Coil Spring Patents (Class 285/318)
  • Patent number: 10443775
    Abstract: A pipe coupling may include a body that is tubular and formed from a polymer. The body may include a main bore with a main axis and at least first and second female receptacles on each end of the main bore. Each receptacle may be configured to receive a male end of a pipe. A first brace may be coupled to and extend between, for example, a first female receptacle and a third female receptacle. A second brace may be coupled to extend between, for example, a second female receptacle and the third female receptacle. The pipe coupling can be a single, integral, injection molded monolithic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Roy Lucas Dean, Bryan Fitzgerald Allard, Michael Austin Dotsey
  • Patent number: 9347298
    Abstract: A tie back assembly and method of use is presented. In one method, a tie back seal mandrel is inserted into a tie back receptacle. Both the inner surface of the tie back receptacle and the outer surface of the seal mandrel are tapered to cooperate when mated. A seal assembly forms an annular seal between the tapered surfaces when the mandrel is inserted into the receptacle. Preferably the seal assembly has a burst seal and a collapse seal carried on one of the tapered surfaces, where the seals are spaced apart longitudinally. The seals are positioned at locations along the tapered surfaces to provide adequate wall thickness for support at pressure. Hydrostatic fluid in the wellbore increases the force necessary to withdraw the seal mandrel dues to creation of a lower pressure zone between the spaced apart seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 9267526
    Abstract: A spring latching connector includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a piston slidably received in said bore, a circular groove formed in one of said bore and piston and a circular coil spring disposed in said groove for latching said piston and housing together. The groove is sized and shaped for controlling, in combination with a spring configuration, disconnect and connect forces of the spring latching connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Publication number: 20140049041
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispense interface for use with a drug delivery device with an inner body and with a lockout element, wherein the lockout element is coupled to the inner body, wherein the lockout element is movable from a receptive condition to a locked condition, wherein in the receptive condition the dispense interface is attachable to the drug delivery device, wherein in the locked condition the dispense interface is not-attachable to the drug delivery device and wherein the lockout element is configured to move from the receptive condition to the locked condition when said dispense interface is attached to and detached from said drug delivery device. The invention solves the technical problem of reducing the risk of reuse of a dispense interface, after it has already been used with a drug delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ilona Eggert, James Alexander Davies, Simon Lewis Bilton, David Moore, Steven Wimpenny, Christopher Nigel Langley
  • Patent number: 8561274
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 8555624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection device (1) for at least one media line (2), such as for a urea-water solution for exhaust gas after-treatment in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The connection device comprises a connection part (4) having a socket (6) for the circumferentially sealed insertion of a line-side plug section (8), and retention means (10) for locking the inserted plug section (8) in place to prevent detachment. The retention means (10) is configured in such a way that starting from a normal operating position the inserted and locked plug section (8) can be moved over a specific travel path relative to the connection part (4) in opposition to a return force (F), in order to enlarge an internal volume inside the connection part (4) to which the medium is admitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lechner, Marco Isenburg, Olaf Offermann
  • Publication number: 20130099484
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety coupling assembly (100) for connecting segments of a conduit, such as a hose or a flexible pipe. The safety coupling assembly comprises a female member (50) and a male member (10), which are held together by spring operated toggle latches (70A,70B). The force required for connecting the female member with the male member of the safety coupling assembly can be selected independent from the force required for disconnecting the male member form the female member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PlymoVent AB
    Inventor: Stefan Berghuijs
  • Publication number: 20130074807
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail of a combustion engine. The coupling device comprises a fuel injector cup hydraulically coupled to the fuel rail and configured to engage a fuel inlet portion of the fuel injector, a plate element coupled to the fuel injector and fixedly coupled to the fuel injector cup to retain the fuel injector in the fuel injector cup in direction of a central longitudinal axis of the fuel injector, wherein the plate element comprises a groove, and a snap ring arranged in the groove and designed to fixedly couple the plate element to the fuel injector. The plate element comprises a main body and a ring element. The ring element comprises the groove and is at least limited rotatable around the central longitudinal axis relative to the main body of the plate element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Giandomenico Serra, Gisella Di Domizio, Daniel Marc
