Compressed Patents (Class 285/343)
  • Patent number: 7815226
    Abstract: A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tube outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that isolates any stress riser resulting from the embedding action from vibration effects. The fitting components, and particularly the ring, may be case hardened. The fitting may include a self-gauging feature to indicate sufficient pull-up and to prevent excessive pull-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Peter C. Williams
  • Patent number: 7815225
    Abstract: A combination sealing and restraint system for an as-cast ductile iron fitting is shown for both sealing and preventing separation of an iron pipe fitting and a mating male pipe. A ring-shaped body is installed within a mating groove provided in a mouth region of the as-cast fitting after the fitting has been cast at the manufacturing plant. The ring-shaped body carries a gripping member with teeth on an inner surface thereof which are initially angled away from an outer surface of a mating male pipe. The teeth are forced into engagement with the exterior surface of the mating male pipe as the pipe joint at the fitting is assembled. The teeth are oriented to allow movement of the male pipe in a first direction relative to an end opening of the fitting during assembly, but to resist movement in a opposite direction after the fitting joint has been assembled. The ring-shaped body also includes a relatively flexible portion formed of an elastomer which forms a sealing member with the mating male pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: S & B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Jones, Gerardo Darce, Randall Chinchilla, Bradford G. Corbett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100102555
    Abstract: A tube fitting is provided which is able to be easily attached even in a narrow attaching place. The tube fitting 1 includes one or more fitting parts 4 to be connected to an external tube formed at one end of a main body 2 and a screw part for attachment 3 formed at another end of the main body 2, wherein fluid passes through an inside part thereof and wherein the screw part for attachment 3 has, at its external circumference, screw threads and, in its inside part, a tool connecting part into which a non-inverse and inverse rotation tool to rotate the screw part for attachment 3 non-inversely and inversely is allowed to be fitted, and a pipe path through which fluid passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Tomio HAMA, Yuji Hamaue
  • Patent number: 7699358
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Publication number: 20100072748
    Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Colleen K. Van Pelt
  • Patent number: 7681926
    Abstract: A union for coupling two or more segments of tubing or optical fiber, having an elastomeric core with two or more tubular sections encased in a through bore of a union body, the ends of the union body bore having compression nuts having through bores for insertion of segments of tubing or optical fiber to be coupled, which, tubular sections, when compressed by the compression nuts, deform radially inwardly to hold and seal the segments of tubing or optical fiber inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: New Objective, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Valaskovic, Lee R. Sawdey, James P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7661729
    Abstract: A connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe includes a body, a cap, and three washers. The body has a section of thread in its outer wall for coupling with the cap which has a section thread in its inner wall. In operation, first insert the pipe into the cap, then insert the rubber washer, the metallic washer, and spring washer into the body, and then screw the cap into the body, such that the pipe is locked with the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Anna Kui Gey
  • Publication number: 20100025990
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes an annular body having a generally cylindrical radially interior wall extending through the center of the ferrule. An outer radial wall extends from the ferrule front end to a rearward flange portion of the annular body. The outer radial wall has: a first tapered portion extending from the ferrule front end with an increasing radial dimension towards the rearward flange portion, the first tapered portion extending to a crown portion, the crown portion including a convex surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the rearward flange portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C.B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7641240
    Abstract: A removable pressure sealing assembly for connecting two pipes includes a single piece cylindrical cover placed over a gap between the pipes, the pipes being aligned with each other. Various annular seals are positioned on the pipes to create a sealing mechanism in the gap between the cover and the pipes before the cover is finally positioned over the gap between the ends of the pipes. Once the annular seals are correctly positioned, the cover can be moved over the gap and end piece rings bolted to both the pipes and the cover to secure the assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan David Seaton
  • Publication number: 20090284009
