Movable Jaw (e.g., Contractible Socket) Patents (Class 285/322)
  • Patent number: 7793993
    Abstract: A coupling device for a fluid line has a collet and an axially movable actuating sleeve serving for operation of the collet. The collet bears several gripping teeth with associated actuating portions able to be acted on by actuating faces on the actuating sleeve in order to hold the inserted fluid line. In the non-operated state of the actuating sleeve there are at least partly different distances between the mutually associated actuating portions and actuating faces so that on actuation of the actuating sleeve several actuating portions of the collet are acted on one after the other. This means that the necessary actuating force is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Kees, Harald Röhrig
  • Patent number: 7770758
    Abstract: A fastener element for fastening a fluid dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, on a fluid reservoir, the fastener element including a deformable snap-fastener portion for snap-fastening on the neck of the reservoir, the snap-fastener portion including a stiffener insert for substantially preventing the snap-fastener portion from deforming after snap-fastening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventor: François Le Maner
  • Patent number: 7758085
    Abstract: A tube coupling for receiving and holding an end of a tube includes a coupling body having a hollow stem adapted to engage in a tube to be secured to the coupling body. A cap is mounted on the coupling body and encircles the stem with a gap between the cap and stem to receive the tube engaged over the stem. A tube locking device is located in the cap for locking the tube against withdrawal from the stem and a locking ring is located on the stem within the cap. The ring has both inwardly and outwardly projecting teeth for engaging respectively the inner and outer surfaces of the cap and stem to lock the cap on the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Steven Guest
  • Patent number: 7726700
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting pipes to externally threaded fittings and stubs. The coupling comprises a coupling body, a gripper, gripper engagement means for causing the gripper to engage the pipe, a gasket, gasket engagement means for causing the gasket to seal around the pipe, gripper retention means for retaining the gripper within the interior of the coupling body during handling thereof, and gasket retaining means for retaining the gasket within the interior of the coupling body during handling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cambridge Brass, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Norman
  • Publication number: 20100116487
    Abstract: A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Publication number: 20100117358
    Abstract: A fitting for use with corrugated tubing, the fitting comprising: a nut having a passage therethrough for receiving the tubing, the tubing being corrugated tubing having a series of peaks and valleys; a plurality of retainers positioned forward of the nut, the retainers having a sealing surface for placement in a valley of the corrugated tubing; a body having an annular pocket formed circumferentially around the retainers, the body having a body sealing surface, wherein upon sealing, the tubing is compressed between the sealing surface and the body sealing surface; a spring positioned within a cavity in the retainers, the spring driving the retainers into the pocket when the fitting is not sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Treichel, Mark Miller
  • Publication number: 20100096849
    Abstract: A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 7699357
    Abstract: A coupling includes a coupling housing and a coupling member. The coupling housing consists of a first housing part and a second housing part capable of being screwed together axially. Each of the first housing part and the second housing part has an internal conical surface, wherein, in a position that the first housing part and the second housing part are screwed together, the inner circumference of each of the internal conical surfaces generally lessen towards outward ends thereof, respectively. The coupling member is situated in the housing for clamping a tube inserted in the coupling housing. The coupling member is influenced axially by a conical clamping ring by cooperation with the conical surface in the first housing part and influences a resilient ring which causes sealing between the tube and the second housing part. One end of the coupling member is shaped as axial, flexible fingers separated by splits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Raufoss Water & Gas AS
    Inventors: Alf Greve Monsen, Tore Slattsveen
  • Patent number: 7695025
    Abstract: A coupling for tubes with a body with a neck (14) provided with two or more longitudinal recesses (15) and each of which is positioned a jaw (12) able to move radially between an expanded release position and a contracted lock position. The jaws can move from one position to the other by means of cam surfaces (24) provided inside a tightening nut (13) assembled and susceptible to partial rotation on the neck of the coupling body. Furthermore the nut has means for interacting with the neck to block it and prevent it from turning in the release direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: DARVAS S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gualtiero Ghidini
  • Patent number: 7690695
