Spring-biased Catch Patents (Class 285/317)
  • Patent number: 11933440
    Abstract: A sealing cover with quick-plug interface, comprising: cover body, above which a through hole is arranged, and in which a communication hole is arranged, and said through hole is connected with said communication hole; an annular sealing member and an annular fixing sleeve are arranged in said through hole, and said sealing member is arranged at the bottom of said through hole, and said fixing sleeve is arranged above said sealing member; said sealing member and said fixing sleeve are both clipped to an inner wall of the through hole, and said sealing member is made of a flexible material. There is no metal material in contact with the fluid inside the sealing cover with quick-plug interface, so there is no hidden danger of corrosion in long-term use, and the defect that the metal material is not resistant to corrosive fluids is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Han Hu
  • Patent number: 11918429
    Abstract: A water flosser is provided that may include a body, a reservoir, a cap coupled to the body and a tip extending through an opening in the cap. The water flosser may include a latch assembly that selectively retains the tip to the body. In one embodiment, the cap, the tip and the latch assembly are all rotatable as a unit about a defined axis relative to the body. An ejector button may be provided to actuate the latch assembly. In one embodiment, the ejector button extends through an upper surface of the cap. Actuation of the latch assembly may include displacement of the ejector button in a direction that is parallel with a rotational axis of the tip. In some embodiments, the reservoir of a water flosser includes a tapering volumetric section that concentrates a volume of fluid about an inlet of a tube coupled with a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WATER PIK, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bondurant
  • Patent number: 11913583
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a compressed air source to an air motor, having a housing with a housing channel leading to a compressed air connection and a piston axially adjustable in the housing channel- and force-loaded by a spring element having a piston channel which, when the coupling is connected to the air motor, merges into a connecting channel present in a pin element of the air motor. The piston is adjustable in the direction of the compressed air connection by the pin element against the force applied by the spring element. The spring element runs between the compressed air connection and the compressed air connection side area of the piston. Radial openings extend from the compressed air connection side area of the piston channel. An exhaust air channel connected to the air motor extends in the wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: AIR-TEC-VOGEL GMBH, FREUND MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jörg Vogel, Christian Scheer
  • Patent number: 11906082
    Abstract: A gland includes an annular ring, the annular ring defining a gland bore, the gland bore defining a gland axis extending through the annular ring; and a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly including a restraint base, the restraint base attached to the annular ring, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket, the restraint base including a structural rail; a gripper, the gripper disposed within the restraint pocket and configured to move in the restraint pocket; a spring biasing the gripper to move inwards towards the gland axis; and a cover contacting at least a portion of the restraint base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Aurelian Ioan Furcoiu
  • Patent number: 11883696
    Abstract: A housing (10) for a closed-circuit breathing apparatus (100) is provided for mounting respirator components (110) in an interior (40) thereof. The housing (10) includes a housing mount (20) and a housing cover (30) for covering the interior (40). The housing mount (20) has a first partial section (52) of at least one passage opening (50) for passage of a breathing tube (120) into the interior (40). The housing cover (30) has a second partial section (54) of this passage opening (50). The housing mount (20) and/or the housing cover (30) further have/has a fastening section (60) for the mechanical fastening to a counter-fastening section (122) of the breathing tube (120), which breathing tube (120) is guided through the passage opening (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Johannes Herrmann, Christian Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 11878774
    Abstract: A tie-in system (47, 48) for tie-in of a transfer pipe (13, 14) to a support unit (12) is disclosed, where the transfer pipe (13, 14) is arranged at least partly in a body of water (19). The tie-in system (47, 48) comprises: a spool piece (61, 71) that in one end is adapted to be attached to the transfer pipe (13, 14) and in the other end to be connected to a pipe element (58, 68) arranged on the support unit (12), a chute device (59, 69) that is adapted to be attached to the support unit (12) and to accommodate the transfer pipe (13, 14) such that the chute device (59, 69) supports the transfer pipe (13, 14) and takes up and transfers vertical and transverse forces from the transfer pipe (13, 14) to the support unit (12), a tie-in device (77, 79) that is connected to the spool piece (61, 71) and is adapted to be connected to a tie-in member (76, 78) on the support unit (12) such that tension loads are transferred from the transfer pipe (13, 14) to the support unit (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: ECONNECT ENERGY AS
    Inventors: Magnus Eikens, John Randolph Holland, Stian Tunestveit Magnusson, Bjornar Danielsen
