Resilient Ring Patents (Class 285/321)
  • Patent number: 7578529
    Abstract: A collet quick connect fluid coupling includes a self-centering structure that is received within a channel (36) in a pilot (32). The channel and self-centering leg (28) ensures the collet (26) is approximately centered within the housing (22) as a tube (38) is moved into the housing. This prevents misalignment of the collet relative to the tube (38). In a preferred embodiment, the collet (26) has a ramp (30) on an inwardly facing surface that cams along a surface on the pilot (32), assisting the collet (26) in expanding when a tube (38) is moved into a housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew David Lutzke, Brian Graichen
  • Patent number: 7571939
    Abstract: A pipe joint includes a socket, a plug, a retaining unit for preventing the plug from being drawn out from the socket, a seal ring arranged at an inner periphery of the socket and a hold ring arranged at the inner periphery of the socket for preventing the seal ring from being moved. A projected portion is formed at a position of the inner periphery of the socket for attaching the hold ring, and the hold ring includes a notched portion or a recess portion for engaging with the projected portion, and a projected portion projected in a direction of an inserting port of the plug, and the plug includes a ring-like projected portion for engaging with the retaining unit, and a recess portion or a flat portion provided at the ring-like projected portion to engage with the projected portion of the hold ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshida, Yoshikazu Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20090175690
    Abstract: A releasable connector assembly comprising a socket body 2 and a plug body 3. The socket body 2 has a set of channels 15 formed therein and the plug body 3 having a corresponding set of radial tabs 7 formed thereon, the channels 15 forming a keyway for the tabs 7 such that load bearing projections 5, 14 on the bodies are releasably engageable in the manner of a bayonet coupling. The assembly is characterised in that a set of locking pins are provided on the socket member that are extendable into the channels 15 so as, in use, to trap the tabs 7 in undercuts 15k of the channels 15, thereby preventing unintentional release of the plug 3 from the socket 2, and retractable from the channels 15 so as to enable release of the plug 3 from the socket 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: John Gallagher
  • Patent number: 7543854
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member extending along an axis from a leading end to a trailing end and having an exterior that includes a first locking surface. A second coupling member extends from a receiving end to a remote end and includes a receiving portion sized to receive the first coupling member. The second coupling member also includes a second locking surface. A latching sleeve is positioned between the first and second coupling members and includes a bead. The latching sleeve is sized such that as the first coupling member is inserted into the second coupling member, the latching sleeve is compressed as the bead engages the second coupling member and then expands as it moves over the second locking surface to become engaged between the first locking surface on the first coupling member and the second locking surface on the second coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Jason W. Dahms
  • Patent number: 7533908
    Abstract: A coupling assembly having male and female coupling members that are connectable and separable from each other. The coupling assembly utilizes a resiliently expandable locking element, which is provided on the male coupling member, to connect the male and female coupling members together by trapping the locking element, in its expanded position, between respective locking surfaces of the male and female coupling members. A locking sleeve, which is movable between unlocked and locked positions, is employed to move the locking element to its expanded position. In this position, the locking element prevents the withdrawal of the male coupling member from the female coupling member by creating a positive lock therebetween. To maintain the locking sleeve in its locked position, a retainer can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd J. Vogel, Michael P. Wells
  • Patent number: 7533907
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female coupler selectively interconnected to a male coupler to provide sealing engagement. In one embodiment, the female coupler and the male coupler are secured together by a pressure activated locking assembly which prevents disengagement of the male and female coupling until the internal pressure in the coupling is reduced to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation IP Law Dept.