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for forming a fluid-tight seal with an end of a stainless steel tube is provided with a seal seat that is composed of a material that is harder than the material that the stainless steel tube is composed of. The stainless steel tube may be gripped between a bushing and the seal seat to form a fluid-tight seal with the stainless steel tube. The fitting assembly may be tightened so that the stainless steel tube is deformed between the bushing and the seal seat of the fitting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Titeflex Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Duquette, Brian R. Kraft
  • Patent number: 7690693
    Abstract: Fitting connections for corrugated metal tubing. The connection includes a body having an externally-threaded end, a nut or other fastener which is threadably engageable with the body end, and a collet which is receivable coaxially within the fastener. The collet is formed as a series of individual, arcuate tangs which are joined together by a retaining collar, the collar allowing the segments to be resiliently opened within the fastener so as to allow the crests of the tubing to pass therethrough. The fitting may be pre-assembled with the collet segments being received coaxially within the fastener with the collar extending rearwardly from the fastener, and with the fastener then being partially threaded onto the fitting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Moner, Thomas B. Lininger
  • Patent number: 7686087
    Abstract: A connector for connecting sections of drilling riser pipe wherein a first riser contains a pin assembly with an external first grooved profile and a second riser contains a housing assembly. An internal split pivoting latch segment assembly carried by the housing assembly contains a second grooved profile adapted to mate to the first grooved profile and a split actuation ring movably carried by the housing assembly forces the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly into engagement with the first grooved profile of the pin assembly. A plurality of retraction links engage an upper edge of the latch segment assembly to disengage the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly from the first grooved profile of the pin assembly if the risers are to be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pallini, Scott I. Stewart, Steve M. Wong, Daniel L. Havelka
  • Patent number: 7677609
    Abstract: A fitting for use with corrugated tubing, the fitting comprising: a nut having a passage therethrough for receiving the tubing, the tubing being corrugated tubing having a series of peaks and valleys; a plurality of retainers positioned forward of the nut, the retainers having a sealing surface for placement in a valley of the corrugated tubing; a body having an annular pocket formed circumferentially around the retainers, the body having a body sealing surface, wherein upon sealing, the tubing is compressed between the sealing surface and the body sealing surface; a spring positioned within a cavity in the retainers, the spring driving the retainers into the pocket when the fitting is not sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Treichel, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 7677610
    Abstract: The connection and joint piece (1) comprises a housing (3) and a sleeve (12), made from a multi-piece injection moulded plastic part. The sleeve (12) comprises an outer piece (14), forming an outer seal and an inner piece (15), forming an inner seal and a region with spring tongues (24, 25) and locking tabs (26, 27). The sleeve (12) is a multi-component injection moulded piece. In the assembled state the sleeve (12) is located in the central cavity (4) of the connector piece (1) and encloses one end (6) of a well tube (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: PMA AG
    Inventors: Ernst Schwarz, Sabine Fauland
  • Publication number: 20100059990
    Abstract: A fitting includes a body having at least two portions coupled together to form a body having a passage through the body. The passage allows at least a portion of a conduit to be located at least substantially lengthwise within the body. A first seal is located on the passage wall proximate a first end of the body. A second seal is located on the passage wall proximate a second end of the body. A translatable ring is located on the passage wall between the first and second seals. The ring moves along the passage wall when the first seal is activated so that the second seal is activated. The first and second seals provide a seal in the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Fred L. Avery, Bruce E. Morris
  • Patent number: 7661726
    Abstract: A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Patent number: 7644959
    Abstract: A tube coupling for connection to a conduit through which a cable may pass includes a coupling body having an open ended throughway to receive an end of the conduit and a tube locking device in the open end of the throughway for locking the conduit in the coupling body. The throughway has a reduced diameter section with an annular step at an end of the section facing towards the open end of the throughway to receive the end of the conduit inserted into the throughway. An annular flexible sealing member is disposed adjacent the step to be forced by an end of a tube inserted into the throughway into the reduced diameter section of the throughway. Compression of the annular flexible seal forces the seal into sealing engagement with a cable extending along the throughway to provide a seal between the coupling body and cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 7631906
