Screw Thimble Patents (Class 285/354)
  • Patent number: 7581765
    Abstract: Seal assembly comprising (a) two or more seal elements, each element having having a coefficient of thermal expansion; and (b) a clamping element having a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting segment between and attached to the first and second segments, wherein the two or more seal elements are disposed between the first and second segments of the clamping element. The connecting segment has a central portion extending between the first segment of the clamping element and the second segment of the clamping element, and the connecting segment is made of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the connecting segment is intermediate the largest and smallest of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials of the two or more seal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Minford
  • Patent number: 7568736
    Abstract: A joint structure of a branch connector for a common rail capable of securing axial force applied to a seal surface and a branch connector and increasing bending fatigue strength of the branch connector is provided. In the joint structure of the branch connector for the common rail which includes a screw sleeve concentric with a bearing surface of a main pipe rail and connects a branch connector to the main pipe rail via a sleeve washer which has been externally fixed to the branch connector in advance to be combined therewith as one piece, a clearance is provided between an inner surface of the sleeve washer at an external opening thereof and an outer surface of the branch connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Kikuo Asada
  • Publication number: 20090160186
    Abstract: a threaded union for tubulars used for high-pressure fluid applications includes a unitary nut supported by at least two nut retainer segments received under a top wall of the nut in an annular segment retainer groove in one of the tubulars. The nut retainer segments fully support the unitary nut. The nut retainer segments are held in the annular segment retainer groove by limiting travel of the nut or by securing the nut retainer segments in the segment retainer groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 7549680
    Abstract: A fluid connection assembly for connection to a fluid supply member that extends through a panel from a rear to a front surface of the panel includes a connection member that is engageable with the fluid supply member at the front surface of the panel. A connector is operable from in front of the panel to connect the fluid supply member to the outlet member in a fluid-tight manner. The connection member may be a shower outlet elbow for connection of a shower hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Bristan Ltd.
    Inventor: Roderick Joseph Gibbs
  • Patent number: 7549679
    Abstract: A fitting to be secured on pipes can be used with a number of distinct pipe materials and types. The fitting includes a nut receiving a Belleville spring washer. As the nut is tightened on threads on an end fitting, it forces the Belleville spring washer away from a relaxed position. This causes a radially inner portion of said spring washer to dig into an outer surface of the pipe, locking the Belleville spring washer, and hence the nut, on the pipe. The deformation of the washer also forces a ring against an inner seal, deforming the seal against the pipe, the nut, and the end fitting. In a second embodiment, a second washer is also deformed. The present invention provides a simple and universal method of attaching pipes to end fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Edward Brosius, Brian D. Sanzone
  • Publication number: 20090091131
    Abstract: A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: STINGER WELLHEAD PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire, Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Publication number: 20090066083
    Abstract: A fitting for use with metal tubing in a jacket, the fitting including: an adaptor having exterior threads at a first adaptor end, the adaptor having a longitudinal passage for fluid flow; a body having interior threads at a first body end, the interior threads engaging the exterior threads to secure the body to the body in a first body cavity; and a jacket lock ring positioned at a second body end, the jacket lock ring including barbs for engaging a surface of the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Stirling Keith Rolland, Dean W. Rivest
  • Patent number: 7497482
    Abstract: A pipe joint comprises a first joint member of synthetic resin having an annular recessed portion in an end face thereof, and a second joint member of synthetic resin having an annular ridge on an end face thereof. The ridge is fitted in the opening of the recessed portion, with a synthetic resin gasket fitted in the recessed portion. When the pipe joint is properly tightened up, the outer surface of the ridge of the second joint member is pressed against the inner surface of the recessed portion of the first joint member with the gasket interposed therebetween in intimate contact with the surfaces approximately over the entire areas thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Keiko Hada, Eiji Ideta, Nobukazu Ikeda, Naofumi Yasumoto, Michio Yamaji
  • Patent number: 7490867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe connector for a pressure-resistant, positive-fit, high pressure screwed joint. The connection includes a formed tube; a screw body or connector branch with a cone, which connects to a parallel axis drilling, with a radial end surface; a union nut; a sealing ring; and a retaining ring. The formed tube has a parallel axis end-piece with the same tube diameter and which corresponds to the depth of the tube seat base. The formed tube has a pronounced head which forms a mating face, with a cone surface of the union nut, and which leads to an abutment face at a front face of the retaining ring, essentially aligned with the tube axis. The retaining ring has a radial ring surface, which, in the assembled state, contacts with the front face of the cone of the connector branch or screw body, and thus permits a block assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin PLC