  • Patent number: 11867331
    Abstract: This female element of a quick connector that connects to a male element and has a hollow body, which extends along an insertion axis and which delimits a receiving volume for the male element. Radial openings, formed in the body along a radial axis, open into the receiving volume. Each radial opening receives a latch, translatable in relation to the body along the corresponding radial axis, between a locked and an unlocked position. The female element has an actuating ring arranged about the body and translatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The ring has guide grooves, which interact with pins of each latch. The guide grooves associated with each latch are geometrically carried by a guide plane inclined in relation to the insertion axis so that each latch is driven between its locked and unlocked positions when the actuating ring is moved between its locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Olivier Pastore, Serafim Marques Barroca
  • Patent number: 11865883
    Abstract: A system and method is provided to lock or unlock a gladhand coupler on a towed asset to prevent connection of a tractor air line to the gladhand is provided. The system prevents the tractor from properly operating the towed asset brakes and therefore prevents the unauthorized movement of the towed asset. The system has a locking mechanism that blocks the surface on the gladhand used for coupling with another gladhand coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Phillips Connect Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gil Winograd, Jim Epler, Adam Bean, Thomas Peterson, Zhimin Guo
  • Patent number: 11723502
    Abstract: A suction nozzle (100) for a hand-held milling machine (200), the suction nozzle (100) including a suction connection (30) designed for connection to a dust extraction system (300), and the hand-held milling machine (200) being equipped with a depth stop (210), with the aid of which a penetration depth (ET) of a milling tool (220) of the hand-held milling machine (200) may be limited, the suction nozzle (100) having a connection area (10), via which the suction nozzle (100) is detachably fastenable, in particular detachably fastenable without tools, to the depth stop (210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Tobias Moeglich
  • Patent number: 11707174
    Abstract: A locking sleeve for connection with a valve box assembly of a central vacuum system includes, a first end adapted to couple to a wall of a valve box assembly, a second end opposite the first end, a central vertical axis between the first end and the second end, a first side adapted to be adjacent to a rear wall of a valve box assembly, a second side opposite the first side, a central horizontal axis between the first side and the second side, a slidable locking mechanism moveable in a sliding manner. The slidable locking mechanism is adapted to secure a vacuum hose assembly to the valve box assembly of the central vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: H-P PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Darrell V. Nieschwitz, Greg A. Calderone, Shawn C. Metz
  • Patent number: 11685025
    Abstract: A door stop installation device. The door stop installation device may include a main body portion; a door stop receiving portion integrated into the main body portion; an extension portion extending from a proximal end of the main body portion; an opening in a distal end of the main body portion; and wherein, the door stop receiving portion may be configured to receive at least one type of a door stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Marshen Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Dimattia, Jr., Frank Marshen
  • Patent number: 11655926
    Abstract: A system that permits fracturing pumps such as, for example, at least first and second fracturing pumps, each carried on a truck, to be connected to, and disconnected from, respective connection points on a fracturing manifold while fracturing fluid in the fracturing manifold is at pressure, in certain instances at or near fracturing pressure, and/or while other(s) of the fracturing pumps are being operated to pump fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DOWNING WELLHEAD EQUIPMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Austin C. Johnson, Tim Marvel, Kyle Schultz
  • Patent number: 11649912
    Abstract: Fretting wear in a pipe connector is avoided in advance. In a connector body (1), there is provided a gate member (29) having spring portions (33) that allow a pipe (P) to be inserted up to a regular depth while maintaining a contact state with the pipe (P). When a retainer (37) is pushed in with the pipe (P) being inserted to the connector body (1) up to the regular depth, locking legs (45) of the retainer (37) are locked to a bulge portion (6) of the pipe (P) and each locking leg (45) enters between the pipe (P) and the spring portion (33) and elastically displaces the spring portion (33) in a direction away from the pipe (P), thereby eliminating the contact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: TOGO SEISAKUSYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takanori Nagaya, Kenji Tozaki, Makoto Kishida, Noriaki Fujita
  • Patent number: 11603875