    Abstract: A removable plug-in connection for high-pressure lines, in particular brake lines in the construction of motor vehicles. The connection includes a cylindrical receiving housing (1) with a central receiving chamber (2), in addition to a tubular plug-in part, which is equipped with a peripheral retaining rib. An insertion side of the receiving housing (1) has an enlarged receiving chamber (2) in which several radially guided locking elements (5) can be retained, the elements being clamped in a direction of the interior by a retaining ring (14). The locking elements (5) include two half-shells (8) that include retainer wedges (18) that point inwards, engaging behind the retaining rib (4) in a positive fit once the plug-in part (3) has been inserted. Each half-shell (8) has a projecting centering pin on one end face, the pin constituting an extension of the internal wall and engaging in a corresponding cavity on the opposing end face when the two half-shells (8) are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher, Albert Raymond
  • Patent number: 7611172
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for pipes includes a sealing element, a sleeve linked with the base and a retaining element including retaining claws for fixing the pipe end which is disposed in the interior of the sleeve. An annular gap between the base and the sleeve and receives the pipe end. While reducing production and assembly costs, the plug-in coupling ensures a durable and reliable connection and prevents the pipe end from being damaged and the retaining claws from penetrating the pipe end too deeply. The retaining element includes a closed annular part and is integrated into the sleeve and fixed therein with said part. The sleeve includes radially inside the retaining element a support element with an outer supporting face on which the spring-elastic retaining elements are supported. The supporting face is mounted at a predetermined angle which opens up towards the free front sleeve end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Friatec Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Baving, Peer Milnazik, Bernhard Sichler, Gudrun Mannweiler, Michael Kropp, Lars Schiedhering
  • Patent number: 7611171
    Abstract: A piping joint device for connecting a first piping member having a male joint and a second piping member having a female joint includes: a piping joint member provided with a plurality of diametrically deformable engagement portions; and a plurality of window portions provided in an extension cylinder portion of the second piping member to be engaged with the engagement portions. The male joint of the first piping member is inserted into the female joint of the second piping member in one touch by using deformation of the engagement portions, and a detent portion is provided at an engagement position where the engagement portions engage with the first piping member to prevent a rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7581763
    Abstract: A connecting device for a plug-in connection of at least one pipeline having a housing part having at least one receiving opening for the insertion of the pipeline. A clamping ring is arranged in the receiving opening and, in order to lock the pipeline in place, interacts with an inner cone of the housing part. The housing part is made in two parts including a base part and an insert part, which is connected to the base part via a snap-in action forming-fitting connection. The insert part has a direct seal for resting on the circumference of the inserted pipeline. The insert part is formed of a first relatively hard and dimensionally stable plastic material, and has a dirt seal which consists of a second, relatively soft and elastic plastic material and is molded directly into the first material as a single piece with a cohesive material joint therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Salomon-Bahls
  • Patent number: 7563993
    Abstract: In order to improve an insert for an opening in a wall area of an appliance comprising a housing socket, an assembly device provided on the housing socket, with an assembly section which can be guided through the opening in the wall area and has snap elements which engage behind an edge of the opening as well as with a pressure ring which is arranged on the housing socket at a distance from the snap elements and can be adjusted in the direction of the snap elements by means of an advancing guide as a result of a rotary movement about the central axis, in such a manner that a secure assembly of the housing socket is possible, it is suggested that the pressure ring be rotatable in a first direction of rotation in order to secure the housing socket and that the housing socket be adapted to be fixed against any co-rotation in the first direction of rotation by means of a holding section element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Lapp Engineering & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Drotleff, Martin Zankl, Daniel Mueller, Eugen Mikeler
  • Patent number: 7543858
    Abstract: A water pipe connector includes a pipe coupling portion surrounding an axis and adapted to be sleeved on one end of a water pipe, a clamping component having resilient arms that extend between the pipe coupling portion and the water pipe and that have engaging members projecting through radial holes in the pipe coupling portion, and a locking collar. The locking collar is sleeved on the pipe coupling portion, has an internal collar surface formed with a plurality of first grooves, and is rotatable about the axis between an unlocking position, where the engaging members are received respectively in the first grooves, and a locking position, where the internal collar surface abuts against the engaging members and urges the resilient arms to abut tightly against the water pipe so as to arrest removal of the water pipe from the pipe coupling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Hudson Wang