    Inventor: Dieter Ehrke
  • Patent number: 7484776
    Abstract: A metal ring gasket provides a high-pressure temperature tolerant metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a threaded union. The metal ring gasket is received in an annular cavity formed between mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. The metal ring gasket is capable of maintaining a fluid seal even at very high temperatures resulting from direct exposure to fire. At high fluid pressures the metal ring gasket is energized because hoop stress induced by the fluid pressure forces the metal ring gasket into tighter contact with the subcomponents of the threaded union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Murray Dallas, Bob McGuire, Danny Lee Artherholt
  • Patent number: 7472932
    Abstract: A Luer-Lock connector for medical devices with a tubular body and a swivel nut enclosing it and secured on it. The swivel nut has a radially inward-protruding edge and the tubular body has at least one radially outward-protruding elastic arm, whose end can be stopped against the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Smiths Medical Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Weber, Bernd Beck
  • Patent number: 7469936
    Abstract: A coupling for creating a fluid-conducting connection between a pipe and a stub, where the stub has no pipe-supporting extension over which the pipe is to be connected. The coupling includes a coupling body having a forward end for being secured to the stub, a rearward end for receiving the pipe, and an internal bore therethrough; stub connection for securing the forward end of the coupling body to the stub; a pipe support for providing internal support for an end section of the pipe being engaged by the coupling; gripper engaging means for causing the gripper to grip the pipe; a seal between the stub and the pipe; and a gripper located within the internal bore of the coupling body, the gripper and the coupling body configured to engage the pipe with the gripper when the stub is secured in the stub connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Cambridge Brass, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Norman
  • 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: 7452008
    Abstract: The feed screw coupling for a base of a hybrid outlet spigot including a water control spigot located on a granite counter and an inlet pipe fixed on the bottom of water control spigot by a thread insert. A locking thread insert is set in advance of an inlet coupling of inlet pipe, and a locking groove is located on the ring-shaped edge near the top side of the inlet coupling; and a C-type ring is embedded on the locking groove and locking the locking thread insert on the thread section of the water control spigot. An angle of in let pipe can be adjusted to make it parallel with the water control spigot while locking tightly while locking the thread insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Chiu-Chih Chung
  • Publication number: 20080217917
    Abstract: A joint structure for connecting a corrugated pipe to a fixed part includes a main body, a packing screw cap, and a clamping claw. The clamping claw is sandwiched between the main body and the packing screw cap. The clamping claw defines a through slot at an edge thereof to make the clamping claw can enlarge an inside diameter thereof. A plurality of inner claws is formed at the edge of the clamping claw. A locking part protruding towards the center of the clamping claw is formed at an end of each of the inner claws. Two slits are respectively defined at two sides of each inner claw so that the inner claw has elasticity. The corrugated pipe with different diameters can directly insert into the clamping claw from outside, and the corrugated pipe cannot be dropped out directly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Teh-Tsung Chiu
  • Publication number: 20080217918
    Abstract: Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing is utilized in a plumbing application for its strength and flexibility. A thin outer layer is formed around the PEX layer to provide a variety of color choices for the final tubing. The use of a softer material for the outer layer provides the unexpected benefit of a more secure connection as a standard connector having a ring is able to dig into the outer layer and provide a more secure grip and an improved hydraulic sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Avery Preston
  • Patent number: 7396051
    Abstract: A first fluid connector is provided for selective interconnection to and fluid transfer with a second fluid connector. The first connector comprises a fluid passageway, an internal member and an outer collar supportably disposed about the internal member for selective advancement and retraction relative thereto. At least a portion of the fluid passageway may extend through the internal member. The outer collar may be selectively retracted to facilitate cleaning of the internal member. In some embodiments, the outer collar and internal member may be disposed so that a distal portion of the internal member is substantially flush with or a distal portion of internal member projects beyond a distal end of the outer collar when the outer collar is in a retracted position relative thereto. To facilitate cleaning, a distal end or distal portion of the internal member may be substantially closed when the first and second connectors are disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Baxa Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Eugene Baldwin, Randall Wallace Smith, Gregory John Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7390033