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid tubing connection system comprising a nut component, an anti-seize ring component, and a ferrule component. In assembly, the nut component slides onto an exterior of the tubing, followed by the ring component. The ferrule component is then coupled to an end of the tubing and has an interior diameter that matches an interior fluid diameter of the tubing. When connected to a fluid device, the anti-seize ring component isolates the tubing from any rotational motion of the nut component, which prevents damage of the tubing caused by seizing or twisting. Further, the connection system conforms the tubing such that the internal fluid path is continuous with substantially zero unswept volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: GERARD E. TOOHEY, JOHN MILES CHIZACKY
  • Patent number: 7618071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining pipe against internal forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved restraining/sealing mechanism. The restraining/sealing mechanism includes a relatively rigid gripper ring and a companion sealing ring which are received within one or more mating grooves provided in the belled end of a female pipe. The gripper ring and sealing ring can be combined or attached, or they can be separate members located in the same retaining groove or separate grooves in the female belled pipe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: S & B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Jones, Bradford G. Corbett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7614668
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes a body that is case hardened over substantially its entire surface. The ferrule also has an interior wall comprising first and second cylindrical portions, the first cylindrical portion being axially adjacent a front edge of the ferrule and having the smallest interior wall diameter of the ferrule, the second cylindrical portion having a larger diameter than said first cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7596847
    Abstract: Improved sucker rod joints for down hole petroleum pumping applications are provided within the form factor of standard API sucker rods, such that existing inventory in suitable condition is fully usable in more demanding applications. The pin ends are selected or processed such as to provide preselected axial distance between a flat pin end and at least one reference surface, such as a threaded region or reference shoulder or both. The coupler is dimensioned such that the pin ends are in abutment either with each other or with opposite sides of an intervening torque washer in the central region, when the connection is made to a selected level of thread engagement. Furthermore, the engagement is such as to put the pin ends in compression and the coextensive length of coupler in tension. This increases frictional restraints and locks the elements together to resist fatigue failure upon cycling and to insure together with an anaerobic adhesive sealant, against back threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Carstensen
  • Patent number: 7597117
    Abstract: A compression plug system for plumbing, comprising a plumbing pipe, a slip nut, a seal ring, and a plug. The plug comprises a head having a closed end, and an external threaded portion having an edge. Extending from the head is the external threaded portion that extends to the edge. The external threaded portion has a cooperative dimension to engage with an internal threaded portion of the slip nut. The plug also has an internal wall that extends from the edge until an internal end. The plug further comprises an opening defining a cavity therein that reaches the internal end. The internal wall has substantially a same diameter as the internal wall of the seal ring. The compression plug system for plumbing creates an impermeable seal without the aid of a sealing compound or weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventors: Jose M. Groso, Carlos Aulet
  • Publication number: 20090243290
    Abstract: Sealing systems for high pressure applications that provide electrical isolation between joined elements as well as enhanced resistance to leakage of media during a fire. High pressure sealing is accomplished using a metallic core to which an electrically isolating material is bonded on either or both sides. Sealing is achieved through a dielectric sealing element, such as a spring-loaded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ring. Flanges of the joint may be bolted together with the seal interposed therebetween, and the flanges bolted together. In the event of a fire, heat may be generated that is at a high enough temperature to burn away the isolating material and PTFE ring. Systems of various embodiments provide a metal core backup seal and a compression limiter, which, respectively, prevent the media from leaking from the joint and maintain bolt load at the flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CORROSION CONTROL CORPORATION D/B/A PIKOTEK
    Inventors: Thornton J. Anderson, Ben D. Kramer, Sigfrid Ruz, T. Scott Tanner
  • Patent number: 7571940