  • Patent number: 8375543
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 8308167
    Abstract: A locking tool or device that permits rapid installation and removal of a removable component from a component that is fixed to a housing or equipment. The interchangeable, and hence removable, components may be held in place by individual holders that provide secure axial locking means and quick radial removal means requiring no axial space for the removal of such components from the main base tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete J. Balsells, Farshid Dilmaghanian
  • Patent number: 8297662
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove having a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity having a circular radial canted coil spring disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end in sliding engagement with the bore and provided with a circumferential groove for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Publication number: 20120267890
    Abstract: An improved grease coupler 3 allows for positive, coupling and uncoupling from a grease nipple 4 via a manually operated trigger mechanism 30. The coupler includes a replaceable seal 13 and has an elongate body 10 with a grease passage 11 through the length of the body. A floating barrel plunger 42 acts as a check valve to prevent grease leaking from the discharge end of the elongate body 10 upon disconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Stillard Gurney
  • Patent number: 8166623
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 8167285
    Abstract: A spring latching connector includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a piston slidably received in said bore, circular groove formed in one of said bore and piston and a circular coil spring disposed in said groove for latching said piston and housing together. The groove is sized and shaped for controlling, in combination with a spring configuration, disconnect and connect forces of the spring latching connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Publication number: 20120007357
    Abstract: A quick release connector has a body, a sealing valve and an outer sleeve. The body is hollow, is fabricated as a single piece and has an external surface, an internal surface, a connecting end, a holding end, a middle, a threaded segment, an air inlet chamber, a mounting recess, an air outlet chamber, multiple ball holes, a limiting groove, an abutting flange, a returning spring, a valve ring, a sealing ring, a holding ring, multiple balls and a limiting ring. The sealing valve is movably mounted in the body, selectively abuts valve ring of the body and has an external surface, a closed end, an open end and at lease one air inlet. The outer sleeve is slidably mounted around the body and has a mounting end, a pushing end, an internal surface, a spring recess, an abutting recess, a holding recess and a pressing spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Hsiu-Hsiung Liu
  • Publication number: 20100253070
    Abstract: A conduit coupling can have a male portion and a female portion, with each portion having an internal biasing member. When the male portion is disconnected from the female portion, the internal biasing member in the male portion can cause a seal on a moveable plug to be biased against a lip of a stationary wall member to seal liquid from leaking out of the male portion. Also, the internal biasing member in the female portion can cause a lip of a moveable wall member to be biased against a seal that is connected to a stationary plug and can simultaneously cause a seal on the movable wall member to be biased against a wall of the female portion, to simultaneously seal liquid from leaking out of the female portion at two separate contact locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Peter CHEON, AnKuk Song, EungSoon Lee, Tim Hunting
  • Patent number: 7766394
    Abstract: A breakaway connector for use with a medical (e.g., catheter) or other fluid system. The connector may include two couplers that engage one another via a substantially frictionless retention device. In one embodiment, the retention device includes a biased cylindrical roller attached to one coupler that contacts an outer surface of the other coupler. The outer surface may include a grooved surface to receive the roller when the couplers are fully attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahn S. Sage, Matthew H. Adams, Benjamin A. Johnson, James Grant Skakoon
  • Patent number: 7695020
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Mark F. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7661725
    Abstract: A coupling has a socket and a plug that is inserted into and connected to the socket. The socket has a locking element and a sleeve actuating element that are radially displaceable to lock the plug as inserted into the socket. A sleeve is provided over the outer peripheral surface of the socket. The inner peripheral surface of the sleeve has a locking surface that presses the locking element from the radially outer side into a lock position. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve has an inclined surface extending in the circumferential direction thereof. As the plug is progressively inserted into the socket, the sleeve actuating element is pushed radially outward by the plug while engaging the inclined surface, causing the sleeve to be displaced in the circumferential direction. Thus, the inclined surface radially aligns with the locking element, and the locking element is pushed radially outward while engaging the inclined surface by the plug inserted progressively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kouda