    Abstract: A screw connection device for connecting the flared ends of two pipes includes a nut, a screw and distance element which comprises a first recess or shape for accommodation of the flare at the end of a first pipe, and a second recess or shape for accommodation of the flare at the end of the other pipe. The nut and screw each accommodate one pipe end with the distance element between them with the recess at each end in sealing contact with the pipe flares. The nut and/or the pipe flare of the pipe end which in the connected state is accommodated in the nut comprise positive-fit elements, which positive-fit elements are designed such that the accommodated pipe end is secured against rotation relative to the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Ti Automotive (Heidelberg) GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Weick, Andreas Sausner, Delbert L. Adkins
  • Patent number: 7374212
    Abstract: A compression fitting that obtains a rain tight fit on electrical conduit. The compression fitting includes a tubular body having a threaded forward end for connection to a panel and a threaded rearward end for connection to a conduit. A standard lock nut and seal ring, or, alternately, a snap ring and a seal ring are used on the forward end for obtaining a rain tight fit of the forward end with a panel or junction box. A compression nut, compression ring, and two seal rings are used on the rearward end to secure a conduit thereto in a rain tight fit. A first seal ring is constructed of plastic and includes a V-shaped outer periphery. A second seal ring is typically constructed of a deformable metal such as aluminum and includes a V-shaped inner periphery. The rearward end of the tubular body includes a seat shaped to accept the second seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7353883
    Abstract: An onboard fire suppression system for an automotive vehicle includes at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent and a propellant, operatively associated with the reservoir, for expelling the fire suppressant agent from the reservoir. A distribution system for receiving fire suppressant agent expelled from said reservoir includes at least one feeder conduit which is connected with the reservoir by means of a quick connect coupler. The quick connect coupler facilitates assembly and servicing of the fire suppression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Thompson
  • Patent number: 7350831
    Abstract: A water pipe includes a pipe main body made of a synthetic resin and an annular metal inner piece inserted into an end of the pipe main body. The inner piece has its diameter increased from the inside of the pipe main body so as to increase the diameter of at least a part of that portion of the pipe main body which corresponds to the inner piece. The inner diameter of the inner piece the diameter of which has been increased is almost the same as that of a portion of the pipe main body which is not enlarged by the inner piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Mirai Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shohachi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7350832
    Abstract: By providing two mating components to which any desired threaded conduits are easily, securely affixed, with the mating components being constructed for interengagement with each other in a telescoping self aligning construction, an easily used, inexpensively produced, conduit coupling and connector assembly is achieved. Furthermore, the conduit coupling and connector assembly also incorporates a locking member which engages the two mating components and securely affixes the two components to each other, in a manner which provides the desired affixed interengagement, while also assuring that a rain free/moisture free engagement is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Publication number: 20080073910
    Abstract: A coupling assembly including a union member having a first receiving portion with internal threads and a second receiving portion with oppositely oriented internal threads, a first coupling member (e.g., a hose adapter) having external threads that are threadingly engaged to the internal threads of the union member, and a second coupling member (e.g., an elbow fitting) having external threads that are threadingly engaged to the oppositely oriented internal threads of the union member. Upon rotation of the union member, the length and/or phase angle between the first and second coupling members changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David Scott Densel
  • Publication number: 20080042438
    Abstract: A hydraulic cone fitting includes a tube segment and a substantially frustoconical connecting segment integrally formed at one end of the tube segment. The connecting segment generally includes a substantially frustoconical sealing surface and a substantially frustoconical back surface. The connecting segment may be formed by punching or rolling the end of the tube segment. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic fitting includes expanding an end portion of a tube to form an expanded portion. Inner and outer regions of the expanded portion are then reduced, via punching or rolling operations, to form substantially frustoconical back and sealing surfaces, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Michael John Browne, Sean Clary McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7331615
