Operated By Conduit Motion Patents (Class 285/307)
  • Patent number: 6637781
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling fluid components includes a female coupler having a receiver defined therein. A male coupler has an insert, the insert being receivable within the female coupler receiver in sealing engagement. And, a spacer is matable to both the female coupler and the male coupler when the female coupler and the male coupler are in sealing engagement, the spacer effecting positive engagement of the female and the male couplers. A method of coupling/uncoupling a coupling assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Seymour, II
  • Patent number: 6588806
    Abstract: A radially offset valve is mounted in a bypass passage that extends through two movable members that are jointly moved during coupling between two couplers. The valve is moved from a closed position in which the flow of a pressurized fluid through a flow channel of an outer tubular body is prevented from being discharged through a discharge passage, to an open position in which the fluid is permitted to flow to the discharge passage, thereby resisting fluid leakage to the environment during coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Faster, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Arosio
  • Publication number: 20030090110
    Abstract: The invention is a piping coupler which can be easily and quickly disconnected even at the time of a high hydraulic pressure working.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Young Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 6561551
    Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising a socket having a plurality of locking balls capable of engaging a locking portion on a plug and connected to the plug with the locking balls in engagement with the locking portion. The socket includes a main cylinder having an end portion formed with an inlet to receive the plug and an outer cylinder located close to the end portion of the main cylinder and around the outer periphery thereof. The main cylinder and the outer cylinder define a gap having a tapered profile between them, and the locking balls are stored in the gap. The locking balls can project and recede from the inner periphery of the main cylinder. Further, the pipe coupling comprises a thrust cylinder slidable on the outer periphery of the main cylinder. When the locking balls engage the locking portion, the thrust cylinder prevents centrifugal movement of the locking balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Kawakami, Yukio Namekawa
  • Patent number: 6557904
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a first tube joint member; a second tube joint member joined to the first tube joint member; a sleeve attached to a joining portion of the first and second tube joint members, for joining and releasing the first and second tube joint members; a resilient member for urging the sleeve in the direction to join the first and second tube joint members to one another; and a protecting member for protecting the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiichirou Naito
  • Publication number: 20030057701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure further comprising an auxiliary seal ring for improving sealing performance, which is disposed within a connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Sung Jun Koo
  • Patent number: 6530606
    Abstract: The fastening element is intended for two hydraulically communicating fitting parts (1, 2). In order to fasten a lateral fitting part (2) on the end face to an outer wall (8) of a wide fitting part (1) at a predetermined angle, the lateral fitting part (2) has, in one end region, a cavity (4) in which an inner peripherally formed groove for a spring ring (12) is located. The fastening element (7) comprises a connecting insert (9) which is mounted in this cavity (4) of the lateral fitting part (2) and which carries a threaded shank (10) with a bore (15), in order to allow hydraulics communication between the two fitting parts (1, 2). The connecting insert (9) has an outer peripherally formed groove such that a spring ring (12) is mounted unreleasably between these two grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: KWC AG
    Inventor: Michael Lehner
  • Patent number: 6467817
    Abstract: A device for connecting two rigid tubular objects, comprising a male part and a female part. The male part is provided with at least one transverse edge in its outer wall. A sleeve-shaped element is arranged to be placed between said parts when inserting the male part into the female part, the element being provided with at least one resilient tongue with a first member which is arranged to resiliently engage the recess of the female part when inserting the element into the female part, and a second member which is arranged to resiliently snap into place behind the transverse edge of the male part when inserting the male part into the element. The resilient tongue allows the female part and the male part to be separated by turning the element relative to the male part to a position where the second member of the resilient tongue is arranged laterally of the transverse edge of the male part and/or by moving the first member of the resilient tongue out of engagement with the recess of the female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: ABA of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Morgan Rhyman