    Abstract: A collapsible structure connection system including apparatus for connecting rod segments and apparatus for holding and organizing rod segments. An apparatus for connecting rod segments, such as a pole tip and final rod segment, or two rod segments, may have a pair of mated rod segments and a spring-loaded push-button locking mechanism, with the rod segments connected using an elastomeric connector attached to each rod segment at adjacent, opposing ends. The elastomeric connector may be attached to and held in place against the rod segment using an attachment assembly that may be threaded or unthreaded, and that may mate, or not mate, within the rod segment upon securing the attachment assembly to the rod segment. The spring-loaded push-button locking mechanism may have a spring-loaded push-button seated on a dowel of a male body, and a cavity aperture traversing a dowel cavity of a female body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: NTH Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Blaze Henry Sosnowski
  • Patent number: 11598376
    Abstract: A joint assembly includes a first member having splines formed therein. A second member includes splines formed thereon and is coupled to the first member. The splines of the first member engage the splines of the second member. An access window is formed on the first member. A ring retains the first member to the second member. A seal extends across a joint between the first member and the second member and covers the access window. A portion of the ring is accessible through the access window following removal of the seal, where the ring can be manipulated to release the first member from the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Walter Hopson, Arvind Srinivasan, Michael Peter Kinsella
  • Patent number: 11480280
    Abstract: Fluid couplings described herein are designed to prevent spillage of fluid when connecting and disconnecting the couplings. In some embodiments, the fluid couplings described herein include internal valve components. In some example embodiments, the internal valve components include two springs that are arranged to exert their spring forces in parallel with each other to bias a valve component to a normally closed position. Some embodiments include a single spring. In particular embodiments, components of the fluid couplings and fluid flow paths of the fluid couplings have oblong transverse cross-sectional shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Elizabeth J. Langer
  • Patent number: 11433317
    Abstract: A building toy set is disclosed herein. The building toy set may include a plurality of elongate stick members, at least one of the plurality of elongate stick members having at least one rounded end; and a plurality of connector members, at least one of the plurality of connector members being in the form of a two-sided parallel connector having a body portion defining two slots, each of the two slots being disposed adjacent to, and extending parallel to one another. At least one of the plurality of connector members may include a body portion defining a bulb-shaped slot bounded by a straight wall portion and at least one curved wall portion, the at least one curved wall portion enabling one of the plurality of elongate stick members to be disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the body portion of the connector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignees: Impact Brothers, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Allen Cairns, Timothy David Holmes
  • Patent number: 11339905
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a water pipe and a high-pressure spray gun includes a connection assembly, a clamping assembly, and a covering member. The connection assembly includes a connector body defined by a side wall and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and a chute that extends along the connection body between the proximal and distal ends. The water pipe is coupled along the proximal end and the spray gun is coupled along the distal end. The chute includes grooves, and tapered regions seamlessly extending below from the grooves. The clamping assembly is operatively coupled to the connector body. The covering member sleeves over the connection assembly to movably engage with the clamping assembly, and is pressed and released to realise the buckle to move down from the grooves towards the tapered regions and back from grooves to the tapered regions, to clamp the water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Xiangcheng Xie
  • Patent number: 11242888
    Abstract: A drive shaft coupling for connecting a rotating tube cleaning shaft to a tube cleaning machine wherein high pressure fluid is pumped through the coupling, wherein the coupling is sealed to contain the high pressure fluid, and wherein a machine driven rotary flexible shaft passes through the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Crossford International, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph J. Franzino
  • Patent number: 11236851
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing a pipeline system that includes a first pipeline component to be fluidly connected to a pipe segment, which includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit within an annulus of the tubing, and a second pipeline component that includes a female fitting connector that defines a connector cavity. The first pipeline component includes a male fitting connector that defines a first connector bore and an outer surface of a leading end of the male fitting connector includes a retainer tab or base threading. The female fitting connector includes a base portion that defines a second connector bore and a retainer ring that interlocks with the retainer tab or the base threading on the leading end of the male fitting connector to facilitate securing the male fitting connector to the female fitting connector without using a discrete threaded fastener or hot tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Leger, Dale Brian Marietta, Alexander Lee Winn
  • Patent number: 11226008