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved coupling having an innovative pipe grip preventing inadvertent separation of the two items being coupled. The improved releasable band-clamp coupling comprises a central housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the housing being curved to be larger than the outer diameter of a pipe, two curved outer clamp members each configured to contact a wall of the housing and to support a ring seal member and to support a sloped mechanical grip ring, there being further provided proximate to the ends of the curved outer clamp members a pair of substantially parallel pair of clamping extensions, and a sloped internally-toothed grip ring comprising a plurality of spaced-apart wedge-shaped gripper units, each unit being connected to both adjacent gripper units by a flexible element to complete said grip ring; and screw clamping elements in contact with said clamping extensions to reduce the distance between said substantially parallel clamping extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Krausz Metal Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Publication number: 20090127803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing member for use in a pipe coupling assembly and, in particular, to a sealing member for sealing the end of a pipe having an exposed metal surface at its end, such as pipes comprising an internal metal sheath which is lined internally and externally with plastic. The sealing member includes a pipe receiving portion adapted to receive the end of the pipe to thereby prevent contact between the end of the pipe and fluid travelling through the pipe. The sealing member may be used in standard pipe couplings, or is preferably incorporated into a coupling having a deformable gripping member whereby upon tightening of the coupling assembly nut, the gripping member urges against the pipe both radially and longitudinally to thereby simultaneously grip the pipe and urge the pipe end within the pipe receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: PHILMAC PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey Brian Puckett, Malcolm Pridham
  • Patent number: 7484775
    Abstract: A pipe joint restraint (16) includes a pocket (74) having a fulcrum (92) a fixed distance from the centerline (26) of an annular retaining gland (22) and about which a gripping element (76) pivots to move a gripping edge (75) toward the centerline (26) so as to grip a pipe (14) engaged by the gripping element (76) in response to thrust forces on the pipe (14). The length of gripping edge (75) is selected for the material of pipe (14). Adjustable element (78) operatively connects to the gripping element (76) and fulcrum (92) to pivot with the gripping element (76). Adjustable element (78) and may be torqued to a common, predetermined torque whether the pipe (14) is metal or polymeric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Harold Kennedy, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090026758
    Abstract: A tube fitting includes a fitting body and a fitting member for receiving an end of a tube. The fitting member is movable relative to the fitting body between a first position and a second position. The fitting member and the fitting body cooperate to provide an audible indication of movement between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Brian D. Sanzone
  • Patent number: 7472928
    Abstract: A connector is provided for selectively coupling one or more lines or wires (19?, 19?) to a receiving and/or transporting device (27). The connector comprises at least one line or wire receiving ferrule (7) having a plurality of line and/or wire receiving holes (17?-17?) each capable of receiving one of said one or more lines or wires (19?, 19?), wherein said connector further comprises a body (3) for receiving said ferrule (7) and clamping means (9, 11) for exerting a force on said ferrule (7) in order to simultaneously exert a line or wire clamping force on all said line and/or wire receiving holes (17?-17?). In this way all the fluid lines or wires can be clamped at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Owe Salven, Mattias Vangbo, Patrik Kallback, Marten St Jernstrom
  • Patent number: 7419192
    Abstract: A braze-free connector suitable for use in a refrigeration system that includes a connector body having a circular opening passing therethrough. The opening has a converging section that tapers downwardly from the entrance to the opening toward the back of the opening. A ferrule is slidably mounted upon a refrigerant tube which is inserted into the opening to place a tapered collapsible section of the ferrule in contact with the tapered section of the opening. The non-collapsible section of the ferrule is keyed to a nut which in turn is mated with a male thread formed on the connector body whereby the collapsible section of the ferrule is forced into engagement with the refrigerant tube. A pressure sensitive sealant is pre-coated upon at least the collapsible section of the ferrule which is activated as the ferrule is forced into engagement with the refrigerant tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Benoit, Robert H. Dold, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20080203723