    Abstract: A pipe union with extension for interconnecting a first length and a second length of coaxial pipe may include a first annular pipe member attachable to the first length of pipe. The first annular pipe member may incorporate a circumferential flange having a shoulder. The first annular pipe member may comprise a front face which faces the first length of pipe, and a rear face which faces in a direction of the second length of pipe. The pipe union may also comprise a fastening member incorporating an inwardly extending flange with a central passageway adapted to fit around the first annular pipe member. The inwardly extending flange may be adapted to abut the shoulder as the fastening member is fitted over the first annular pipe member. The fastening member may comprise thread means formed on an inner surface of the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Dimitre Cheytanov
  • Publication number: 20080012325
    Abstract: A fill tube and flange assembly for fabrication of ring laser gyroscope blocks is described. The assembly includes a flange assembly, a fill tube assembly, and a compression interface. The flange assembly includes a flange tube and a fluid port at a first end of the flange assembly tube. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube and a laser block engaging portion at a first end of the fill tube. The compression interface is configured to couple second ends of the fill tube and the flange assembly tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Chad P. Stay, Mark Jay Jarrett
  • Patent number: 7316423
    Abstract: A fitting and pipe section assembly 10 that is capable of being installed in tubing 20A and 20B of a jetted bath to render the tubing 20A and 20B adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device 30. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 includes a pipe section 12, first and second fittings 18A and 18B, and first and second indicia 17A and 17B. The pipe section 12 has a center segment 16 between inlet and outlet end portions 14A and 14B. The inlet and outlet portions 14A and 14B may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing 20A and 20B. The first and second fittings 18A and 18B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section 14A and 14B. The first and second indicia 17A and 17B on the pipe section 12 define the center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section 12 at predetermined points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary P. Rochelle
  • Publication number: 20080001405
    Abstract: A plastic-lined metallic pipe for conveying liquid or gas includes a continuous inner plastic sleeve and an outer seamless metallic pipe. The outer diameter of the plastic sleeve is circumferentially melt-bonded to the inner diameter of the outer pipe. The plastic sleeve constitutes an uninterrupted lining for the metallic pipe. Also disclosed is a connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe. The connector 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Anna Kui Gey
  • Patent number: 7309085
    Abstract: A threaded pipe coupling for connecting a pipe to a connection part with a conical exterior surface, especially for connecting copper pipes in refrigeration technology, with a sleeve-shaped union nut to form a threaded coupling with the connection part and a clamping ring arranged within the union nut. To enable an easy-to-realize coupling also without additional elements and without preliminary work, the clamping ring has a conical inner surface, corresponding to the conical exterior surface of the connection part, with a sealing bead coming into contact with the conical exterior surface of the connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Kulm Holding AG
    Inventor: Pirmin Westermann
  • Patent number: 7309084
    Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect pipe coupling and seal assembly including a first generally cylindrical coupling head having a bore therein for connection to a first conduit and a raised annular ring, a second generally cylindrical coupling head having a bore therein for connection to a second conduit, external male threads, and an annular recess for receiving an o-ring, and a generally cylindrical coupling ring for holding the first coupling head therein, the coupling ring having a threaded bore for receipt of the external male threads of the second coupling head to connect the first coupling head to the second coupling head and to force the o-ring received in the annular recess of the second coupling head into contact with the annular ring on the first coupling head to form a high pressure seal between the first coupling head and the second coupling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Charles M. Cooke, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070267867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe connection (1) having a reshaped pipe (4), a screw fitting body (2) having an internal cone (6), a union nut (5), which may be screwed onto the screw fitting body (2), having an internal clamping face (15), which, in the operating state of the pipe connection (1), works together with an outwardly projecting retention face (12) of a retention bulge (11) of the pipe (4), which is produced facing away from the pipe end by reshaping and projects radially outward beyond the outer mantle surface of the pipe, and having an adapter ring (3, 30) which is supported on the side facing toward the screw fitting body (2) by a conical clamping face (7) in the internal cone (6) of the screw fitting body (2). To provide an alternative pipe connection (1) of this type, it is suggested that the adapter ring (3, 30) be supported in the operating state on the side facing toward the pipe (4) by a radially running contact face (8) on the radially running front face (14) of the pipe end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander Kloss, Alfons Schorn-Gilson
  • Patent number: 7273238