  • Patent number: 7506899
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling ends of tubes, particularly tubes of different outer diametral sizes. The coupling includes resiliently deformable portions for retaining and sealing the tube within the coupling in a generally leak-proof manner, and an insert is provided for reception within the end of each tube. The insert imparts a greater level of stiffness to the tube for improving the sealing of the tube within the coupling. The insert provides a tight friction-fit between the insert and tube and retards or restricts withdrawal of the insert and tube from the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond P. Feith
  • Patent number: 7504582
    Abstract: A retaining joint for fixing a cable includes a joint unit having a hollow body; the hollow body having a resisting ring; a front side and a rear side of the resisting ring having a first combining portion and a second combining portion, respectively; the first combining portion serving for combining with a locking unit; a front end of another second combining portion being connected to a plurality of clamping sheets; a tightening element having a through hole; an inner surface of the tightening element having a thread for combining with the second combining portion; an inner wall of the tightening element being protruded as an extrusion surface for clamping and compress the clamping sheets to clamp the protection tube; and a protection tube being a hollow body; a surface of the protection tube being formed with a plurality of protruding rings and a plurality of recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Teh-Tsung Chiu
  • Patent number: 7494158
    Abstract: In order to provide a connecting coupling whose structure has increased stability and which is used for transmitting gaseous and/or liquid fluids, especially for filling the petrol tank of vehicles, comprising a sliding sleeve (18) which is used to lock collet chucks (15) above a connecting nipple, a guide sleeve (38) with longitudinal grooves is provided between the sliding sleeve (18) and the collet chucks (15). The collet chucks are guided inside the longitudinal grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Patent number: 7490865
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a body, a restricting ring and a constrictor. The body has a central through hole for liquid to flow through, a constrictor groove in the central through hole for an O-shaped ring and the constrictor to fit therein, and plural petals on an upper end. The restricting ring has a center hole, an inner circumference and an outer circumference, with an annular wall defined between the inner and the outer circumference. Plural holes are formed in the annular wall, so the petals of the body fit in the holes of the restricting ring to combine with the body. The inner surface of the inner circumference is sloped to restrict the movement of the constrictor. The constrictor has plural elastic petals, which have an inner clamp surface for closely clamping the surface of a plastic tube, and a pointed end for catching or loosening the plastic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Tzu Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7488005
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A retainer releasably retains the tube within a bore in the body. A resilient seal member surrounds the tube and creates a fluid tight seal against the tube and the body defining the bore. A seal member retainer interposed between the seal member and the body transfers axial load on the seal due to pressure to the body. In one embodiment a polyfluoroethelene spacer is interposed between the seal member and the seal member retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20090033091
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a body, a restricting ring and a constrictor. The body has a central through hole for liquid to flow through, a constrictor groove in the central through hole for an O-shaped ring and the constrictor to fit therein, and plural petals on an upper end. The restricting ring has a center hole, an inner circumference and an outer circumference, with an annular wall defined between the inner and the outer circumference. Plural holes are formed in the annular wall, so the petals of the body fit in the holes of the restricting ring to combine with the body. The inner surface of the inner circumference is sloped to restrict the movement of the constrictor. The constrictor has plural elastic petals, which have an inner clamp surface for closely clamping the surface of a plastic tube, and a pointed end for catching or loosening the plastic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: TZU LIANG TSAI
  • Patent number: 7455328
    Abstract: An annular collet or gripping member radially located within a coupling assembly of the type having a hollow body, nut and an O-ring or seal for connection of a pipe thereto. The collet is axially split, the split defined by first and second generally parallel ends that are of an engageable configuration, typically by one end having a projection and the other end a correspondingly shaped cavity enabling the ends to interlock. In the normal operation of the coupling, the collet exerts a longitudinal force on the O-ring causing a seal. When it experiences an axial force that would normally relatively displace the two ends causing a leak, being engaged to each other this movement is resisted ensuring that the seal is maintained. The present invention also relates to a coupling having such a collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey Puckett