    Inventors: Jonathan C. Swift, Geoffrey R. Keast, Timothy G. Robinson, Stephen McGee
  • Patent number: 7530605
    Abstract: The coupling (10) comprises a body (16) suitable for being fitted onto a tube (12) in leaktight manner, and a locking clip (22) that is elastically deformable between a locking configuration in which at least one locking zone (24A, 24B) of the clip can catch on a catch surface (14) of the tube and an unlocking configuration. The clip (22) is disposed over the wall of the body (16), which wall is provided with at least one transverse slot (30A, 30B) through which the locking zone (24A, 24B) projects into the body when the clip is in the locking configuration, and with at least one setback (32A, 32B; 36A, 36B) provided at the end of the slot, a portion of the bottom of said setback forming an unlocking ramp (34A, 34B; 38A, 38B) on which an unlocking zone (35A, 35B; 37A, 37B) can slide in order to cause the clip to go from its locking configuration to its unlocking configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Nicolas Rigollet, Fabrice Prevot, Tony Rointru
  • Publication number: 20090108580
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for fluidic systems, in particular for CO2-and fuel-conducting systems, including a housing (1) and a plug (2) which can be inserted into the housing (1). The plug (2) can be inserted by a plug stem (3) into a receiving opening (4) of the housing (1) in a manner scaled by at least one circumferential seal (5, 5a, 5b) and, when inserted, for it to can be locked therein against release by means of a locking device having at least one latching element (7) arranged on the plug (2) and a latching shoulder (8) interacting with the latching element (7). The housing (1) has two-part design with an inner housing part (1a) and an outer housing part (1b), which can be connected releasably to the inner housing part (1a) so that it essentially surrounds the inner housing part (1a). In order to install it without destroying it, the latching shoulder (8) is formed at one end in an entry region (4a) of the receiving opening (4) on the outer housing part (1b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7516989
    Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting a first pipe and a second pipe includes a socket attached to an end of the first pipe and a plug attached to an end of the second pipe, wherein the plug is inserted into the socket. An inner periphery of the socket is provided with a seal ring for sealing an interval between the inner periphery of the socket and an outer periphery of the plug in an airtight manner and a hold ring for restricting movement of the seal ring in an axial direction. The hold ring includes a groove in a ring-like shape for constituting a burr storing space at an outer periphery thereof and is welded to the inner periphery of the socket by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Naoki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20090091129
    Abstract: [Problems] To provide a low pressure loss type fluid coupling having a valve holder which has a large effective opening area and never drops the strength thereof. [Means to Solve] In the fluid coupling for connecting the fluid passages of the plug 1 and the socket 2, a valve 33, a valve holder 31 and a spring 32 disposed in a compressed state between the valve 33 and the valve holder 31 are accommodated inside each of a plug 1 and a socket 2 to be connected to each other liquid-tightly, and when the plug 1 is inserted into the socket 2, the valve 33 of the plug 1 and the valve 33 of the socket 2 make contact with each other so that the valves 33 are retracted resisting an urging force of the spring32.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi Moriiki, Katsuya Nishi, Yoshinori Abura
  • Publication number: 20090067919
    Abstract: A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling has a clip, a male portion having an annular groove adapted to receive the clip, a female portion, and a sealing element. The female portion has a dual function frustoconical portion adapted to compress the sealing element during joinder of the male portion with the female portion as well as to compress the clip into the annular groove in preparation of separating the male portion from the female portion. Further, a sleeve is slideably placed about the male portion and adapted to capture the clip compressed within the annular groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jonathan Clark Swift, Geoffrey Richard Keast
  • Patent number: 7500697
    Abstract: A locking device and method to eliminate rotation or dislodging of a snap ring relative to a snap ring groove is provided. A locking clip is provided that may be used as a retention clip, with or without the use of a snap ring. The locking device for a housing assembly to retain a part comprises a locking clip, insertable between the retained part and the housing, wherein the locking clip comprises a clip body; a first locking tab connected to the clip body; and a locating tab connected to the clip body. In rotating assemblies, the elimination of snap ring movement improves the balance and wear of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl M. Romack
  • Patent number: 7497479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device having a first pipe connecting piece, a second pipe connecting piece and a securing part. The two pipe connecting pieces are adapted to be connected to one another in a releasable and fluid-tight manner by the securing part. The first pipe connecting piece has at least one recess on the outside, and the second pipe connecting piece has a collar and an outer piece of pipe, which between them form an annular space bounded on one side in the axial direction and which accommodates a sealing element. The outer piece of pipe has at least one aperture. The first pipe connecting piece is adapted to be introduced into the annular space. The securing part has at least one catch element, which can be inserted into an aperture, thereby entering a recess. A filter device with such a connecting device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Argo-Hytos GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Moessinger
  • Patent number: 7497478