    Abstract: A system for axially retaining two coaxial components includes an inner component having an annular compression groove formed in a radially outer surface thereof, an outer component having an annular engagement groove formed in a radially inner surface thereof, and a split retaining ring installed in the annular compression groove of the inner component, wherein the split retaining ring is adapted for movement between a radially compressed condition to facilitate axial engagement of the inner component within the outer component and a radially expanded condition to facilitate radial engagement of the split retaining ring in the annular engagement groove of the outer component, so that the inner and outer components are axially locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron M. Finke, Stephen Michael Bortoli, Mark J. Franklin
  • Patent number: 11143351
    Abstract: A connection device serves for connecting a first tube end, which can be connected to a vacuum pump, to a second tube end which can be connected to a chamber to be evacuated. To this end, the connection element has a tube element for fluidically connecting the vacuum pump to the chamber to be evacuated. The tube element is connected on each side via a connection element to the respective tube end. At least one of the two connection elements is configured here in such a way that it is exclusively suitable for transmitting torques. Furthermore, a decoupling element is provided for mechanically decoupling the at least one connection element, which is exclusively suitable for transmitting torques, from the corresponding tube end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: LEYBOLD GMBH
    Inventor: Heinrich Engländer
  • Patent number: 11112046
    Abstract: A female coupling component for a cam and groove coupling, consisting of a chamber mounted to or built into the exterior of the female coupling component, containing a latching member to be used as a safety lock when used in conjunction with a male coupling component. The latching member will interlock with a radial groove on a male coupling component. To unlock the female coupling component, an intentional movement including pushing, twisting, and/or pulling, etc. of the latching member is applied such a way as to allow the male component to be inserted or removed. The female cam and groove coupling will work on any like-sized male coupling component (i.e., 3? female to 3? male) without any modifications necessary to the male coupling required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Jeff Caudell
  • Patent number: 11015753
    Abstract: A pipe system includes a tubular body having an axis, a bore extending in an axial direction, a tubular body retainer groove formed in the bore, and a tubular body exterior. Retainers are configured to be mounted in the tubular body retainer groove only from the bore of the tubular body. In one version, the retainers cannot be installed in the tubular body retainer groove from the exterior of the tubular body. The retainers are configured to be circumferentially spaced apart from each other with respect to the axis. In addition, a pipe having a pipe exterior with a pipe retainer groove is configured to receive the retainers to form a pipe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN PIPE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dmitry Yashin, Roy L. Dean, Joshua E. Clapper
  • Patent number: 10941873
    Abstract: A mouthpiece includes: a mouthpiece main body portion including a tubular member to which an air supply device is connected on one end side and a tire valve is connected on the other end side; an annular protruding portion which is formed at a required position on the outer circumferential portion of the mouthpiece main body portion; a tire valve insertion hole provided in a tire-valve-side tip portion of the mouthpiece main body portion; an O-ring arranged on the air supply device side inside the tire valve insertion hole; and a back-up ring that presses the O-ring from the air supply device side of the O-ring; an actuation body having a substantially convex shape in which a cylindrical tip portion is reduced in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ORIGINALBOX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisao Emi
  • Patent number: 10926077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel interchangeable lockable catheter having a cap, the cap locking onto a junction hub or base, and encasing at least one lumen proximally to the junction hub of a multi-lumen catheter, PICC line and the like. The interchangeable lockable catheter's cap and base may be made of more than one piece, and provide a locking mechanism sufficient to deter tampering, while providing a low profile, comfortable, sanitary, and efficient means of closing off lumens for patients leaving the treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventors: Nunzio P. Pagano, II, Peter L. Pagano
  • Patent number: 10898241
    Abstract: This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation and other rod and vertebrae manipulation instruments. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lish, Andrew Morris, Niall Casey, Robert German, Jeffrey M. Seago, Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Patent number: 10871251
    Abstract: A waterproof quick coupler which closes a port of a pressure vessel in an air-tight state during a water leakage inspection of a welding portion of the pressure vessel of a compressor. The quick coupler comprises: an outer body having an opening formed at a distal end portion thereof, an inner body flexibly disposed to be rotatable and linearly movable in the outer body; a cap coupled to the distal end portion of the outer body, and a fixing lever flexibly disposed between the inner body and the cap to clamp and unclamp a port of a pressure vessel when the inner body moves forward and backward, wherein the inner body may be locked in the outer body when moving backward, and may be unlocked from the outer body when the outer body rotates in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-ik Lee