  • Publication number: 20100028076
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Publication number: 20090315325
    Abstract: A female element (1) is described comprising a hollow internal body (2) having an end (3) provided with fastening means (5) to one of the pipes to be joined, a hollow external body (7) coaxial with said internal body (2) and having an end (8) which axially protrudes with respect to another end (4) of the internal body (2) opposite to that provided with fastening means (5), one rigid central stem (9) coaxially supported by said internal body (2) by means of a transversal perforated base (18) and having a widened end (10) near said protruding end (8) of the external body (7), an axially sliding sealing bush (12) coaxially arranged about said stem (9) and elastically stressed to be engaged with said widened end (10) of the stem (9) to prevent the passage of fluid within the female element (1), a cleaning bush (14) coaxially arranged about the sealing bush (12) and axially stressed in position so as to prevent the entrance of dirt about the sealing bush (12) and a lock sleeve (16) arranged about the protruding en
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Matteo Allevi, Gianmarco Gatti, Giovanni Stucchi, Sergio Tivelli
  • Publication number: 20090235899
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis coupled to a fuel rail at a first axial end area and to a ring element at a second axial end area by a circlip. The cup has at least two slots arranged at the second end area and at least two grooves arranged at least partly circumferentially the cup and axially overlapping with the slots. The ring element is arranged at the central longitudinal axis facing the second end area and coupled to a housing. The ring element has at least two protrusions facing the cup having at least two grooves arranged at least partly circumferentially the ring element in a common plane with the grooves. The circlip is arranged at least partly circumferentially the cup at least partly in the grooves and arranged at least partly circumferentially the ring element at least partly in the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Enio Biasci, Edoardo Giorgetti, Daniel Marc, Giandomenico Serra
  • Publication number: 20090229575
    Abstract: Coupling device (50) for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector (20) to a fuel rail (14) of a combustion engine (22), the fuel injector (20) having a central longitudinal axis (L), the coupling device (50) having a fuel injector cup (30) being designed to be hydraulically coupled to the fuel rail (14) and to engage a fuel inlet portion (24) of the fuel injector (20), a first ring element (36) being fixedly coupled to the fuel injector cup (30), and a second ring element (38) being fixedly coupled to the fuel injector (20) and being fixedly coupled to the first ring element (36) to retain the fuel injector (20) in the fuel injector cup (30) in direction of the central longitudinal axis (L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Edoardo Giorgetti, Massimo Latini, Daniel Marc, Giandomenico Serra
  • Publication number: 20090230677
    Abstract: Coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a combustion engine fuel rail has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis and is hydraulically coupled to the rail and engages a fuel inlet portion of the injector. A first ring element is coupled to the cup preventing movement of the first ring element relative to the cup in central axis direction. The first ring element has a first screw thread. A second ring element is coupled to the injector preventing movement of the second ring element relative to the injector in central axis direction. The second ring element has a second screw thread in engagement with the first screw thread retaining the fuel injector in the fuel injector cup in central axis direction. One of the ring elements is designed to be rotatable around the central longitudinal axis relative to the injector and/or the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Christiano Mannucci, Daniel Marc
  • Patent number: 7562906
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Mark F. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7503593
    Abstract: A joint for plumbing using a wedge action, which can easily and rapidly assemble and disassemble a pipe. The joint can maximize tensile stopping power of the product by mounting a stopper in such a manner as to occupy the maximum area, increase sealing effect and convenience in insertion of the pipe by adopting a packing the most suitable for the joint, and prevent introduction of dust from the outside. For this, a spring is designed in such a way that the final round of the spring forms a round, and thereby the present invention maximizes a stopper receiving capacity. In addition, the present invention adopts an X-ring as a packing, and a dust seal is mounted in an inlet in which the pipe is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Suk-Yoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7434842
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Mark F. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7395633