  • Patent number: 7434847
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling having a tubular tube support, a sleeve and a collet. The tubular tube support includes a tube support portion and a mounting flange joined to the tube support portion. The sleeve includes an inner surface diameter greater than an outer surface diameter of the tube and an outer surface engaging an inner wall of a bore. The collet includes an outer surface engaging the inner surface of the sleeve and an inner surface diameter greater than an outer surface diameter of the tubular tube support and slightly less than the outer surface diameter of the tube. The tube is frictionally retained between the collet and the tubular tube support when the tube is inserted into the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Densel, Steven D. Haubert, Darwin C. Olson, Philip C. Van Riper
  • Patent number: 7425022
    Abstract: A tube coupling comprises a coupling body having an open ended throughway, an annular shoulder in the throughway, an ‘O’ ring seal located against the annular shoulder and a collet located in the open end of the throughway. The collet has a head projecting out of the throughway and resilient arms extending into the throughway to engage a tapered cam surface adjacent the open end. A ring is disposed in the throughway between the collet and ‘O’ ring seal. The side of the ring adjacent the collet has a ramp around its inner periphery to engage the ends of the collet arms when the collet is depressed into the throughway and the other side of the ring has a ramp around its inner periphery to engage and hold the ‘O’ ring seal in alignment in the throughway when the collet is depressed into the throughway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 7422248
    Abstract: A collet for locking a tube in a tube coupling body is moulded in plastics and comprises an annular collar having a plurality of arms extending from the collar generally parallel to the collar axis. Each arm has a head at its distal end spaced from the collar for engaging between a tube and coupling body to lock the tube in the coupling body. Different materials are used for the heads of the collet and the rest of the collet whereby the heads are stronger and relatively rigid whereas the rest of the collet is relatively flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Stephen Guest
  • Patent number: 7410193
    Abstract: A tube coupling has a coupling body with a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of a tube. A seal encircles the throughway to seal with the periphery and end of the tube and a cap is mounted on the body having a tube locking device rotatably mounted in the cap to engage and hold the tube in the cap. The cap and body have interengaging means which guide the cap on the body in an axial direction along the body with rotation of the cap from a first position in which a tube can be inserted through the cap and into the seal in the throughway and retained by the locking device and a second position advanced along the coupling body from said one end in which the tube end is held positively in engagement with the seal in the throughway. The locking device engages via a ring with the coupling body to resist rotation of the locking device with respect to the body whereby rotation of the cap between said the first and second positions does not cause the tube to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Publication number: 20080157520
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for connecting two rigid tubular objects. The device includes a male part and a female part. The female part includes a sleeve which, at one of its ends, is provided with a recess. The male part includes a tube portion which, at one of its ends, is provided with a transverse edge formed by an indentation arranged in the outer wall of the male part. A sleeve-shaped element is arranged to be placed between the parts when inserting the male part into the female part. The element is provided with a resilient tongue with a first device/element which, during insertion of the element into the female part, resiliently engages the recess thereof and a second device/element, which during insertion of the male part into the element, resiliently snaps into place behind the transverse edge of the male part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Morgan Ryhman
  • Publication number: 20080136166
    Abstract: A tube coupling includes a coupling body having a stem with an end to engage in a tube and an encircling head spaced from said end. A cap is mounted on the head having an open end encircling the stem to receive a tube inserted into the cap over the stem, the cap having an internal tapered cam surface. A tube locking collet is located in the open end of the cap and includes an annular member having a plurality of resilient fingers which engage the tapered cam surface. The cap includes a sleeve having a cylindrical main portion which encircles and is mounted on the head of the coupling body. The main portion projects along the stem and a portion of reducing diameter which provides said internal tapered cam surface with which the collet engages and the cap has locking elements which engage the head of the coupling body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Steven Guest
  • Patent number: 7380836