  • Patent number: 10781958
    Abstract: A tube end form, including a first section including a first radially outward facing surface, a second section including a second radially outward facing surface, and a shoulder axially arranged between the first and second sections, the shoulder including a first frusto-conical surface arranged at a first angle relative to the first radially outward facing surface, and a second frusto-conical surface arranged at a second angle relative to the first radially outward facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Oetiker NY, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley C. Fremont
  • Patent number: 10704722
    Abstract: A push to connect fitting assembly includes first and second fitting components joined to define an interior cavity, a seal device, a retainer, and a biasing member. The seal device is disposed in the interior cavity, and forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of a conduit end when the conduit end is inserted into the outboard end of the first fitting component. The retainer is assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components, and includes a gripping portion that grips the inserted conduit end. The biasing member is axially disposed between the retainer and the seal device, the biasing member applying a first axial load to the retainer to produce a gripping force between the gripping portion and the inserted conduit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SWAGELLOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Gregory S. Kalata, Ronald P. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10512922
    Abstract: An injection port for a spray gun includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end along a longitudinal axis. The injection port also includes an interior passage extending between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of blind bores disposed at the first end, each blind bore extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Cvetezar, Ernie Cvetezar, Jeff Cvetezar
  • Patent number: 10495246
    Abstract: A connection device is disclosed comprising a receptor having a recess; a securing clip at least partially inside the recess and comprising a clip head and a pair of clip legs, wherein the clip head has a receiving portion, wherein a portion of each of the pair of clip legs intrudes into a channel space of the connection device when the securing clip is in an unbiased configuration; and a dial comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the dial comprises a catch, wherein the catch is configured to intrude into the receiving portion, and wherein the dial is configured to strain the securing clip into a release configuration when the dial is rotated in a first angular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Hydrapak LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. Lyon, Samuel M. Lopez, Joshua A. Guyot
  • Patent number: 10473245
    Abstract: A locking element for detachably fixing a fluid-carrying plug to a connector, including, a locking element having at least one spring element, by means of which the locking element is moved automatically into a locking position with the connector as the plug is inserted, and held in its locking position, wherein the locking element has a limb that is moved at right angles to an axis of the connector, in which limb there is formed a bore for the plug to be led through; and characterized in that the locking element consists of a spring steel and the spring element is formed in one piece therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: EUGEN FORSCHNER GMBH
    Inventors: Janosch Ackermann, Sebastian Grunefeld, Mario Linz
  • Patent number: 10359221
    Abstract: A working fluid output device for a temperature control system includes an output head, a fitting module and a quick release mechanism. A bottom plate of the output head and a top plate of the fitting module each have an installing surface and a through hole. The quick release mechanism has first and second units disposed on the two installing surfaces, respectively. The first unit includes an operable member having a positioning portion and configured to be operated by a user to move the positioning portion move between lock and unlocked positions to enable that the first unit is detachably coupled with the second unit and the fitting module is detachably attached to the output head in a way that the installing surfaces face each other and the through holes communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yueh-Ying Lee, Helge Jacob Krystad, Ying-Chiao Chang
  • Patent number: 10173046
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving element coupled to the male coupler. The connector system further includes a release element movably coupled to the female coupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a female coupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch from the catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of the connector system. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes at least one valve biased by a valve-biasing member disposed external to or outside of the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: WilMarc Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Paul C. Ciccone, William A. Coulson, Marcia Coulson
  • Patent number: 10166498