  • Publication number: 20020140226
    Abstract: A connecting device for pipes conducting pressure medium, having a sleeve-like insert part which can be inserted in a frictional or form-fitting manner into a connecting opening in a connecting body and surrounding a receiving opening for a pipe to be inserted, a sealing element for producing a seal between the connecting body and the pipe, and a holding element with holding arms which extend radially inwardly into the receiving opening. A release sleeve engages displaceably in the insert part in such a manner that by pushing in the release sleeve, the holding element is deformed elastically for releasing the pipe. The holding element is held by an outer circumferential region in an essentially clearance-free manner axially relative to the insert part, so that elastic deformation takes place in the region of the holding arms when inserting or releasing the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Bernd Salomon-Bahls
  • Patent number: 6457749
    Abstract: A lock assembly for locking an outer tubular element to an inner tubular element extending through the outer tubular element for holding loads between the tubular member when lowered downhole. The assembly includes a lock mandrel connected to one of the tubular elements and the other tubular element having a recess with at least one inwardly converging side surface. A lock member, having a retracted and an expanded mode, is arranged between the first and second tubular elements. The lock member is movable relative to the recess in the retracted mode and locks against the inwardly diverging side surface when in the expanded mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Patent number: 6443500
    Abstract: A pipe joint provided with a pipe joint main body having an insertion cylinder portion inserted to an end portion of a pipe to be connected, a seal member attached to a peripheral groove on the insertion cylinder portion, a clamp ring with a slit for fastening the end portion of the pipe outserted to the insertion cylinder portion with elastic fastening force, and a diameter-extension piece detachably held at the slit as to extend the clamp ring resisting the elastic force of the clamp ring and detached by contact with a forth end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignees: Higashio Mech Co., LTD, Inoue Sudare Co., LTD
    Inventors: Hiroshi Inoue, Akio Yasuda, Takao Shibata
  • Patent number: 6425607
    Abstract: A connecter (30) for connecting a pair of pipe sections (32,33) together. The connector (30) includes three internally threaded segments (58) which are mounted for sliding radial movement in the connector (30). The connector (30) is first mounted on an internally threaded female end (34) of one pipe section (32) and then the male end (40) of the other pipe section (33) is forced within the internally threaded segments (58) for threaded engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: R. Potter Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Potter
  • Patent number: 6419281
    Abstract: Plug-type connector for compression systems, having a housing part and a plug part. The plug part has a plug shaft that can be hermetically inserted into a receptacle opening of the housing part and releasably arrested by a retainer element. Retainer projections, elastically movable in the radial direction, seat the retainer element in an arrested position between an inner annular shoulder in the receptacle opening and an outer annular shoulder of the plug shaft. The retainer element on the plug shaft is axially displaceable between a safety position in which the retainer projections are blocked, and a release position in which the retainer projections are freed for radial release movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Bernd Salomon-Bahls, Harald Hagen
  • Patent number: 6341804
    Abstract: A slip-out preventive unit of a supply exhaust pipe assembly with a supply exhaust pipe forming a faucet at one end and forming an insertion port at the other end. The faucet having a cut window to allow the lock portion of a lock member to pass through the faucet to engage a circumferential groove of the insertion port. A slip-out prevention unit of which the lock member is a component, to guide and constrain the lock member to engage the circumferential groove, resulting in the holding of the insertion port within the faucet preventing unwanted separation after connection of the assembly. A slide guide allows movement of the lock member in an axial direction of the faucet where the tip of the lock member may be constrained from radial movement of the engagement portion of the lock member by a locking bag wall upon an attempt to separate the insert portion from the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Tosetz Co., LTD
    Inventors: Shuji Ito, Jiro Takahashi, Tomohiko Oka