    Abstract: A detachable pipe joint and a method of joining a pipe to a valve, coupling, fitting or the like without requiring a special tool is capable of withstanding the higher fluid pressure typically generated within a larger diameter pipe. The pipe joint includes a retainer body defining a passageway for receiving a pipe, a retainer nut defining a through passageway coaxial with the passageway of the retainer body and the pipe, and a retaining ring positioned within an open end of the retainer body between the retainer body and the pipe. Securing means on the retainer nut engage securing means on the retainer body to compress the retaining ring in a radial direction when the retainer nut is advanced in an axial direction towards the retainer body. The retaining ring has at least one, and preferably a plurality, of inwardly extending projections to retain the pipe within the pipe joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CONBRACO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Cellemme
  • Patent number: 7416225
    Abstract: A tube fitting that uses only two components, namely a fitting body and a fitting nut. The nut and body are adapted to be threadably coupled together by relative rotation therebetween. The nut includes an integral tube gripping ring that cooperates with a camming surface on the body when the fitting is made-up. The camming surface preferably has a steep camming angle. The ring is radially compressed against the tube outer wall to form a seal and a tight tube grip. The ring also forms a line contact-type seal against the camming surface. The ring is designed to have a hinging action and to plastically deform during pull-up to embed into the tubing for excellent tube grip, and an axially adjacent swage or collet zone that isolates any stress riser resulting from the embedding action from vibration effects. The fitting components, and particularly the ring, may be case hardened. The fitting may include a self-gauging feature to indicate sufficient pull-up and to prevent excessive pull-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Peter C. Williams
  • Patent number: 7367595
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7341288
    Abstract: A restrained sleeve coupling assembly for interconnecting pipe sections includes a generally cylindrical sleeve body, a generally cylindrical adaptor body and opposed end rings which are sleeved over the respective pipe sections to be joined. The generally cylindrical sleeve body has opposed gasket engaging surfaces adjacent opposite ends of the sleeve body for receiving fluid sealing gaskets forcibly engaged with the sleeve body, the adaptor body and one of the opposed end rings. The adaptor body includes a gasket engaging surface for receiving a fluid sealing gasket forcibly engaged with the adaptor body and the other of the opposed end rings. The end rings include flanges for engagement with elongated tension bolt assemblies to secure the sleeve body, the adaptor body, the gaskets and the end rings in assembly with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ebaa Iron, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 7338088
    Abstract: A connector is provided for selectively coupling one or more lines or wires (19?, 19?) to a receiving and/or transporting device (27). The connector comprises at least one line or wire receiving ferrule (7) having a plurality of line and/or wire receiving holes (17?-17?) each capable of receiving one of said one or more lines or wires (19?, 19?), wherein said connector further comprises a body (3) for receiving said ferrule (7) and clamping means (9, 11) for exerting a force on said ferrule (7) in order to simultaneously exert a line or wire clamping force on all said line and/or wire receiving holes (17?-17?). In this way all the fluid lines or wires can be clamped at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Owe Salven, Mattias Vangbo, Patrik Källback, Mårten Stjernström
  • Patent number: 7316777
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a nut and ferrule assembly for use in joining tubing to a fitting. The ferrule has a male member which interlocks with a nut and freely rotates within the nut. The interlock reduces the number of parts necessary to be handled, eliminates the need for the nut to be of the same material as the ferrule, reduces the possibility of flow restriction or tubing deformation associated with rotation of the ferrule, and aids in the removal of the ferrule from the detail when removal is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventor: H. Max Loy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7240929
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7207606
    Abstract: A mechanical pipe joint, restraining gasket, and method for restraining pipe spigots within adjacent bell sockets. The restraining gasket is composed of two axially-separate components: a sealing portion and a restraining portion made of a plurality of arcuate locking members. The restraining gasket and a gland surround an outer surface of the pipe spigot. The mechanical pipe joint is formed as the pipe spigot is inserted into the bell socket and the gland is axially attached to the bell socket so that the restraining gasket is held between: the gland, an inner surface of the bell socket, and the outer surface of the pipe spigot, so as to provide a fluid seal in the joint and urge the locking members into contact with the outer surface of the pipe spigot, axially restraining the pipe spigot within the bell socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundry Company, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Owen, William W. Holmes, IV, Daniel A. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7104573