    Abstract: A connection device for fluid lines has a housing in which at least one housing recess is formed stepped in the longitudinal direction and merging at an inner end thereof with a fluid duct. An attachment means is fixed in the housing recess and defines a passage opening rendering possible the plugging into position of a fluid line to be connected. A sealing ring is associated with said attachment means. The sealing ring has an inner periphery matching the outline of the fluid line to be connected and being penetrated by the fluid line when connected. A centering section of the housing recess is located axially within the attachment means. An adapter ring is provided able to be inserted into the centering section for bridging over any radial intermediate space present between the outer periphery of the line's end section and the inner periphery of the centering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Bogdanowicz, Jakob Brenner
  • Patent number: 7370889
    Abstract: A connector for a tube comprises a hollow spigot and an outer securing member for capturing a tube therebetween. The hollow spigot includes an internal bore matched to that of the tube, a tapered end with a frusto-conical length and its small diameter at its distal end and a parallel length inwards of the tapered end, with a diameter less than the maximum tapered diameter and an annular rib inwards of the parallel length to provide an end stop for the tube when fitted onto the spigot. The outer securing member includes an internal tapered bore matched to the frusto-conical length and of respectively increased diameter to accommodate the tube therebetween and at least one latch formation spaced from the member's large tapered end for engaging behind the annular rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Bio Pure Technology Limited
    Inventors: Roy Peter Maunder, David Whitmore Hilton
  • Patent number: 7354078
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint device, according to which two pipe members can be easily connected and disassembled without causing the abrupt discharge of the fluid from the pipe members. A ring shaped first retaining member is mounted on a second pipe member and comprises; a ring portion; multiple leg portions axially extending from the ring portion and circumferentially arranged at equal intervals; and multiple first retaining portions formed at each free end of the leg portions and projecting radially and inwardly, so that the first retaining portions are inserted into apertures of the second pipe member. The above first retaining portions return to the initial shape after a first pipe member has been completely inserted into the second pipe member, so that the first pipe member is axially retained by the first retaining portions at an outwardly expanded portion of the first pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7354079
    Abstract: A tube connector including a tubular connector body having an inboard contact surface facing an outboard open end, a collet extending into the open end and towards the contact surface, and an o-ring positioned between the collet and the contact surface. The o-ring provides a fluid-tight seal between the connector body and an outer circumference of a tube inserted through the collet and into the connector body. The connector also includes a relatively rigid ring guide positioned between the o-ring and the collet. The ring guide is adapted to protect the o-ring and maintain the o-ring in a proper position for providing a fluid-tight seal and includes a sloped or radiused outboard surface for guiding an inserted tube and a sloped inboard surface for contacting the o-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Watts Sea Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall J. Rehder, Gary Hutko, L. James Knowles
  • Patent number: 7344165
    Abstract: An instantaneous connection device includes a tubular body, a tight element used to hold the end of a line in the body and includes an elastically deformable annular sealing element and a holding element that are arranged to receive the end of the line, a cam member for moving the holding element from a free state into a state wherein it grips the end of the line when it is axially displaced in the tubular body from a first position to a second position, and an elastic member for bringing the holding element back towards its second position. The sealing element is mounted between a radial shoulder of the body and a radial face of the holding element. The radial shoulder and the radial face are provided with reciprocal reliefs for laterally coming into contact with the annular sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventors: Philippe Le Quere, Nicolas Le Bars
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080036206
    Abstract: An end fitting has a joining insert and a pressing mechanism assembled together. The joining insert is hollow and includes a connecting end and an inserting end communicating with each other. The pressing mechanism includes a hollow retaining portion and a pressing cover. At least a holding tube extends integrally from an end of the retaining portion, and an arm portion with a plurality of branches extends from another end of the retaining portion and possesses appropriate flexibility. In practice, the arm portion of the retaining portion clamps the jointing insert, while the pressing cover restrains the arm portion. A first latch of the joining insert and a second latch of the retaining portion lock with a first embedding portion of the arm portion and a second embedding portion of the pressing cover, respectively. Hence, conduits are quickly fit to each other with eliminating need of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Yan Li-guo
  • Publication number: 20080012318