  • Patent number: 6279962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to safety joints which permit separation of a downhole assembly at the location of the joint. The invention provides a safety joint characterized by the provision of auxiliary interconnecting means on a body (2) for interconnecting said body (2) to an auxiliary shaft after removal of a main shaft (3) from said body (2). Axial loading between the auxiliary shaft and said body (2) may be thereby transferred. Furthermore, torque may also be transferred between the auxiliary shaft and said body (2) in a direction opposite to that in which torque may be transferred from the main shaft (3) to said body (2). Thus, the present invention allows a length of downhole assembly located above said body (2) to be removed from a wellbore by rotation of said length of assembly in a first direction and then allows rotation of said body (2) in the same first direction by means of the auxiliary shaft in an attempt to remove a length of assembly stuck in the wellbore downhole of said body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce McGarian, Valentine H. McGarian
  • Patent number: 6231084
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for systems involving pressurized media, where the coupling consists of two connector parts, a housing part (2) and a connector part (4). The connector part (4) can be inserted into a receiving opening (8) of the housing part (2), while it is being sealed, and when it is in a plugged-in condition, it can be locked in place and prevented from being released by means of a locking device (10). The locking device (10) includes a retaining element (12), which is supported on one side of one of the coupling parts, and which retaining element engages—while in the assembled state—a retaining groove (16) of the other coupling part by means of a form-fit or a form- and friction-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hilmar Hester, Bettina Schröer
  • Patent number: 6129390
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling between a female connector and a male connector which is insertable into said female connector, e.g. for connecting a high pressure line to a valve block. The female connector (10) comprises a cylindric space (13) for the cylindrical part (14) of the male connector, the envelope surface of said space being provided with at least one groove (18) for accommodation of resiliently out of and into the cylindrical space movable blocking elements (20). A substantially annular flange (19) is coaxially provided at the outward side of the groove (18) of the female connector, substantially in line with the envelope surface of said space. The blocking means (20) comprise at least three in said groove (18) located metal arc segments, each being biased by an elastic element (21) into an inclined position relative to the symmetrical longitudinal axis of the female connector, said inclined position being the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: WEO Hydraulic AB
    Inventor: Weimar Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 6095714
    Abstract: A latching joint for telescoping tubes incorporates two telescoping cylindrical members, referred to as rings, one (3) being positioned at least partially within the other (1). The inner ring carries a peripheral skirt of radially outwardly biased spring fingers (5) which, prior to tube extension, are restrained from outward expansion by a coaxially mounted O-ring (7). When the inner ring is pushed or pulled out from the outer ring to the extended position the O-ring is forced off the spring fingers, allowing the fingers to expand and latch the two rings in the extended position. With the arm extended the O-ring then serves as a gasket providing an axial force that is transmitted through the inner tube to the spring fingers to hold the spring fingers firmly latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Duane R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6085998
    Abstract: A dismountable hot air nozzle comprising a mounting adapter (2) to be secured to a nozzle pipe (92), a generally annular adapter spring (59) cut in one position and having engaging bosses (59a) adapted to project from the inner circumferential surface of the mounting adapter when assembled, a stopper pin (58) projecting out of the inner circumferential surface of the mounting adapter in a position adjacent to the engaging boss when assembled, and a nozzle holder (3) carrying a nozzle (8) at its lower end and formed as a cylindrical member (6) adapted to fit into the mounting adapter at its upper end, the upper end of the cylindrical member being formed with recesses (61) engageable with the stopper pin (58) at their circumferentially lateral edges and the cylindrical member being further formed with slits (62) engageable with the engaging bosses (59a) as the engageable circumferentially lateral edge of recess (61) is engaged by the stopper pin (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hakko Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5988704
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hose coupling device, which comprises a male part connectable to a female part. The female part consists of a sleeve, which is provided with a number of resilient tongues extending in equally spaced relationship along the inner wall of the sleeve and protruding inwards form the inner wall and directed away from the mouth of the sleeve. The male part consists of a tube portion with transverse edges in its outer wall. At the insertion of the male part into the female part the resilient tongues are arranged to resiliently snap into place behind the transverse edges of the male part and hence connect the female part to the male part. The parts can be separated by turning them relative to one another to a position where the resilient tongues assume a position laterally of the transverse edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: ABA of Sweden AB
    Inventor: Morgan Ryhman
  • Patent number: 5887911
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling having a self-contained releasable collet generally comprises a housing having an axial bore extending inwardly from an entrance. The axial bore includes a large diameter portion adjacent the entrance. A tube having a bead of relatively large diameter is insertable into the bore. A generally annular radially expandable collet disposed within the bore of the housing expands upon insertion of the tube into the housing and contracts onto the tube between the bead and the housing, thereby retaining the tube within the housing. The tube is selectably releasable from the housing by an annular pilot disposed within the housing having an inclined surface complementary to an inclined surface on the collet. Release members are provided to facilitate axial inward movement of the collet into the housing. The collet then rides up the inclined surface of the pilot, thereby radially expanding the collet and releasing the tube from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Form Rite
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kargula
  • Patent number: 5855399
    Abstract: A plug-in connection is described for the joining of pipelines and hose lines, especially for use with the pipeline systems of motor vehicles, consisting of an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, which accommodate a pipeline or hose line between them, so that a pipe socket can be placed on top of the outer sleeve, which can be locked by means of a protective element to the outer sleeve. The pipe socket has, on its outer circumference, at least one radial trapezoidal indentation oriented in the lengthwise direction. The pipe socket has an opening in the region of the indentation in the circumferential direction, through which a piece of the protective element reaches, and the indentation is matched up with a trapezoidal projection on the outer sleeve, with which the protective element interacts. The plug-in connection has at least one length-minimized, width-variable, integrated projection/opening arrangement on the outer sleeve and in the pipe socket with a detent spring for single-hand operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Dipl. Ing. Henn Ges.m.b.H. & Co. Kg
    Inventor: Herbert Profunser
  • Patent number: 5782501
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism for connecting at least one plastic pipeline to a mating opening in a unit part. The connecting mechanism has a housing with a plug-in section selectively connectable to a mating opening on the unit part. The housing has a receiver opening for plugging in a pipeline, and a retainer is arranged in the receiver opening to lock onto a pipeline plugged therein. The plug-in section of the housing has at least one radially elastic arm having a locking catch to clamp behind a surface of the unit part, thereby interconnecting the housing with the unit part. When a pipeline is inserted into the receiver opening of the housing, the pipeline coacts with the locking arm or arms to exclude a radial detaching movement of the locking arm, that otherwise would disengage the locking catches from the unit part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Josef Brandt
  • Patent number: 5713608
    Abstract: A hollow joint connects an upper lamp pipe and a lower lamp pipe. The hollow joint has a lower flange disposed on a lower rim of the hollow joint, an upper flange disposed on an upper rim of the hollow joint, a middle flange disposed on a middle portion of the hollow joint, a lower toothed portion disposed between the lower flange and the middle flange, and an upper toothed portion disposed between the upper flange and the middle flange. A lower ring encloses the lower toothed portion. The lower ring has an inserting end plate disposed on a first end of the lower ring and a retarding end plate disposed on a second end of the lower ring. An upper ring encloses the upper toothed portion. The upper ring has an inserting end plate disposed on a first end of the upper ring and a retarding end plate disposed on a second end of the upper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Chih-Chih Yang
  • Patent number: 5711550
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a connection device (1) for the rapid and releasable connection of at least one synthetic pipeline (6), consisting of a housing portion (2) with at least one opening (4) for inserting the pipeline (6), as well as a clamp collar (8), arranged in the opening (4), which interacts with an inner cone (14) of the housing portion (2) via an outer cone (12) for the purpose of securing the pipeline (6). For the purpose of releasing the pipeline (6), the housing portion (2) is in two parts, consisting of a base portion (20) and an insertion portion (22), which is releasably connected with the same. The insertion portion (22) is connected with the base portion (20) via a positive snap connection (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Josef Brandt
  • Patent number: 5704658
    Abstract: A connector includes a body having a pipe receiving portion and includes a clip which cooperates with a removal prevention protrusion formed on the pipe for preventing the pipe from removal from the body. The pipe receiving portion has an inner diameter to permit insertion of at least the pipe. A clip fitting portion is formed on the pipe receiving portion and has engaging holes. The clip is made of resilient material and has a ring-shaped configuration. The clip has both circumferential ends confronting each other. The clip is biased in a direction to reduce its diameter and can expand its diameter for fitting on the clip fitting portion. Engaging claws are formed on the clip and adapted to be inserted into the engaging holes so as to engage the pipe. Each of the engaging claws includes a rear surface which abuts on the pipe when the pipe is inserted and which is formed as an inclined surface for permitting insertion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Togo Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenji Tozaki, Minoru Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5662360
    Abstract: An interlocking restraint plastic pipe joining system is shown which features female and male end connections for adjacent lengths of pipe. The female end connection has at least one radially extending indention or protrusion within the mouth opening thereof. The male end connection has at least one radially extending protrusion or indention formed on an exterior surface thereof. The indention and protrusion matingly engage in snap fit fashion as the joint is formed by forcing the male connection axially into the female connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Guzowski
  • Patent number: 5662359
    Abstract: An improved fluid quick connect coupling includes a retainer and a lock ring. The lock ring locks the retainer legs against radially outward flexing. The lock ring is initially contacted by a tube being moved into the coupling, and moves with the tube, until it no longer prevents radially outward flexing of the retainer legs. The retainer legs then flex radially outwardly, allowing the tube to move to its fully inserted position. The lock ring is biased back outwardly once the tube is connected, and has tabs that extend axially outwardly beyond the retainer to provide a visual indication to the installer of when the tube is fully connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Form Rite
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kargula
  • Patent number: 5566987
    Abstract: A hose fitting assembly has a fitting, a spool that translates into the fitting and a sleeve sliding along the spool onto the fitting. The fitting has a bore, an exterior channel, and apertures connecting the exterior channel to the bore. Disposed at the apertures are elements radially intrudable into the bore. An ring-like spring in the channel keeps these elements at the apertures and biases them into the bore. A bevelled part of the spool forces the intruding elements and spring out from the bore as the spool's plunger portion sealingly slides in the bore. The sleeve coacts with outward motion of the spring to lock the spool to the fitting, the sleeve aligned in its locking position on the fitting by a shoulder on the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Mohammad S. Mazhar
  • Patent number: 5520418
    Abstract: An automatic disconnecting device is provided for hoses containing pressurized gas or liquids. The disconnecting device is activated upon user application of excessive lateral tension to the hose resulting in lateral displacement of the automatic disconnecting device resulting in release of the hose coupling release ring which secures the hose to the supply nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Donald D. Burke
  • Patent number: 5482083
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling for joining opposing ends of a fluid flow line includes a sleeve member and a body member sized to be received in the open engagement end of the sleeve member. The sleeve member has resilient, laterally displaceable fingers joined at one end and tapering inwardly toward the axis in cantilever fashion to free ends. Upon insertion of the body member in the sleeve member, the body member contacts the fingers and urges the cantilevered portions including the free ends outwardly. Upon complete insertion, the free ends snap inwardly to engage shoulders of the body member. The body member has a series of camming faces adjacent each shoulder. The sleeve is rotatable about the body member to displace the free ends of the fingers outwardly and to align such fingers with portions of the body member away from such shoulders to thereby release the body member from the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Gary M. Jenski
  • Patent number: 5447342
    Abstract: A device for quickly coupling and decoupling conduits comprises a fitting ving spaced exterior surface concavities in an annular array and axially facing shoulders at the concavities, the fitting defining a bore open to one conduit. The device has a tube fixed to another conduit and sealed slidingly with the bore, and also has a receptacle translatable along the tube for rotatably receiving the fitting. The receptacle defines an opening where the receptacle enters, an orifice through which the tube passes and an annuler channel about the fitting. A spring axially mobile in the channel interferingly girds the fitting and has a first and second segments. The second segments protrude closer than the first segments to the device's central axis and fit the concavity. The device has a pin in the channel protruding radially inward further than a zone of the second segment but not as far as a zone of the first segment, whereby the pin is usable to selectively prevent spring rotation relative to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Mohammad S. Mazhar
  • Patent number: 5445419
    Abstract: A tension-activated disconnecting coupling operates by having a plug portion penetrate and pick-up an expandable locking ring. On partial with withdrawal of the plug, the locking ring is carried into a confining region where expansion of the ring is constrained and the plug is effectively locked within the coupling. Applied tension thereafter overcomes an internal spring resistance and allows the locking ring to move out further, into a space where it may expand and release the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Fuelmaker Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J. Thuerig
  • Patent number: 5415437
    Abstract: A tube coupling for fluidic apparatus connects flexible hose or other tubes to ports of different sizes and shapes provided in fluidic apparatus. The tube coupling comprises a base to be attached to a port in a fluidic apparatus, a tube connector to connect a tube, and a metal holder that keeps in position the tube connector attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Asou, Bunya Hayashi, Hideharu Sato, Takumi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5380051
    Abstract: A connector and method is provided for coupling sections of tubing 102, 104 together wherein each of the tube sections 102, 104 includes a respective connector member 106, 108 attached at an end thereof. The second connector member 108 has a spring 111 associated therewith for providing an axial force to assist in fully engaging the two connector members 106, 108 upon introduction of the first connector member 106 into the second connector member 108. A plurality of load members 112 hold the spring 111 in a compressed state prior to the coupling of the connector members 106, 108. As the connector members 106, 108 are coupled, the spring 111 is released and a plurality of latch pins 116, connected to the load members 112, engage a circumferential flange 120 on the first connector member 106. The force of the spring 111 is thus translated to the first connector member 106 to assist in the insertion of the first connector member 106 into the second connector member 108.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Ronald G. Breuhan
  • Patent number: 5372391
    Abstract: An attachment mechanism for repairing or extending fluid carrying pipes, casings, conduits, etc. utilizing one-way motion of spring tempered fingers to provide a mechanical connection between the attachment mechanism and the pipe. The spring tempered fingers flex to permit insertion into a pipe to a desired insertion depth. The mechanical connection is accomplished by reversing the insertion motion and the mechanical leverage in the fingers forces them outwardly against the inner wall of the pipe. A seal is generated by crushing a sealing assembly by the action of setting the mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Richard M. Bast, Dwayne A. Chesnut, Carl D. Henning, Joseph P. Lennon, John W. Pastrnak, Joseph A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5368340
    Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling is disclosed for use with a fuel tank having an opening. The coupling includes a coupling body having a tubular retainer housing and a tubular fill tube which is telescopically positioned through the retainer housing. The retainer housing also includes an outwardly extending flange which abuts against the outer surface of the tank around the tank opening. The fill tube is telescopically received within the retainer housing and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the retainer housing. The fill tube is also smaller in cross sectional shape than the tank opening so that the fill tube can be positioned through the tank opening and within the interior of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell L. Jacobson, Thomas R. McCulloch, Dudley L. McCully
  • Patent number: 5361283
    Abstract: An integral, reusable locking arrangement between the guide tube assembly and upper end fitting of a reconstitutable fuel assembly that eliminates all loose fastener components at the reactor site. A retainer sleeve is fabricated to cooperate with the upper end sleeve of the guide tube assembly. Slots adjacent to the upper end of the sleeve receive rigid tabs on the upper end sleeve to hold the retainer sleeve and upper end sleeve together. The retainer sleeve is formed from a cylindrical tube that has a plurality of flexible curved tabs spaced around the circumference of the tube substantially at the mid section of the tube. Optional lower tabs serve to center the guide tube assembly in the upper end fitting and provide a more rigid connection. The mid section tabs are received against the shoulders of slots provided along the walls of the hole in the upper end fitting and serve to retain the guide tube assembly and upper end fitting in the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: B&W Fuel Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Attix
  • Patent number: 5318332
    Abstract: A device for separably coupling one end portion of a rigid or elastically deformable hose to a nipple has a first tubular element which is non-rotatably and sealingly secured to the one end portion of the hose, and a second tubular element which is rotatable on the first element and carries first detent members separably engageable with one or more second detent members on the nipple. Engagement of the first detent members with and/or their disengagement from the second detent member or members on the nipple merely necessitates rotation of the second tubular element relative to the nipple and relative to the first tubular element, i.e., the hose need not be twisted and/or otherwise deformed in order to couple it to, or to disengage it from, the nipple. A sealing ring is provided to automatically engage the first tubular element and the nipple when the first detent members are properly connected to the second detent member or members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Hohmann, Gerhard Winterstein, Ralf Spors
  • Patent number: 5311947
    Abstract: A well assembly utilizes a casing tensioning system that allows a preselected amount of stretch to be applied in the casing. The assembly includes a tubular mandrel that secures to the upper end of the string of casing. A load ring has internal grooves that mate with exterior grooves on the mandrel, the load ring being of a ratcheting type. A retainer will latch the load ring in the wellhead housing. A positioning ring mounts to an upper portion of the mandrel to position the load ring at a desired distance above a stop shoulder on the lower portion of the mandrel and the load ring. During tensioning, the load ring remains stationary in the wellhead housing as the mandrel is pulled upward until the stop shoulder contacts the load ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Kent, Norman Brammer
  • Patent number: 5178208
    Abstract: A quick action coupling is disclosed for connecting simultaneously at least two pipes or hoses to the water box of a radiator or to the inlet and outlet members for the cooling fluid of a motor vehicle engine, said water box or said members comprising a generally cylindrical shaped chimney and n ways (n being a whole number at least equal to two) which open into said chimney, said coupling comprising n rigid conduits whose outlets into said connector are of a shape and position mating with the outlet orifices of said corresponding ways in the chimney of the water box or of said members so as to form n fluid circuits, as well as seals for sealing between the different fluid circuits with respect to each other, comprising: a male connector of a form mating with said chimney; and sealing of said circuits with respect to the outside is provided by a single additional seal whatever the number n of circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignees: Hutchinson, Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Gilles Briet
  • Patent number: 5141263
    Abstract: A fluid line connector fitting is provided which has first and second generally tubular members, one end of the second member being slidably receivable within the first member. Releasable locking means are also provided to prevent withdrawal of the second member from the first member. The releasable locking means are releasable by the action of a release means which reacts to longitudinal movement of the second member toward the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Arnold Varden
  • Patent number: 5125694
    Abstract: An improved quick connect and disconnect pipe joint fitting has a cylindrical body with a truncated cone-shaped internal wall. A sleeve having a plurality of spaced-apart tabs on the end thereof is received in the sleeve. The tabs each have a straight inner surface and a cone-shaped outer surface, the outer surface cooperating with the cone-shaped inner wall of the hollow cylinder. When a pipe is inserted in the sleeve received in the hollow cylinder, the tabs are moved outwardly. When the sleeve is moved outwardly from the hollow cylinder the smooth inner surfaces of the tabs are wedged against the pipe, thereby locking the pipe in the pipe joint fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Gianfranco Gobbi
  • Patent number: 5104157
    Abstract: A quick-release connector for a pair of conduits has a tubular male component which has a rear portion insertable into a first conduit, a front portion, an annular external protuberance between the front and rear portions, and several equidistance axially parallel disengaging members which cross the protuberance and have projections at their front ends. A tubular female component of the connector has a rear part which is insertable into the other conduit and a front part with equidistance axially parallel resilient arms, one for each disengaging member. The arms have internal detents which can engage a radial rear flank of the protuberance when the front portion of the male component is inserted into the front part of the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Bahner
  • Patent number: 5102170
    Abstract: A pipe joint comprises a cylindrical main body 1 with both ends open, at least one of which is to be a pipe insertion port 10, a slender slidable cylinder 2 coaxially installed in the main body 1 so as to slide therein freely to and fro in a certain range, its free end facing the pipe insertion port 10, and a holding cylinder 3 inserted between the main body 1 and the slidable cylinder 2 in a manner to move freely back and forth. The main body 1 has a taper 11 diminishing toward the pipe insertion port 10 on its inner circumference near the port 10. The holding cylinder 3 has a slit 30 open to the pipe insertion port 10 and its outside diameter is slightly larger than the inside diameter of the pipe insertion port 10. In a state where a pipe is forcibly fitted on the slidable cylinder 2 externally, the holding cylinder 3 moves toward the pipe insertion port 10 along with the pipe being pulled back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Nitta-Moore Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Inoue
  • Patent number: 5062478
    Abstract: An assembly device for a heat exchanger and tubular connector assembly, in which the tubular connector opens out into an opening in a tank of the heat exchanger and is fixed firstly to a flexible hose by a permanent connection and secondly to the tank via an easily disassembled resilient connection, with sealing between the tubular connector and the tank being provided by an elastomer ring which is radially compressed therebetween. The tubular connector and the tank are in alignment along an assembly axis and they constitute two parts to be assembled by snap fastening at least one axially-directed tab carried on one of the two parts. The tab is radially resilient and is provided with a snap-fastening catch which engages axial abutment means carried by the other one of the two parts. The tab has an expansion spring configuration whose resilient reaction acts radially in the direction tending to maintain the tab pressed against the abutment means when the said two parts are in the assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignees: Hutchinson, S.A., Valeo Thermique Moteur, S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Potier, Gilles Briet
  • Patent number: 5048874
    Abstract: A quick coupling for liquid-proof interconnection of two high-pressure fluid conduits, and incorporating a sleeve-formed female part and a male part insertable therein, which are lockable relative to each other by means of a resilient locking member and openable by means of an axially movable disengagement member. The locking member is an axially slotted circular ring of spring steel. The ring incorporates a number of resilient tongues projecting from a cylindrical portion under inclination against the inner of the female part, and adapted to cooperate with a locking lip on the male part. The disengagement member is a ring, which is pushable over the collar-provided and portion of the male part, the inner side of the ring facing a reduced portion of the male part and being designed with a resilient collar which engages the tongues to urge the tongues away from the collar, the axial length of which is smaller than the cylindrical portion of the locking member from which the tongues project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Weimar Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 5039139
    Abstract: A coupling (10) is disclosed for joining together a first tube (12) and a second tube (14) to form a continuous fluid passageway. The first tube (12) has a mount (20) a predetermined distance from its end (18) and the second tube (14) has a return bend on its end (36). Second tube (14) telescopically fits over first tube (12). A cage (22) having inclined locking tabs (30) is mounted by mount (20) externally of first tube (12). Locking tabs (30) cam to allow the return bend (36) of second tube (14) to pass the locking tabs (30). Tabs (30) return to their at rest inclination after the return bend (36) passes, to trap the return bend (36) between the locking tabs (30) and mount (18), thereby locking the first and second tubes (12,14) against disconnection and providing a visible connection to allow verification of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Donald J. McElroy, Harry W. Zarvos
  • Patent number: 5004272
    Abstract: A remotely-operable large-diameter underwater tube or tendon connector for securing the hollow legs or tendons of a tension leg platform to an ocean-floor template anchor which is provided with a receptacle for each connector to be used. Each connector includes a latching assembly carried at the end of each tendon which is operated by manipulation of the tendon to alternatively latch the assembly in a receptacle, unlatch it and pull it out of the receptacle, reset the latching assembly, and subsequently latch the connector a second time and later re-releasing it a second time without taking it out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Kipp
  • Patent number: RE34381
    Abstract: An axial locking device having two separable members which can be locked together and unlocked by relative axial movement of the two members in one direction. A slider is incorporated in one of the members and is movable relative to the member against a spring when the two members are moved axially relative to one another in one direction. The slider is displaced in one angular direction by interengagement of mutually engageable teeth on the one member and on the slider each time the slider is moved axially. This angular displacement of the slider locks the two members together when they are first pushed axially together against the force exerted by the spring on the slider and then unlocks the two members when they are subsequently pushed axially together against the spring force to permit one handed and/or speedy operation of the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Austen B. Barnes