    Abstract: A rainwater collection and diverging system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A door is positioned in the bottom wall. A hinge hingedly couples the door to the bottom wall and a biasing member is attached to the door and biases the door in a closed position. Fluid in the housing may flow outwardly through the bottom wall when a biasing action of the biasing member is overcome and the door is moved to an open position. An outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing. A downspout has a bottom end extending into the housing. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between a free end of the outlet and a fluid receptacle. Water flowing down the downspout is directed into the conduit until a force of the water flowing down the downspout overcomes the biasing action and opens the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Helio Baeta
  • Patent number: 6981547
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for connecting the tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars. A connector mechanically mates a box end and a pin end of the tubulars together to form the connection. Additionally, mating castellations, surface finishes on the pin end and the box end, torque screws, and a variable pitch groove can provide resistance to relative rotation between the tubulars at the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick G. Maguire, David E. Hirth
  • Patent number: 6908121
    Abstract: A connector arrangement used for connecting and locking tubular members. The connector consists of two tubular members and a coupling member. The tubular members are threaded together to create a threaded connection. The locking arrangement is provided by a pathway formed on the tubular member whereby a locking member can be inserted in to the pathway to lock the threaded connection. The locking arrangement is also provided by a plurality of castellation members disposed on each tubular member. The connector also has a separate coupling member which has opposite right-hand and left-hand threaded ends to threadedly mate with the threads of the two tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Eugene Hirth, Tarald Gudmestad, Mark J. Murray, Gerald Dean Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20040108716
    Abstract: The invention relates to fast couplings for connecting hoses, particularly for domestic irrigation. A fast coupling (1) is formed by a first body (2) and a second body (4) reciprocally connected by inserting first lugs (23) projecting from the second body (4) in first slots (19) made on first body (2). A male connector (15) is locked inside the first coupling (1) by radially pressing an end (14) of said male connector with a torus-shaped elastic element (11). Unlocking the second body (4) from the first body (2) causes the automatic ejection of the male connector (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Ferrari Group SRL
    Inventor: Ruggero Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6685236
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for connecting tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars in a wellbore. More particularly, the present invention provides a tubular connection using a helical or spiral thread insert to seal and maintain mechanical strength in a tubular connection after expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: John Richard Setterberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6685235
    Abstract: An attachment system (601) for maintaining a passageway (603) of a tube (605) in axial alignment with a passageway (607) through a housing (609) includes a spring (611) having an exterior edge (613) and an interior area (615) passing the tube (605). The housing (609) has an exterior mating surface (404) around the passageway (607). A mating end (402) of the tube (605) abuts against the mating surface (404). A spring retainer (617) apart from mating surface (404) restrains the movement of the spring (611) away from the mating surface (404). A tubular coupler (619) in proximity to the mating end (402) restricts the movement of the mating end (402) toward the interior area (615) of the spring (605).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell F. Hart
  • Patent number: 6682106
    Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect coupling which does not allow free rotation of the ends of the coupling with respect to one another includes a male connector having a coupling end and a female connector having a coupling end with a receiving opening therein to receive the coupling end of the male connector when the connectors are in coupled condition. A holding mechanism is associated with the connectors to hold them together in coupled condition and allow easy disconnection when desired. Interengaging cooperable surfaces are provided on the male and female connectors, such as tabs extending from the female connector to engage a flat or other tab mating surface on the male connector to substantially prevent relative rotation of the male connector in relation to the female connector. The coupling is particularly useful for attaching sprinkler heads to sprinkler head holding bases in sprinkler systems to allow easy replacement of the sprinkler heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040000791
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for connecting tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars in a wellbore. More particularly, the present invention provides a tubular connection using a helical or spiral thread insert to seal and maintain mechanical strength in a tubular connection after expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: John Richard Setterberg
  • Patent number: 6588807
