and a second end fitting adapted for coupling to any of the flexible annular double lumen tube or the flexible connection pieces of an annular double lumen device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MBH-INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Ole Hougaard, Henrik Bork Bjerregaard
  • Patent number: 11125370
    Abstract: A connector for a fluid seal, having an annular housing with a first end and a second end and a rotating ring. The rotating ring is arranged at the second end and the rotating ring has at least one connecting element that is in engagement with at least one retaining geometry and with at least one guide geometry. The guide geometry allows the at least one connecting element to move in a radial direction when the rotating ring is rotated relative to the housing. The at least one connecting element is connected to the rotating ring by at least one radially elastic spring geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Bauer, René Schindler
  • Patent number: 11090803
    Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a support unit, a movable unit provided in the support unit, from which an end effector is detachable, and a control unit that controls the movable unit, wherein the control unit is provided in the support unit and the end effector is connected to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Ryosuke Teranaka
  • Patent number: 10975983
    Abstract: A system of supply valves according to the present invention may include a first and second supply valve, each of which is connectable to a terminal end of a water supply line so as to provide direct access to the water supply. The system may be disposed within a modular plumbing supply box, and the valves may be spaced from one another by a reduced separation, X1. Each supply valve of the system may further include a top portion and bottom portion that are interconnectable and which form a water-proof seal therebetween. The top portion may comprise ridges that cooperate with channels of the bottom portion when the two portions are interconnected to form passageways. The top and bottom portions may be positionally and rotationally locked to one another, for example, using a wireform clip and inserting legs of the wireform clip through the passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: OATEY CO.
    Inventors: Kai Zhang, Aaron Lorkowski, Kenneth Brown
  • Patent number: 10975982
    Abstract: Fluid handling couplings can be made to connect and disconnect other members of a fluid handling system. For example, this document describes fluid couplings that are convenient to couple/decouple and that provide strong resistance to inadvertent disconnection when subjected to rotation while pressurized. In some embodiments, the resistance to inadvertent disconnection is facilitated by a latch mechanism of the female coupling that includes a protrusion that becomes seated in a groove of a mated male coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Grant A. Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 10927992
    Abstract: A plug connector including a coupling part with a receiving opening into which a plug part, having a plug shaft with a collar, can be inserted. The plug connector also includes a resilient, radially slotted retaining clip having at least two spring arms and which can be pre-assembled on the coupling part and moved radially between an insertion position and a holding position for the plug part. The plug part can be inserted into the receiving opening when the retaining clip is in the insertion position, and when in the holding position he plugged-in plug part, and the collar thereof, can be blocked by the retaining clip against being pulled out. In the insertion position, the retaining clip projects with respect to the outer circumference of the coupling part, and in the holding position the retaining clip is flush with the outer circumference of the coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Oberdörfer, Lukas Röhrig
  • Patent number: 10883640
    Abstract: A coupling includes a male adapter and a female adapter, and may include a nut and a sleeve. In embodiments, the male adapter includes a male adapter inner diameter, and may include threads. The female adapter includes a female adapter outer diameter. The nut or other formation may be configured to engage at least a portion of the male adapter. In embodiments, one or more contact points may be provided between the female diameter outer diameter and the male adapter inner diameter, and the female adapter outer diameter or the male adapter inner diameter may be configured to be out-of-round. The male adapter may include a shoulder and the sleeve may cover the shoulder in connected configuration. Methods for forming a coupling are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Gregory Kiernan, Devashish Murkya, Jason C. Gauss, Christopher T. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 10814479
    Abstract: An automated assembly station includes a mobile platform for holding a first workpiece, a robot having a moveable arm, and a controller. The moveable arm includes a load cell and a gripper that is adapted to grasp a second workpiece. The robot is operable to use the moveable arm and gripper to insert the second workpiece into a locked position on a mating part of the first workpiece. The load cell is operable to measure an amount of insertion force used to insert the second workpiece into the locked position. The controller is configured to record the insertion force and trigger an alarm in response to the insertion force exceeding a predesignated threshold insertion force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: NYX, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram S. Sandhu, Ronald D. Scholz
  • Patent number: 10767796
    Abstract: A sanitary shower useful as an overhead shower has a shower body including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a shower head that is removably attachable to the shower body, has a fluid inlet connecting with the fluid outlet of the shower body and includes a shower outlet providing a shower fluid jet. A plug-on connector removably attaches the shower head to the shower body via latching lugs that snap radially into engagement with latching holes and are blocked and unblocked from disengagement by a movable locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventor: Gerd Blessing
  • Patent number: 10758851
    Abstract: A fuel filter device is disclosed. The fuel filter device has a first member that includes a main body tubular portion and a first connection tubular portion for connecting the first member to a fuel pipe. The main body tubular portion includes a flow channel cross-section greater than that of the first connection tubular portion. The main body tubular portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first connection tubular portion is disposed on the first end portion. An opening is provided through the second end portion. A filter element portion is accommodated in the main body tubular portion. A second member includes a lid portion and a second connection tubular portion for connecting the second member to a fuel pipe. The lid portion covers the opening of the main body tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiya Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 10738926
    Abstract: A quick connector for connecting to a male end of a component includes a housing having a head portion and a body defining a central bore which receives a male end of a component therein. A latch and latch indicator are slidably mounted within the head portion for retaining the male end within the central bore. The latch indicator is offset relative to the latch to provide a visual indication that the component is coupled with the quick connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Cadillac Rubber & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Stieler