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter for use in connection with a swimming pool or spa. A device is provided that has a tube inlet at the top of a vessel. A lower end of the device is connected directly to an outlet of the filter. The device is designed to divert all or the majority of the fluid to move to the top of the filter before exiting the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Lawrence Marciano, Jacob Cody Smith, Jeromy Elwood Higgins, Joseph Anthony Tessitore
  • Patent number: 10166825
    Abstract: A joint contains: a body, at least one locking block, at least one controller, and at least one resilient element. The body has an inlet segment, an outlet segment, and an air channel. The outlet segment has a connection orifice. Each locking block has a tooth and a driving portion. The tooth is controlled to move between a first position and a second position. Between the first position and the second position is defined a reverse driving travel path obliquely extending to the inlet segment. Each locking block also has a coupling shaft. The reverse driving travel path is arcuate, and the driving portion and the coupling shaft are on opposite sides of the tooth. Each resilient element urges the tooth to move to the first position and is pressed so that the tooth moves to the second position along the reverse driving travel path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignees: Create Forever Industrial Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lung-Kuo Hsu
  • Patent number: 10156307
    Abstract: An integral button latch is formed for use in a female fluid connector housing. The button latch has a latch plate, a button actuator, and two or more cantilevered leg springs extending from beneath the actuation surface to interface with the connector housing. The latch plate, the button actuator, and the leg springs are all integrally formed. The leg springs bias the latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forces applied to either of the button actuator or the latch plate. By integrally forming the button latch structure, the cost associated with purchasing the springs, molding the lock latch, and the ensuing assembly of the three is significantly diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Lewis, Carl T. Whitaker, Riley M. Phipps
  • Patent number: 10151409
    Abstract: A female coupling device includes: a main body, and a clip member coupled to the main body, the clip member having a plurality of arms extending perpendicularly therefrom, with the plurality of arms forming at least one pair of arms, with the pair of arms including a first distance therebetween and a second distance therebetween, with the first distance being sized to engage a clip groove of a mating male coupling device, and with the second distance being sized to disengage the mating male coupling device. In a locked position, the pair of arms is positioned so that the first distance is adjacent to the mating male coupling device. In an unlocked position, the pair of arms is positioned so that the second distance is adjacent to the mating male coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Robert Keith Johnson, Grant Armin Wilhelm, Elizabeth Joy Langer
  • Patent number: 10136927
    Abstract: This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation and other rod and vertebrae manipulation instruments. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lish, Andrew Morris, Niall Casey, Robert German, Jeffrey M. Seago, Eugene Shoshtaev
  • Patent number: 10125903
    Abstract: An enhanced seal may comprise an annular portion having an annular portion peripheral wall and a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical portion peripheral wall. A passageway may extend through each of the annular portion and cylindrical portion. One or more annular protrusions may extend away from the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bryan Doran, Andrew Mark Urry, Mitchell Lee Price, Karl L. Connolly, Carter Timothy Oman
  • Patent number: 10080879
    Abstract: A medical tubing connector includes a first connector portion configured for connecting to a mating second connector. A tube engagement portion is integral with and opposite the first connector portion and configured for connecting to a medical tube. A liquid passage extends through the first connector portion and the tube engagement portion. The first connector portion includes a continuous outer surface for sealing engagement with the mating second connector. An annular portion is integral with and surrounds the male connector portion. A connecting portion connects the first connector portion to the annular portion. The connecting portion is discontinuous permitting liquid to pass through the connecting portion so that liquid is prevented from pooling between the first connector portion and the annular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: KPR U.S., LLC
    Inventor: Wayne Schuessler
  • Patent number: 10012335
    Abstract: A quick connection arrangement is for detachably connecting a medium line by way of a (SAE) connecting piece, comprising a housing having an opening for receiving the medium line, and a connecting piece opening for receiving the (SAE) connecting piece, so that between the medium line and the (SAE) connecting piece, a medium can be guided through the housing. The quick connection arrangement further comprises a locking body for locking the (SAE) connecting piece in the connecting piece opening, which is essentially arranged inside the connecting piece opening and provided with at least two, essentially radially acting locking elements for locking the (SAE) connecting piece in the connecting piece opening in a longitudinal direction (A). The locking body is further provided with at least two, essentially radially acting unlocking elements, configured to make it possible to undo the locking of the (SAE) connecting piece by the locking elements when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: ContiTech Schlauch GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Dude
  • Patent number: 9732891
    Abstract: A releasable connection assembly for connecting tubing sections is disclosed. The assembly includes a dual lumen male bayonet connector and a female latch connector. The dual lumen male bayonet connector includes a first shaft and a second shaft, where each of the first and second shafts includes a distal sealing portion defining a sealing surface, a proximal coupling portion, and an annular channel. The female latch connector includes a proximal end, two sealing members and a distal end. A kit is also disclosed. The kit includes a dual lumen male bayonet connector, a blood pressure cuff, and two sections of medical tubing. The two sections of medical tubing engage each of the proximal coupling portions of the first shaft and the second shaft and the blood pressure cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter D. Lewis, Ravikumar Narayanan, Richard W. Cairns, Riley M. Phipps
  • Patent number: 9663999
    Abstract: A shearing mechanism in which a male component mates into a female component, the male component having a first groove extending around the male component and the female component having a second groove extending around the female component, the first groove and the second groove cooperating when the male component is inserted into the female component to define an annular recess. A shearing component is provided within the annular recess, the shearing component having a shear load that is controlled by the material and size of the shearing component. An opening is provided within one or both of the male component and female component, the opening being aligned with the annular recess. Stress relief is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Plainsman Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lea-Wilson, Shane McAssey
  • Patent number: 9649484
    Abstract: A medical tube assembly is disclosed, and includes a first tube portion defining a longitudinal axis, a second tube portion, and a coupling member. The coupling member is configured to couple the first tube portion and the second tube portion. The coupling member is configured to circumferentially engage the second tube portion and has a protrusion configured to engage a portion of the first tube portion. The second tube portion is configured to transition the coupling member from a resting condition to a coupling condition. The coupling member is configured to engage the first tube portion in the coupling condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Ramiro Cabrera, Anne Nelson
  • Patent number: 9593877
    Abstract: There is provided a refrigerator having a locking device for an ice bucket and a method for installing a locking device for an ice bucket. A refrigerator having a locking device for an ice bucket, comprising: a main body; a storage space within the main body; an ice space configured to be disposed inside the main body, and partitioned from the storage space, and having a front opening; an ice bucket comprising an ice storage portion which stores ice generated within the ice space; and a cover member which is disposed in front of the ice storage portion to cover a front of the ice space and configured to be slidably installed in the ice space; and a locking device configured to lock the ice bucket within the ice space to prevent the ice bucket from being drawn out of the ice space by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Jin Yang
  • Patent number: 9486256
    Abstract: This disclosure describes example embodiments of rod reduction instrumentation. The rod reducers can be used during the installation of a rod based surgical fixation system to help urge the rod into the fixation anchors. The reducers described provide various configurations delivering large reduction distance capabilities, strong controlled reduction coupled with an ability to quickly advance the reducer if desired, and reduction of bulk through the surgical corridor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Lish, Justin Doose
  • Patent number: 9458678
    Abstract: A threadless connection assembly for use in connecting two tubular members. A connection assembly includes connection portions having interlocking splines and a link lock that secures the two connection portions axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: UNMANNED AD-HOC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Stuart McLaughlin, Roxanne R. Dahse, Raymond Kolar, Jeremy Ramirez, Cameron Griffin, Dan Katen
  • Patent number: 9388929
    Abstract: A male bayonet connector connects a section of tubing to a female latch connector. The male bayonet connector includes a shaft defining a lumen, a distal end portion, and a proximal end portion. The distal end portion of the shaft has a sealing surface configured to engage a seal member within the female latch connector to create a fluid-tight seal. The shaft defines an annular recess proximal to and adjacent the distal end portion. The annular recess has a proximal chamfered side wall and a distal sidewall perpendicular to the axis of the lumen, which are separated by a band of smaller diameter than the sealing surface. A grip is formed on the male bayonet connector between the proximal end portion and the annular recess. A ratio of a length of the first sealing surface to a distance between the grip and the distal sidewall is such that a side-load force, as imparted on the male bayonet connector, will not break a fluid-tight seal between the sealing surface and the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Lewis, Ravikumar Narayanan, Richard W. Cairns, Riley M. Phipps