    Abstract: A Push To Connect (PTC) fitting cartridge for connecting to a pneumatic device, such as, an air brake or a height control valve, the PTC fitting cartridge including at least one protrusion positioned on an outer surface of the PTC fitting cartridge, which is provided to interact with an undercut positioned on an inner surface of a port. The undercut interacts with the protrusion to substantially eliminate stress on the surrounding material to reduce the chance of fraction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Victor A. Plath
  • Patent number: 7318609
    Abstract: A chuck includes an annular ring portion, a first engaging portion which extends along a central axis of the annular ring portion and which engages with the first tube joint member, and a second engaging portion which extends from the annular ring portion along the central axis of the annular ring portion and which elastically engages with a second tube joint member. A-three-dimensionally shaped portion, which is an end of the second engaging portion, includes a pair of expanded portions on a metal plate. The annular ring portion is formed by rounding the metal plate with both ends, which are not fixed to one another so that both ends are displaceable circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichiro Naito, Yoshimoto Taneya, Taku Tomita, Hitoshi Hamasaki
  • Publication number: 20080007058
    Abstract: A quick coupling for threaded fittings comprises a fitting element for feeding a pressurized hydraulic or pneumatic fluid passing through a tubular chamber extending through the overall length of the quick coupling, wherein at the end facing the fitting provided for receiving the quick coupling an annular body including annular segment elements is arranged, the single elements forming the annular body being resiliently coupled by a resilient ring element and wherein on the outer surface, respectively on the inner surface thereof, the annular segment elements comprise a thread or a contour suitable to provide a geometrical connection with the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Marco Pozzi
  • Patent number: 7296452
    Abstract: Disclosed are metallic wire with high surface quality and low-cost suitable for use as material for grip rings and a producing method and apparatus thereof. Metallic wire 34 deformed in a coil shape is passed through a shape correction unit 14 so as to straighten it. Furthermore, while upper and lower pressing rollers 19, 20, 26, 27 prevent the metallic wire 34 from warping upwardly and downwardly, wedge-shaped grooves are continuously formed on the metallic wire 34 by means of a first cutting roller 21 and a second cutting roller 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hiroaki
    Inventor: Shin Sumimoto
  • Patent number: 7290804
    Abstract: Plug connection between a corrugated hose and an unprofiled pipe. A plug connection is provided between a corrugated hose (1) and an unprofiled pipe (31), a holding element (3, 34, 50) that surrounds the unprofiled pipe (31) being connected at least indirectly with the hose end (4), and the end (31) of the unprofiled pipe being surrounded by a sealing ring (16, 17, 30) that is situated before the holding element (3, 34, 50). The sealing ring is connected at least indirectly with the hose (1) so as to form a seal. It is provided that the holding element (3, 34, 50) is situated in the hose end (4) and is held thereby, at least indirectly, by mutual positively locking engagement in the axial direction, and that on the other side of the seal (17, 18, 30) a guide sleeve (18, 25) having an inner diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of the unprofiled pipe (31) is situated before the holding element (3, 34, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Witzenmann GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gehring, Peter Foitzik
  • Patent number: 7270351
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for plastic pipes including a nut, a body, a grip-ring, and a seal. The nut can engage the body through appropriate threads and includes a hooked projection having a sloping surface adapted to abut against and provide a force on a corresponding surface of the grip ring within the body. A pipe is inserted through the nut, grip-ring, and seal into the body. Tightening of the nut causes its sloped surface to engage and the grip ring to be forced both radially and longitudinally. Radial compression results in the grip-ring engaging the pipe whilst longitudinal forcing causes it to be forced into the body simultaneously abutting against and compressing the seal whilst dragging the pipe further into the body. The nut and the body may further have tapered surfaces that are brought together as the grip-ring is forced into the body. The physical connection between the body and the nut provides reinforcing for the nut, a feature especially useful when dealing with soft plastics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey B. Puckett, Luke Raymond
  • Patent number: 7270349
    Abstract: A quick-action coupling for coupling pipes includes a tubular inner part having an outer surface for supporting a pipe to be coupled; an inner sleeve and a clamping ring, each surrounding at least a portion of the tubular inner part for clamping the pipe to be coupled between the outer surface of the tubular inner part and the clamping ring; a toothed ring between the inner sleeve and the clamping ring; and an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the inner sleeve, the toothed ring and the clamping ring, the outer sleeve comprises a cylindrical region having at least two inside diameters (d1, d2) and a conical region, wherein the clamping ring is received in the conical region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Haustechnik AG
    Inventors: Michael Bamberger, Peter Heer, Renato Pinardi, Erasmo Porfido