    Abstract: A duct assembly comprises a collar that defines a bore and has a first plurality of slots and a second plurality of slots formed therethrough. The collar includes an annular wall formed within the bore and an end groove formed at one end thereof. A duct has an end fitted within the end groove. A ring is disposed within the collar and abuts the annular wall. A ring retainer is disposed within the collar and abuts the ring. The ring retainer has a plurality of tabs formed thereon that fit within the first plurality of slots. An end of a port extends into the collar. The port has an annular groove formed along its circumference. A clip that has a plurality of arcs formed along its length extends around the collar. The arcs extend through the second plurality of slots into the annular groove of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Callahan
  • Publication number: 20090051164
    Abstract: In a connection element for connecting media lines, for instance hoses (9,10) to a tube piece, in particular a tube, at least a first plug-shaped connection member (3) having at least two hose connections (1,2) is provided, whose plug part includes axially offset, radial openings (6,7) each connected with a hose connection (1,2). At least one socket-shaped connection member (26) is provided for receiving the plug-shaped connection member (3) in a manner rotational about the plug-in axis (8), the wall of which socket-shaped connection member likewise includes radial openings (14,15) at axial distances corresponding with the axial distances of the radial openings (6,7) of the plug-shaped connection member (3), wherein between adjacent radial openings (6,7,14,15) as well as to the axial end of the socket-shaped and/or plug-shaped connection member (3,26) the wall of the socket-shaped and the plug-shaped connection members (3, 26) is provided with annular or disc-shaped seals (18) sealing relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Dominik Lirsch, Robert Kolbl
  • Patent number: 7488006
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface spaced from the first exterior surface by a rib having a first locking surface. A second coupling member includes an inwardly facing surface sized to receive the first coupling member and an inwardly facing annular groove having a second locking surface. The groove is configured to reduce stress risers in the second coupling member. A resiliently expandable locking ring is received in the inwardly facing annular groove and is engaged and expanded to a larger radial size by the rib upon movement of the first coupling member further into the second coupling member. The resiliently expandable locking ring is configured to retract in diametrical size to become trapped between the first locking surface and the second locking surface upon further movement of the first coupling member into the second coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jason W. Dahms, David S. Densel, Ryan J. Williams
  • Patent number: 7481464
    Abstract: A coupling, particularly a pipe coupling for high-pressure pipes or high-pressure hoses, is equipped with coupling pieces provided at the ends to be connected, in each instance, and with a cuff that couples the coupling pieces, using at least two shear elements. The coupling pieces engage over the cuff that lies on the inside, as an extension of the ends, with almost the same diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Karl Hamacher GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Füsser
  • Patent number: 7478841
    Abstract: In a rapid coupling, an end section of a pipe nipple engages in a throughhole of a sleeve. A groove provided on the pipe nipple serves to engage a resilient locking ring formed in the sleeve in order to lock the coupled state. The locking ring is located in an annular recess formed close to the insertion end of the sleeve. If the pipe nipple is not inserted into the bush to such an extent that the locking ring latches in the groove, the pipe nipple is pushed outward by a compression spring provided in the throughhole of the sleeve, so that the groove is readily visible outside the sleeve. The groove thus serves not only for locking in the properly coupled state but also as an indicator for indicating a state which is not properly coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen - Und Apparatefabrik
    Inventors: Ulrich Meier, Hans Greminger
  • Patent number: 7469933
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided that generally includes a female coupling selectively interconnected to a male coupling to provide sealing engagement. In one embodiment, the female coupling and the male coupling are secured together by a mechanical locking mechanism that is disengaged with a release mechanism. To prevent inadvertent disengagement, a secondary locking device or spacer is provided which substantially prevents the release mechanism from disengaging the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan C. Swift, Geoffrey R. Keast, Timothy G. Robinson, Stephen McGee
  • Patent number: 7445250
    Abstract: A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling has a clip, a male portion having an annular groove adapted to receive the clip, a female portion, and a sealing element. It is improved by the female portion having a dual function frustoconical portion adapted to compress the sealing element during joinder of the male portion with the female portion as well as to compress the clip into the annular groove in preparation of separating the male portion from the female portion. Further, a sleeve is slideably placed about the male portion and adapted to capture the clip compressed within the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Clark Swift, Geoffrey Richard Keast
  • Patent number: 7438328
    Abstract: A quick connector is provided with a connector housing and a wire retainer. The connector housing has a retainer mounting portion which is formed with engagement slits. The wire retainer is mounted on the retainer mounting portion such that engaging arms enter the engagement slits and project in the retainer mounting portion. Each of the engaging slits has a width larger than a diameter of the engaging arm in order to generate a collision noise by collision between the engaging arm and the connector housing or the pipe upon completion of closing motion of the engaging arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Mori, Motohide Nishimura, Tetsuya Souji
  • Patent number: 7431344
    Abstract: A connection system for sealingly interconnecting components of a high pressure fluid flow system, for example, an automobile engine air intake. The system can include a conduit defining a groove that is locked in a corresponding groove defined by a component, for example, an engine intake. An interlock ring is placed in the conduit groove. A clamp is placed over the interlock ring, however, the clamp and ring can be an integral component. When tightened, the clamp forces the ring into the conduit groove, which presses the conduit into sealing and/or locking engagement with the component groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Clark, Michael J. Anderson, Raymond W. Boze, III
  • Publication number: 20080174112
    Abstract: One end of a resilient sleeve is fitted on a tubular projection of the bell of a constant velocity joint. The sleeve covers a radial slot formed in the projections and the arms of a spring locking ring for axially removably securing the joint bell to a toothed driving ring fixed on a rotatable hub. The other end of the sleeve has a radially inwardly projecting flange which is sealingly axially clamped against a rigid annular part secured to or integral with the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget Skf
    Inventors: Marco BRUNETTI, Cristian CONCU
  • Patent number: 7393019
    Abstract: A tube connection assembly comprises a male member, a female member and a mating member. The male member is provided with a retaining part that is formed with a non-circular cross-section on the outer peripheral part of a male body. The mating member is held by the retaining part, is formed from an elastic material having a C-shape, and has, on a portion thereof, mating parts. The female member is provided with a receiving part in which the male member is inserted, and mating holes and formed through the receiving part. The mating member is held, so as to prevent rotation, by a base part of a retaining part that has a non-circular cross-section as a part of the outer peripheral part of the male body, and decreases or increases in diameter in the radial direction to mate with the female member through insertion into the mating holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Taga, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Keiji Ishiguro, Shigeo Ohi, Kazuyoshi Murase
  • Patent number: 7390030
    Abstract: A pipe joint is provided that includes a first length of pipe having a first flange and a second length of pipe having a second flange. The first flange includes a ramp extending outwardly and away from a leading exterior surface and a first locking surface extending inwardly and away from the ramp. The second flange includes an interior portion sized to receive the first flange. The interior portion includes a second locking surface and an inwardly facing annular groove adapted to receive a resiliently expandable locking member. The second locking surface is positioned within the interior portion such that, upon insertion of the first flange into the second flange, the resiliently expandable locking member expands as it travels up the ramp and then contracts to become positioned between the first locking surface and the second locking surface to prevent withdrawal of the first flange from the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Brian E. Lamm
  • Patent number: 7390029
    Abstract: A quick connector has a housing, a retainer for locking a tube at a correct position for complete connection in the housing and a restraining ring for restraining the retainer from being pressed into the housing to its locking position unless the tube is inserted in the housing and placed at the correct position for complete connection to avoid connecting the tube to the quick connector in a falsely locked state. The restraining ring is provided with locking bars that engage with the legs of the retainer to restrain the retainer from being pressed into the housing. The locking bars permit releasing the restraining ring to its releasing position to enable the retainer to be pressed into the housing to the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20080143106
    Abstract: A fluid coupling having an outer housing with an internal bore, an O-ring fitted within the bore, a spacer bushing fitted against the O-ring, a gripper ring fitted against the axially outer side of the spacer ring, the gripper ring having axially and radially inwardly protruding circumferentially spaced gripping teeth, the teeth arranged for providing a twist when subjected to simultaneous rearward axial and rotational forces, and an end bushing holding the gripper ring, spacer bushing, and O-ring within the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: ACCOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry E. O'Neill, Charlie Whitney
  • Patent number: 7387318
    Abstract: A socket is attached to an end of one pipe and a plug is attached to an end of another pipe. The socket is provided with a pair of notched grooves at peripheral faces on both sides opposed to each other and a stopper constituting a U-shape is mounted onto the notched groove. The plug is provided with a first taper portion, a flat portion, and a second taper portion continuously from a front end side thereof in a sectional shape thereof along an axial direction, and a groove having the stopper inserted therein is formed at a ridge portion of the second taper portion. An inner periphery of the socket is arranged with a seal ring for sealing an interval between the inner periphery of the socket and an outer periphery of the plug in an airtight connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Naoki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080128207
    Abstract: A drain bolt which includes a threaded shank portion, a driving head, and an enlarged primary flange and a pair of secondary circular flanges of reduced diameter with respect to said enlarged flange, said reduced diameter flanges holding a captive O-ring between them. The seal is between a cylindrical counterbore and the O-ring, and is completely independent of the force with which the drain bolt is installed. In other embodiments, there is a drain bolt with a captured washer, allowing limited movement of the washer, and in another embodiment, the drain bolt is coined just below the O-ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: SKF USA INC.
    Inventor: John A. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20080106096
    Abstract: A multipurpose coupling is made of two pieces incorporating a partitioning washer ring between them. The coupling can provide a restrained joint between two ends of pipes having grooves or shoulders in the end portions of said pipes, or an unrestrained joint for plain end pipes having no grooves or shoulders in the end portion of pipes, or the coupling can provide a restrained joint on its one end, while providing an unrestrained joint on its opposite end. The coupling is provided with a centrally located interlocking, doubled-up mechanical mechanism means, comprised of two mechanisms, where each mechanism perform its intended function in sequence to connect two said pieces of the coupling body, and to secure the coupling to the ends of two pipes simultaneously. Valves or fittings may be incorporated into the coupling between the ends of pipes being connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ajit Singh Gill
  • Publication number: 20080100062
    Abstract: A coupling device for a fluid pressure system comprises a housing (8) receiving a coupling body (2), and means for retaining the body (2) in the housing (8), the retaining means comprising a grab ring (36, 60, 61) having radially inner teeth (43) for engagement with the body (2) and radially outer teeth (44) for engagement with the housing (8), the grab ring (36, 60, 61) being mounted in a groove (39) in the body (2), and the grab ring (36, 60, 61) and the groove (39) being so constructed and arranged that on insertion of the body (2) into the housing (8) the outer teeth (44) are deflected by the housing (8), but on application of a removal force the grab ring (36, 60, 61) pivots in the groove (39), urging the inner teeth (43) into engagement with the body (2) and the outer teeth (44) into engagement with the housing (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Norgren Limited
    Inventor: Paul Gerald Aston
  • Patent number: 7364207
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling having a clip, a port having an interior annular groove adapted to support the clip, a forward cylinder, a rear cylinder, and a first transition ramp, and defines a port peak distance. The coupling also has a sealing element. Additionally, the coupling also has a stem having a male connection portion including a forward annular seal groove adapted to receive the sealing element, an annular lead-in surface, a leading support cylindrical surface, a following support cylindrical surface, a camming ramp, and defines a stein peak distance. The port has an intermediate cylinder between the forward cylinder and the rear cylinder and has a second transition ramp between the forward cylinder and the intermediate cylinder and the male connection portion has a centering ramp and an intermediate support cylindrical surface between the leading support cylindrical surface and the following support cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen McGee, Jonathan Clark Swift, Randall Mark Leasure
  • Patent number: 7341286
    Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a carrier carrying a retention ring with inward and outward radially and angularly extending fingers for respectively engaging an outer surface of an endform inserted through a bore in the carrier and the inner surface of a bore in a housing in which the carrier is mounted to fix the endform to the carrier and to fix the carrier to the housing. Inner and outer seal elements are also carried on the carrier to seal the carrier to the endform and the housing to the carrier. Both of the seal elements are disposed axially closer to one end of the carrier than the inward and outward extending fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7338094
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for fluidic systems, in particular for CO2— and fuel-conducting systems, including a housing (1) and a plug (2) which can be inserted into the housing (1). The plug (2) can be inserted by a plug stem (3) into a receiving opening (4) of the housing (1) in a manner sealed by at least one circumferential seal (5, 5a, 5b) and, when inserted, it can be locked therein against release by a locking device having at least one latching element (7) arranged on the plug (2) and a latching shoulder (8) interacting with the latching element (7). The housing (1) has two-part design with an inner housing part (1a) and an outer housing part (1b), which can be connected releasably to the inner housing part (1a) so that it essentially surrounds the inner housing part (1a). In order to install it without destroying it, the latching shoulder (8) is formed at one end in an entry region (4a) of the receiving opening (4) on the outer housing part (1b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7338092
    Abstract: A plastic rift connector fitting comprises an annular housing, water line fitting, and sleeve components for pressurized water systems. The housing has a plurality of locking mechanisms to quickly lock and release the water line fitting. A flange and O-ring on the water line fitting stabilize the water line fitting connection to the housing for pressures up to 250 psi. The sleeve encloses the housing/fitting connection to prevent accidental release of water line fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: David Lee Cicconi, III
  • Patent number: 7338030
    Abstract: A supply valve with a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a control element which selectively turns the flow of liquid on and off; and a pipe joining assembly. The fluid inlet has a sequentially stepped inner cylindrical surface made up of a first portion having a first diameter at the distal end of the fluid inlet and terminating in a first shoulder, a second portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter extending from the first shoulder to a second shoulder, and a third portion having a third diameter smaller than the second diameter extending from the second shoulder to a third shoulder. The pipe joining assembly includes an O-ring seal, a protection ring, a lock ring, a release ring, and a cartridge ring having a predetermined thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Chester O Brown, III
  • Patent number: 7338093
    Abstract: The plug type connection of this invention consists of two coupling parts which can be fitted together, to be precise a socket part and a plug part, it being possible for the plug part, with a plug shank, to be inserted in a sealing manner into a locating opening of the socket part and to be releasably locked in the plugged-in state via a locking arrangement, the locking arrangement consisting, on the one hand, of two outer, radial, flange-like retaining webs, axially adjacent in the plug-in direction in the plugged-in state, of the two coupling parts and, on the other hand, of a retaining element which, with at least one retaining section which is C-shaped in axial section, axially and radially encloses the retaining webs of the two coupling parts in a positive-locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rozalia Bilstein, Josef Brandt, Volker Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20080012317
    Abstract: A method of locking tubular components in end to end relation. A first tubular body is provided having a tongue with an outwardly facing groove protruding past one end along an interior surface that has a keyway. A second tubular body is provided having a tongue with an inwardly facing groove protruding past one end along an exterior surface. A split ring is positioned in the grooves to connect the bodies. The split ring has a tapered outer surface to permit removal by an axial force. A tubular insert carries a locking key which engages the axial keyway. When the tubular insert is fully inserted into the first tubular body, the key underlies the split ring and prevents the split ring from having sufficient clearance to be withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Orren Johnson
  • Patent number: 7273237
    Abstract: A union coupler assembly for coolant lines comprising a coupler body, a first coolant line end portion, and a second coolant line end portion. The coupler body has a passageway extending between first and second ends, two tapered annular grooves, a snap ring disposed within each tapered annular groove, and a plurality of o-rings seated in corresponding annular grooves. The coolant line end portions are fabricated from metal and have tapered ends and grooves formed in their outer surfaces. The coolant line end portions are movable between an engaged position, wherein the snap rings engage the grooves in the coolant line end portions, and a disengaged position, wherein the snap rings do not engage the grooves in the coolant line end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Wesley M. Plattner
  • Patent number: 7273236
    Abstract: A quick coupling comprising a body with a conical opening and an outside thread, a nut with a central through orifice and a cylindrical counterbore extending the through orifice and tapped over its portion that is remote from the through orifice, and a conical surface connecting the through orifice to the counterbore, the coupling comprising a ring housed in the counterbore of the nut, the ring having a front face directed towards the thread that is fitted with a sealing gasket whose rear face facing towards the coupling surface co-operates therewith to define a radial expansion housing for a split spring washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventors: Philippe Le Quere, Christophe Vallee
  • Patent number: 7264281
    Abstract: Connection elements include a coupling defining an internal channel having an end segment possessing an insertion opening for insertion of an endpiece and provided with members for retaining the endpiece in leaktight manner therein. The members include an annular axially compressible sealing element that is mounted in the coupling to have one face serving as a bearing surface for a terminal face of the endpiece, and an annularly-shaped retaining element elastically deformable in a radial direction that is received in an inner groove (21) of the end segment to have an inner circumferential portion projecting through an opening of the inner groove so as to be received in an outer groove of the endpiece. The inner groove has a concave frustoconical flank beside the opening of the end segment to form members for shrinking the retaining element, and a convex frustoconical flank on its side remote from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Philippe Le Quere
  • Patent number: 7258371
    Abstract: A connection system for conduits, fittings or assemblies which are intended for carrying a fluid acted upon by a pressure (p1), in particular for systems carrying carbon dioxide. The connection system comprises a first coupling part such as a housing part, a second coupling part such as a plug part, and is capable of being introduced into the first coupling part along an axis. At least one gas-permeable circumferential seal is arranged in a groove in one of the two coupling parts. One coupling part is capable of being plugged with a shank into a round receiving orifice of the other coupling part. After plugging-in, the circumferential seal seals off a gap between the outer radius of the shank and the inner radius of the receiving orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hagen, Martin Hoffmann, Jörg Westmeier, Volker Kaminski, Norbert Terlau, Olav Borgmeier, Reiner Mitterer
  • Patent number: 7243954
    Abstract: A pipe joint with earthquake-proof function is provided. A lock ring engages with an accommodating groove of a socket. A tapered surface converging toward the opening side of the socket is formed on at least one of a portion of the lock ring engaging the accommodating groove and a portion of the accommodating groove engaging the lock ring. When a disengagement prevention force in a pipe axial direction for preventing a spigot from being disengaged from the socket by the engagement is transmitted from an accommodating groove to the lock ring through the tapered surface, a line of action of a component force of the disengagement prevention force in a direction perpendicular to the tapered surface passes the opening side of the socket of a contacting point between a socket bottom end part of the lock ring and the outer periphery of the spigot along the outer surface of the spigot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Toshima, Takashi Yokomizo, Takeshi Hara
  • Patent number: 7240927
    Abstract: A connection assembly has a male connector, a first engaging ring securely mounted on the male connector, a female connector and a second engaging ring securely received in the female connector. The first engaging ring has first claws formed to abut a periphery defining the second annular groove formed on the female connector and the second engaging ring has second claws formed to abut a periphery defining the first annular groove formed on the male connector. Engagement between the male connector and the female connector is accomplished after the abutment between the first claws and the second annular groove and between the second claws and the first annular groove is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: King Chang
  • Patent number: 7201403
    Abstract: A first quick connector is provided with a connector housing and a wire retainer. The connector housing has a retainer mounting portion which is formed with engagement slits. The wire retainer is mounted on the retainer mounting portion such that engagement arms enter the engagement slits and project in the retainer mounting portion. Each of the engagement slits has a first slit part on one circumferential end and a second slit part on the other circumferential end with intervening a divider portion therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Mori, Motohide Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7147253
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling which includes a locking ring (20) disposed in an coupling body to co-operate with a catch surface on a tube fitted into the coupling. The ring is elastically deformable to go between an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, in which at least one locking zone (30, 32) co-operates with the catch surface. To this end, the ring is provided with at least one unlocking bridge (22, 24) that protrudes through a slot in the body of the coupling. The ring is constituted by a strip that is plastically deformed to have at least the locking zone and the bridge. The ring forms a closed loop and has two ends (20A, 20B) which overlap, and which are suitable for sliding one over the other while the ring is being elastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Pascal Detable, Fabrice Prevot, Nicola Rigollet
  • Patent number: 7137653
    Abstract: A locking ring designed to work in a self restraining pipe joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7118137
    Abstract: A locking ring-type pipe joint has a spigot ring provided on a first pipe section, a bell ring provided on a second pipe section, and a locking ring that may be contracted to engage the spigot ring to the bell ring. First and second circumferential grooves formed in the spigot ring are configured to receive a test gasket and a pipe seal gasket respectively. An annular test space between the gaskets is in closed connection with a pressure port, whereby the pressure seal of the pipe seal gasket may be evaluated after the pipe sections are joined and prior to activating the joint restraint feature, installing the next pipe, and back-filling the pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Price Brothers Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Deremiah
  • Patent number: 7097211
    Abstract: A system for coupling a plurality of pipes end-to-end in a locked configuration to thereby form an enclosed conduit comprising a first pipe having a receiving end and an insertion end, a first annular ring track formed on an inner surface of the receiving end; a second pipe, the second pipe having an insertion end and a receiving end, an opposing annular ring track formed on an outer surface of the insertion end; the receiving end of the first pipe sized to tightly receive the insertion end of the second pipe; an anti-reversing locking ring having a partial conic profile, the ring having a leading edge formed on a larger diameter opening of the ring, the ring having a trailing edge formed on a smaller diameter opening of the ring; and the ring positioned in the first ring track of the first pipe with the leading edge of the ring closer to the receiving end than the insertion end, such that when the insertion end of the second pipe is inserted into the receiving end of the first pipe, the trailing end of the r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Robert M. Adams
  • Patent number: 7083202
    Abstract: In a device for providing wall ducts for conduits, tubing or electric cables for motor vehicles, each of the conduits, tubing or electric cables, in the area of the wall duct, has a coupler. Each coupler includes two coupler halves. First coupler halves, respectively, are jointly held in the device providing wall ducts. The first coupler halves are held together in groups of at least two by a bracket, and the coupler halves bundled this way are held in plugs, which are arranged in orifices of a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengeselleschaft
    Inventors: Wilfried Eberle, Heiner Klatte