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining the ends of a pair of ribbed ducts together has a collar with an interior suitable for receiving the ends of the pair of ducts therein, a first coupler element translatably secured adjacent a first end of the collar, a compressible seal disposed between a surface of the first coupler element and the first end of the collar, a second coupler element secured adjacent a second end of the collar, and a second seal disposed between a surface of the second coupler element and the second end of the collar. The coupler elements are translatable so as to compress the seal such that a surface of the seal will bear against a respective rib of the pair of ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7267375
    Abstract: An apparatus for joining ends of a pair of ducts together in end-to-end relationship has a collar with a first end portion and a second end portion, a first coupler element translatably secured to an exterior of the collar for moving the first end portion between first and second positions, and a second coupler element translatably secured to the exterior of the collar so as to move the second end portion between first and second positions. The end portions have a plurality of fingers that are movable so as to be free of the surfaces of the duct when in the first position and which contact a rib of the duct when in the second position. The collar and the coupler elements form a liquid-tight seal over the respective ends of the pair of ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Felix L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7258372
    Abstract: Union nut (10) includes body (20) and lock member (50). Body (20) includes thread retaining end (30) with threads (33) for mounting upon a threaded pipe (120) and flange retaining end (40) including partial collar (41) for partially retaining a flanged pipe (140). Lock member (50) slidably engages with body (20) to fully retain and support pipe flange (143).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Kronmeyer
  • Patent number: 7222889
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided for releasably interconnecting confronting ends of conduit members. The coupling assembly creates a self-locking, and self-bonding connection wherein locking and unlocking is achieved by a predetermined amount of rotation of a lock nut group with respect to a stationary threaded flange. The overall construction of the coupling assembly creates the rigid connection between the conduit members, yet adequate sealing between the conduit members is provided by a single sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Stanley Aviation Corporation
    Inventor: Clifton P. Breay
  • Patent number: 7201404
    Abstract: Union nut (10) includes body (20) and lock member (50). Body (20) includes thread retaining end (30) with threads (33) for mounting upon a threaded pipe (120) and flange retaining end (40) including partial collar (41) for partially retaining a flanged pipe (140). Lock member (50) slidably engages with body (20) to fully retain and support pipe flange (143).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Related Metal Fabrication, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Kronmeyer
  • Patent number: 7195288
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe coupling comprising a socket component and an insert component which is partially insertable to securely fit into the socket component. A ring groove between the socket component and the insert component is sealed by a ring seal. The socket component is releasably connected to the insert component by means of a union nut which contacts a shoulder of the insert component rearwardly for joined movement into the closed position. The union nut is screwed onto the socket component along a cylindrical and/or conical exterior thread. The ring gap between the union nut and the insert component is sealed. The ring gap between the union nut and the socket component is also sealed. The thread connection between the socket component and the union nut is positioned between the two sealing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Karl Weinhold
  • Patent number: 7178838
    Abstract: A nut and tail assembly (10) and method of manufacture including a nut (12) having a first end and an inward flange (24) at the other end, a longitudinal cylindrical hollow body (14) having a first end and a second end at which is located an outstanding flange (40) and a circular longitudinal sleeve (16). The sleeve (16) extends along said sliding surface and has a flange (44) at a first end abutting against the body flange (24). A stop (34) is located between the ends of the body (14) and defines a cavity sliding surface generally parallel to the longitudinal body between the stop (34) and flange (44). The nut inward flange (24) extends into the body cavity and is of a large enough diameter to be able to slide on said body sliding surface but small enough to be held within said cavity defined between said stop (34) and sleeve flange (44). Projections (50) on the sleeve flange (44) assist in locating the sleeve (16) relative to the nut (12) during the moulding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Philmac Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Chelchowski, Geoffrey B. Puckett
  • Patent number: 7156425
    Abstract: A plumbing apparatus for connecting a tankless hot water heater to a cold water supply line and a hot water outlet line includes a union and a tee that are interconnected to one another. A first connector at one end of the union is provided for connecting the union to the tankless hot water heater. A second connector at a free end of the tee is provided for connecting the tee to either the cold water supply line or the hot water outlet line. The tee is provided with a branch for connecting the plumbing apparatus to a plumbing device. A passage formed in the union and tee permits fluid to flow there through and through the branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Manuel Diaz Atkinson