    Abstract: A gasket for converting a standard mechanical joint into a restrained mechanical joint without the need for altered configuration of the bell, spigot, or gland of the joint, and without the need for additional fittings or devices. In the practice of the present invention, a standard mechanical joint's bell and gland configuration can be employed to connect a spigot end of one pipe length to the bell end of another pipe length in a restrained relationship, with the restraint based on forces superior to rubber-to-pipe friction. In more particular discussion of the embodiments taught, the invention includes forming the gasket to fit within the bell in such a manner that a void, or gutter, exists during rest, into which void the gasket compresses, which in turn influences the rotational motion of the segment. In this manner, the configuration of the gasket influences the timing and extent of rotation throughout the process of securing the gland to the bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: United States Pipe and Foundy Company, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Copeland
  • Patent number: 7093864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting element for welding onto a circular front face of a pipe, said element having an annular region, (friction region), that can be friction welded to said front face. The connecting element can be welded onto the end of a pipe with a substantially circular front face in a particularly simple, rapid and cost-effective manner. Said element, together with additional components, e.g. a coupling nut and a threaded sleeve enables a tight connection of the pipe to other components, even under extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: AVIT Hochdruck-Rohrtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst A. Wasmuth
  • Patent number: 7090258
    Abstract: Sealing socket (1) and method for arranging a sealing socket to a tube (2). A sealing socket (1) includes a sleeve (3) having an outer dimension somewhat larger than the tube (2) to be sealed, defining an annular compartment (4) between the tube (2) and the sleeve (3), in which a gasket (6) is introduced. The gasket material is pressurised by a ring (7) which is permanently connected by welding (8) to the sleeve (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Stiching Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland
    Inventors: Frans Rusting, Petrus Paulus Antonius Catharina Pex, Jacobus Anna Josephus Peters, Gerard De Jong
  • Patent number: 6902210
    Abstract: The invention is a universal connector which is useful with a variety of differently configured and shaped fittings as well as for applications when the fittings are identical. The connectors provided at either end of the tube may be formed by either compression molding or injection overmolding whereas the connections which are provided internal of either end connection, are positioned on the tube by injection overmolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: William W. Rowley
  • Patent number: 6851729
    Abstract: A fitting for the connection of a tubing end. The fitting includes a body having a bore with an internally-threaded opening which extends to a seating surface, and a front ferrule which is receivable coaxially over the tubing end. An externally-threaded nut is receivable coaxially over the outer diameter of the tubing end to be positionable thereon rearwardly of the front ferrule such that, with the tubing end and front ferrule being inserted through the bore opening, the nut is threadably engageable with the body urging an outer surface of the ferrule into a canning engagement against the body seating surface. The axial length of the seating surface is provided to extend substantially the entire length of the ferrule outer surface so as to constrain the radial outward expansion of the ferrule rearward end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: James David Gibson
  • Patent number: 6843514
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device (2) for joining the ends of two pipes is disclosed. The pipe coupling device (2) includes a sleeve (4) configured to receive an end of a pipe and having an annular first abutment surface (6); a compression member (12) having an annular second abutment surface (10); a sealing and gripping assembly (8) for sealing against and gripping the pipe; and threaded fasteners for drawing the compression member (12) and the sleeve (4) axially together so as to compress the sealing and gripping assembly (8) against the pipe. The sealing and gripping assembly (8) includes a sealing member (14) and a gripping device. The gripping device may include an annular carrier (16) having an annular recess for retaining a gripping member (18). The gripping surface of the gripping member (18) and the annular carrier (16) are adapted for relative axial movement wherein the gripping member (18) may be moved into tighter contact with the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Glynwed Pipe Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Rex, Mark Adrian Beevor
  • Patent number: 6832791