    Abstract: An improved quick-disconnect connector assembly for connecting hoses, having a female element for connection to a first hose and a male element for connection to a second hose. The female element has an axial bore having a sealing mechanism for sealably receiving a tubular portion of the male element. The male element further comprises resettable valve including a coil spring that extends into the bore in the female element and is retained therein by a U-shaped clip. The spring is sized to hold the male element axially within the sealing mechanism up to a desired inline pressure. When the pressure limit is exceeded, the male element spring is extended until the seal is broken, relieving the overpressure condition. When the un-sealing force has been relieved, the extended spring biases the male element back into sealing relationship with the female element, thereby automatically resetting the relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Burke, Robert L. Farrar
  • Publication number: 20030122373
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector arrangement for connecting and locking tubular members. The connector consists of two tubular members and a coupling member. The tubular members are threaded together to create a threaded connection. The locking arrangement is provided by a pathway formed on the tubular member whereby a locking member can be inserted in to the pathway to lock the threaded connection. The locking arrangement is also provided by a plurality of castellation members disposed on each tubular member. The connector also has a separate coupling member which has opposite right-hand and left-hand threaded ends to threadedly mate with the threads of the two tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: David Eugene Hirth, Tarald Gudmestad, Mark J. Murray, Gerald Dean Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20030094812
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 6565128
    Abstract: A device and a method for coupling a fluid rail to injectors by a connector, the connector having telescopic tube members extending between a first end and a second end, a sealing member disposed between a first tubular member and the fluid rail, a sealing member disposed between a second tubular member and the injector. The tubes are urged apart by either hydraulic pressure or by a resilient member to form a tight seal between the hemispherical distal ends of the connector to the respective fluid rail outlet and injector inlet. This invention also permits the coupling of a fluid rail to at least one fuel injector by providing a fluid rail, a flexible coupler on the injector inlet, mounting the nested or telescopic connector into both the flexible coupler and the injector inlet, inserting the fluid rail onto the connector and then urging the telescopic connector apart to form a tight seal against the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Diesel Systems Technology
    Inventor: Ulrich Augustin
  • Patent number: 6461091
    Abstract: A connection element for a bolt including a member for receiving the bolt (2) and including a bore (5) having a tapering region (7) adjoining a bore cylindrical receiving region (4) and tapering in a direction opposite a bolt insertion in direction (A); and a locking member supported in the bore (5) for forcelockingly engaging the bolt (2) and formed as a radially expandable annular member having an inner diameter (w), which is, at least partially, smaller than an outer diameter (d2) of the bolt (2), and an axial length corresponding to an axial length of the cylindrical receiving region (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Herb, Fritz Hermann, Ulrich Birnbaum, Marcus Fohrer, Gordillo Antonio Lopez
  • Patent number: 6435564
    Abstract: A high pressure conduit connector is provided. An insertion fitting is partially inserted into a high pressure conduit, and a press-in sleeve is provided that extends over the insertion fitting and the conduit for effecting a pressure-tight connection between them. A safety sheath, preferably embodied as a cylindrical coil spring, is secured to the outer side of the press-in sleeve, and to a portion of the insertion fitting that projects out of the high pressure conduit and the press-in sleeve, at least frictionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Frank Hohmann, Jörg Hohmann
  • Patent number: 6363581
    Abstract: A hose clamp is provided for establishing a reliable, fluid-tight, seal between a hose and a receptacle therefore or to another length of hose. The clamp includes a plurality of clamp segments and a span ring, e.g., a spiral wound ring. Each clamp segment includes an arcuate interior surface having a span ring slot therein which is positioned to align with a corresponding span ring slot in an adjacent clamp segment. The span ring has a portion disposed in each span ring slot with the interior surface the span ring approximately flush with the interior surfaces of the segments. Each clamp segment further includes a bore on a first end thereof which is adapted to align with a corresponding bore on an end of an adjacent segment. A fastener, e.g., a screw, may be inserted into the bores to draw the ends of the clamp segments toward each other, thereby tightening the segments of the clamp around the hose and receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: JGB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Anthony Zipp
  • Patent number: 6345928
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for mutual locking of two concentric cylindrical parts such as parts to be used in a submersible pump unit. One outer part (10) and two inner parts (6) and (7) are locked mutually by help of a circumferential locking element (12) having resilient abilities and which is arranged at the intersectional point between the three parts (6), (7) and (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan Bratthall, Borje Stahl, Lars Ogren
  • Patent number: 6276545
    Abstract: A stopper for opened bottles having an external body (1) provided with an upper opening (4) designed to allow rotation of a lever (8) having an eccentricity (9). Operation of the lever allows, through an intervening arrangement of a cylindrical helical spring (22), lowering of an internal body (16) against a toroidal spring (15) causing radial deformation of the toroidal spring to allow gripping of the neck of the bottle underneath a shoulder on the bottle neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Marisa Marchignoli
    Inventor: Ruggero Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6253422
    Abstract: A hose clamp is provided for establishing a reliable, fluid-tight, seal between a hose and a receptacle therefore. The clamp includes a plurality of clamp segments and a span ring, e.g., a spiral wound ring. Each clamp segment includes an arcuate interior surface having a span ring slot therein which is positioned to align with a corresponding span ring slot in an adjacent clamp segment. The span ring has a portion disposed in each span ring slot with the interior surface of the span ring approximately flush with the interior surfaces of the segments. Each clamp segment further includes a bore on a first end thereof which is adapted to align with a corresponding bore on an end of an adjacent segment. A fastener, e.g., a screw, may be inserted into the bores to draw the ends of the clamp segments toward each other, thereby tightening the segments of the clamp around the hose and receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: JGB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Anthony Zipp
  • Patent number: 6174110
    Abstract: A shoring leg is provided with a latch for use in maintaining an end plate of the shoring leg and a jack collar in a predetermined position relative to each another. The latch comprises a latch member having a slot to receive a mounting bracket which mounts the latch member for pivotal movement relative to the mounting means from a latching position to a release position. The latch member defines a recess adapted, when in the latching position, to receive part of the leg end plate and a corresponding part of an adjacent collar of the jack to retain the end plate and collar in the predetermined position. The latch member is biased into the latching position by a coil spring acting between the leg and the latching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: SGB Services Plc.
    Inventor: Demetrios Georgiou Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 6047993
    Abstract: An arrangement for connecting pipe pieces, particularly pipe pieces of exhaust systems of motor vehicles, is provided with end sleeves each fastened to the ends of the pipe pieces and pointing in each case to the other pipe end. In the interior of the end sleeves, bellows are arranged, the ends of the bellows being in each case connected with a pipe piece. A stranded spring extends helically along the outer circumference walls of the end sleeve. On the exterior side, the stranded spring is at least partially covered by protection sleeves which are provided with corrugations adapted to the course of the helical line and in whose interior the stranded spring is guided. The protection sleeve is connected with the end sleeves and the ends of the stranded spring are connected with the protection sleeves or the end sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Leopold Jungbauer
  • Patent number: 5975159
    Abstract: Container filler apparatus having a bowl for receiving liquid and for dispensing the liquid into a multiple of containers, a plurality of liquid-outlet lower openings and collars depending from the bowl, a plurality of liquid-outlet control valve mechanisms cooperatively interfitted within respective ones of the collars, a distortable retainer spring between each valve mechanism and its respective collar for retaining the valve in its collar, and safety clips exterior of said bowl engaged between the valves and their respective collars whereby each said valve mechanism can be removed from the bowl solely at the exterior of the bowl by removing the safety clip and pulling the valve down a sufficient amount to release the retainer spring. The retainer spring is an annular canted coil spring. An annular seal is between each valve mechanism and its respective collar, adjacent to but spaced from the canted coil spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fogg Filler Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Persenaire, Robert B. Szabo, II
  • Patent number: 5951065
    Abstract: In a quick-fitting pipe union for sealingly connecting two pipes (1 and 4) comprising an annular cage (8) fitted on the outer side of the one pipe (4) and fitted inside with an annular helical spring (9). When the pipes (1 and 4) are slid axially into one another, the spring latches over a flange (2) of the receiving pipe (1). The annular cage (8) with the sealing means (6/7) is fitted after the enlargement (5) is loosely slidable relative to the receiving pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Thomas Wilhelm Roesner, Dietmar Boehme, Christof Kock
  • Patent number: 5868440
    Abstract: A hose connector comprises (a) a tubular nipple comprising one end insertable into an end of a hose, the one end defining an annular shallow recess of a depth of 0.2 mm to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Renus Armaturen GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Kurz