  • Patent number: 7140647
    Abstract: Two coupling members are provided in respective butting end faces thereof with annular recessed portions surrounding respective fluid channels thereof and having annular projections each formed in a bottom face of the recessed portion. A gasket comprises a sealing portion having an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of the recessed portions and is positioned between the projections of the coupling members, and a guide has an outside diameter permitting the guide to be fitted into the recessed portions and positioned externally of the sealing portion. The butting end faces of the coupling members are movable into contact with each other when the coupling is tightened up properly. The sealing portion has an annular groove formed in an outer periphery thereof, and the sealing portion and the guide are connected together by a snap ring fitted in the annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Michio Yamaji, Shinya Nojima, Yukito Katsumi, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7125055
    Abstract: A metal ring gasket for a threaded union provides a high-pressure, fluid-tight, metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a fluid conduit. The metal ring gasket is made of carbon steel or stainless steel depending on a composition of the fluid to be conveyed through the conduit. The metal ring gasket has beveled corners and is received in a beveled annular groove on mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. When compressed in the annular groove between the subcomponents, the metal ring gasket creates an energized, high-pressure, fluid-tight seal that is highly resistant to pressure and is capable of maintaining a seal even at elevated temperatures resulting from direct exposure of the fluid conduit to fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7121594
    Abstract: A toilet valve quick connect includes an upper housing having a capture chamber which facilitates the operation of a capture nut with oversized outward peripheral portions to enable it to be turned within the confines of a typical toilet tank. The toilet valve quick connect has a lower section which extends through the hole in a typical toilet tank and is secured in much the same way as a conventional toilet valve fitting. The toilet valve quick connect includes an internal conical sealing member for facilitating the sealed connection with the bottom rim and inside of a conventional toilet valve fitting. A capture housing partially encloses the capture nut to enable it to engage the threaded bottom fitting of a conventional toilet valve and to impress a downward force on the threaded bottom fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Dan E. Molter
  • Patent number: 7121595
    Abstract: A device for leaktight coupling of a tube to a tubular nose, the tube being provided with an outwardly-directed bead at a distance from its end, the tubular nose presenting an outside thread and including an inlet bore for defining a housing for an annular gasket and an annular gasket-retaining insert, the device including a nut having the tube passing therethrough and presenting an end inside thread for co-operating with the thread of the tubular nose and including a chamber behind the thread, the chamber terminating by a drive wall, and an axial drive collar removably placed between one of the flanks of the bead and the drive wall, the collar extending axially towards the end of the tube beyond the bead in the chamber to co-operate with the insert, slidable in its housing and shaped as a pusher for compressing the gasket between the bore and the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Sebastien Leblais
  • Patent number: 7108206
    Abstract: The present invention broadly applies to any fluid valve made up of a plurality of body components that create sealing lands where the body components are clamped together. The invention is further applicable to any such valves in which pressure differentials within the valve can cause fluid leakage in the region of these sealing lands. Fluid leakage is reduced by locating at least some of these sealing lands within a hollow clamp that holds the valve body components together. This clamping strategy that locates the clamping load where it is needed most is applicable to a wide variety of valves, but is particularly applicable to pressure control valves used in fuel injection systems that experience extremely high pressure differentials during their usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Victor I. Yacoub, Gene R. Slinkard, Charles D. Ellenbecker
  • Patent number: 7077436
    Abstract: A gear operated coupler is provided for coupling and uncoupling mating first and second coupling portions of a piping system component. A sleeve with an attached spur gear includes threads that engage the first coupling portion, and the sleeve slidingly receives the second coupling portion. The coupling portions are maintained in a metal-to-metal seal arrangement by a compensation ring in the sleeve. A pinion plate, carrying an associated pinion gear, is attached to the second coupling portion so that the pinion gear engages the spur gear. A torque applied to an operating nut connected to the pinion gear shaft causes the pinion gear and spur gear to rotate. Depending on the direction of rotation of the pinion gear, the threads of the sleeve advance the first coupling portion toward the second coupling portion until the two are coupled, or the first coupling portion is retracted from the second coupling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hilltap Fittings, LTD.