    Abstract: Connection elements for interconnecting two duct ends, the elements comprising a tubular connection member for uniting the duct ends, the tubular member comprising at least one pair of half-bodies which is arranged so as to be closed on at least one duct end and which is associated with elements for gripping the duct end when the pair of half-bodies is closed on the duct end, the gripping elements comprising at least one outwardly-directed projection formed by plastic deformation of the duct end in a position set back from an end face of the duct end, and two inner shoulders of at least one of the half-bodies, which shoulders are spaced apart axially so as to receive therebetween the outwardly-directed projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventors: Patrick Legeai, Olivier Guivar'ch
  • Publication number: 20040150225
    Abstract: Tube connectors and tube connector systems are provided. An exemplary system includes a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and radially compressible ring. A tube fits radially inside of the ring and the first and second sleeves. As the first and second sleeves are coupled and brought closer together, inner surfaces of the sleeves exert a radial force onto the ring, causing the ring to radially compress onto the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Reel, Frame
    Inventors: Michael T. Roberts, Mark T. Noel
  • Patent number: 6712090
    Abstract: A fluid tank valve assembly of the type employed for water tanks for toilets has a tank refill valve located atop a fluid inlet supply tube. The refill valve has a lever that is raised and lowered to open and close the valve. An inverted, cup-shaped hood is positioned atop the valve and a float is located about the skirt of the hood and secured thereto by the force of friction. The float can be moved longitudinally along the skirt of the hood in order to vary the water level at which the hood bears down upon the lever arm or is lifted from the lever arm, thereby varying the water level at which the valve is actuated. The valve itself is equipped with a metering pin that is configured to reduce the likelihood of clogging in the longitudinal passage of the core of the valve diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony Brandelli
  • Patent number: 6702336
    Abstract: A pipe coupling, wherein a pipe is freely insertable into the coupling and a nut causes engagement of a grip ring and gasket with the pipe to provide a seal between the coupling and the pipe, having a stop disposed therein to indicate to a user that the pipe has been inserted to a first position. Further tightening of the nut causes the pipe to move further into the coupling to a second position beyond the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey Puckett
  • Publication number: 20040041399
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe coupling of the type where a pipe is freely insertable into the coupling and where a nut causes engagement of a grip ring and gasket with the pipe to provide a seal between the coupling and the pipe, and where within the coupling there is disposed a stop to indicate to a user inserting the pipe freely that the pipe has been inserted to its required location. The stop is located at a position where there is room beyond the stop for the pipe to move into. Tightening of the nut causes the pipe to move further into the coupling beyond the stop. This solves the problem of the pipe being inserted too deeply into the coupling and being deformed when the nut is tightened further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey Puckett
  • Publication number: 20040036290
    Abstract: A connection member for flexible fluid plastic lines (11), whose wall contains at least one electrical line strand (13). A non-radially symmetrical receiving socket (15) adapted to the cross section of the plastic line (11) serves to receive (11) it. At least one electrical contact spike (22) is so arranged at the floor of the receiving socket (15) that on insertion of the plastic line (11) into the receiving socket it aligns with the at least one electrical line strand (13) and bites into same, the at least one contact spike (22) being electrically connected with at least one electrical connection cable (29) and/or at least one electrical connection contact arrangement of the connection member. Instead of electrical line strands as an alternative or in addition light guides may be present, in the case of which the electrical contact spikes are replaced by light transmitters or optical transducers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jurgen Bock, Herbert Frisch
  • Patent number: 6641178
    Abstract: A copper pipe has a circumferential groove formed in an outer wall to receiver an O-ring seal. The groove is formed a pre-set distance from a free end of the pipe. Two pipe lengths are jointed together by a coupling having a housing with pipe seal-receiving seats at each end for receiving the O-ring seal fitted to the pipe. Caps screw threadingly engage the housing to clamp the pipe lengths in the housing. The fitting can be pre-assembled and used as a push-in fitting with a subsequent tightening by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Coda Limited
    Inventor: Denis Brendan Gowing
  • Publication number: 20030178848
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 6575501
    Abstract: A deformable bushing to seal tubing to a receiving body is provided. The bushing includes a pair of grooves extending around the bushing with an annular ring between the grooves. The grooves are cut to a depth leaving sufficient wall thickness, and have an inscribed angle of about 90 degrees. An alignment flange may be provided at one end of the bushing to align the axis of the tubing with the axis of the through-hole in the receiving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Valco Instruments Company, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Max Loy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6565125
    Abstract: A coupling body has: (i) a central member; (ii) a first retaining member; and, (iii) a second retaining member. The first retaining member and the central member define a first pipe receiving region. The second retaining member and the central member define a second pipe receiving region having a tapered inner surface. A selectively constrictable clamp collar is located in the first pipe receiving region. A bolt or other actuation member is operably engaged with the clamp collar and is movable to constrict the clamp collar. A gripping collet is located in the second pipe receiving region and includes a tapered outer surface. At least one tie-bolt or other fastener extends between the retaining members and is selectively adjustable to draw the first and second retaining members toward each other so that the tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the collet to constrict the collet radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Robison, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030085569
    Abstract: The invention provides a pipe joint made of resin in which a predetermined pressing force in the axial direction corresponding to a fastening torque of a union nut can be obtained, and the strength of threads can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio
  • Patent number: 6505860
    Abstract: A connection device for making a tight connection between two ends of tubes is provided. The connection device includes a body having two symmetrical and opposite portions for engaging ends of respective tubes, and each of the portions has a hooking element to keep the tube in the connection, and a sealing element for the connection. The hooking element of each portion includes: a truncated chamber arranged in each portion; a longitudinal rib projecting into the truncated chamber; and a split ring whose ends are located on either side of the longitudinal rib. The ring is provided with an internal threading, so as to cause a blocking of the tube by any traction on the tube in a direction opposite to its direction of engagement. The ring is placed free in the truncated chamber, on one hand, and is elastically deformable, on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Claude Trichard
  • Publication number: 20020079702
    Abstract: A flexible conduit element that is made out of an annular corrugated tube or an annular corrugated pipe and is provided with a connection device. The connection device 6 is located on one end of the flexible conduit element and includes a joining piece 2 that has an external threading 5 and is placed on the end of the flexible conduit element 1. A union nut 3 can be shoved onto the flexible conduit element 1 and screwed onto the outer threading 5 of the joining piece 2, and a clamping ring 4 that can be shoved onto the flexible conduit element 1, is arranged between and deformed by the joining piece 2 and the union nut 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim
    Inventors: Roland Baumann, Peter Schuttler, Franz Dorge, Bernd Michelfelder, Bernd Seeger, Manfred Mader
  • Patent number: 6394464
    Abstract: A sealing device for installation between a partition and at least one cable or conduit passing through a hole in the partition, includes two half-shells together forming a cylindrical body which completely surrounds the cable or conduit and is fixed to the partition. The device also includes a sealing joint and sealant to fill the space between the cable or conduit and the cylindrical body and to immobilize them relative to each other. The sealing means includes at least one sealing gasket of a flowable elastomeric material disposed about the cable or conduit, a radial gripping device in the form of a resiliently deformable split ring, which is disposed about the sealing gasket in the cylindrical body. The sealing gasket includes a skirt which is radially retractable in a substantially uniform manner about its entire circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Connecteurs Electriques Deutsch
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Moreau
  • Patent number: 6328345
    Abstract: A secondary tubing containment system (10) is provided for a discharge tube (18) of a chemical metering pump (14) in a chemical addition system (12). One end of the discharge tube (18) is engaged in a fitting (20) on the metering pump (14), and the other end of the discharge tube (18) is engaged in a fitting (22). The containment system (10) includes a pair of coupling nuts (30, 32), a connector in the form of a Tee (34), two cylindrical tubes (36, 38), a pair of unions (40, 42), and a drain tube (44). The inside and outside diameters of the tubes (36, 38) are sized to allow the tube (38) to be slid or telescoped into the tube (36) to allow the length of the containment system (10) to be adjusted. The union (40) is configured to sealingly engage the tube (38) along the length of the tube (38) to accommodate the adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Liquid Metronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Kevin Moran