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Patent number: 7055868
    Abstract: A fitting for an end of a length of corrugated tubing forms a gas-tight metal-to-metal seal by rolling and folding an endmost corrugation into a axially extending annular groove in the fitting body. A ridged retainer grips the tubing corrugations above the endmost corrugation and is axially advanced into the fitting body by a nut. The cut end at the endmost corrugation of the tubing encounters the axially facing end of a tubular stub inside the fitting body and folds over itself and into the annular groove between the stub and the inside surface of the fitting body. A seal member is thus formed with a pair of substantially parallel sealing surfaces, and resides between the retainer and the outside surface of the tubular stub. The seal member forms a metal/metal seal with the tubular stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Highlands Corporation
    Inventor: Taro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7032932
    Abstract: A tube coupling comprising a coupling body having a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of the tube and having an internal cam surface tapering towards the open end in which a collet is located for locking the tube in the coupling body by engagement with the tapered cam surface. The coupling body has a main body portion the throughway of which receives the end of the tube and a stop to limit the insertion of the collet and an end cap in screw threaded engagement with the main body having an open end into the throughway and the tapered cam surface. The cap is retained on the main body by an annular diaphragm encircling the body which engages in a wide slot formed in the inner periphery of the cap. The diaphragm snaps into the slot when the cap is screwed onto the main body portion to a first position in which a tube can be inserted through the collet into the coupling body and released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 7014224
    Abstract: A fluid line connector for connecting first and second fluid lines, having: a male portion (12) having a generally frusto-conical nozzle (22); a female portion (14) having a complementary generally frusto-conical recess (46) for receiving the nozzle (22); and a coupling (16) for coupling the male portion (12) and the female portion (14) when the nozzle (22) is received by the recess (46); whereby the fluid lines (72, 74) can be connected by attaching the male portion (12) to the first fluid line and the female portion (14) to the second fluid line, and locating the nozzle (22) within the recess (46) to form only circumferential sealing engagement between the nozzle (22) and the recess (46), and coupling the male and female portions (12, 14) by means of the coupling (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Optimum Innovations Australia
    Inventor: Peter John Sward
  • Patent number: RE39552
    Abstract: A pup joint is provided which comprises a length of pipe, a female sub integral with one end of the pipe and having external threads formed thereon, a male sub integral with the other end of the pipe, a wing nut for threadedly connecting the male sub to the female sub, a set of retainer segments for retaining the wing nut on the pup joint, and a retention shoulder formed on the male sub to maintain the wing nut and retainer segments on the male sub. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipe and the male and female subs are comprised of a single forging, and the retention shoulder is formed by machining the male sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Crawford
  • Patent number: RE39584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint made of resin used for laying pipes in which a high-purity liquid, ultra pure water or the like flow. According to the pipe joint of the present invention, a sealing surface pressure is generated in both axial and radial directions, providing thereby an excellent sealing property for a long period, and facilitate controlling a torque for fastening a pushing ring. The pipe joint made of resin according to the present invention comprises a joint body having a receiving port, a cylindrical portion, an annular groove portion and a stepped surface. An inner ring forcedly inserted by the pushing ring is provided with an outer projection, an inner projection and an annular recessed portion. On at least one portion among axially opposed portions of each surface, an axial sealing portion is disposed. On at least one portion among radially opposed portions of each surface, an radial sealing portion is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio