Lugged Pipe, Rotary Engagement Patents (Class 285/360)
  • Patent number: 11686414
    Abstract: Improved couplings for conduit systems include a male coupling and a female coupling. The male coupling and female coupling may be mechanically engaged by inserting the male coupling into a receiver in the female coupling until fastening structures are aligned, and then rotating one or both of the male and female couplings until the fastening structures are overlapping and in interfacial engagement. The male and female couplings provide an efficient coupling solution for end-to-end conduit connection and also addresses a leakage problem in conventional irrigation pipe couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel Shafer
  • Patent number: 11333271
    Abstract: Quick coupling device 1 for transferring liquid for an aircraft, comprising a female member 7 configured to be connected to a first reservoir, said female member 7 forming a passage and comprising a cylindrical portion 13 and a radial portion 14, a male member 2 configured to be connected to a second reservoir, said male member 2 forming a passage, slidably mounted in a liquid-tight manner in the female member 7 and comprising a cylindrical portion 3 and a radial portion 4, and a member 40 for locking the male member 2 in the female member 7, the locking member 40 being disposed between the radial portion 14 of the female member 7 and the radial portion 4 of the male member 2, the locking member 40 surrounding the male member 2 and leaving a limited sliding extent for the male member 2 with respect to the female member 7, engaging with the female member 7 in the locked position and releasing the female member 7 in the unlocked position, the locking member 40 comprising an axial blocking lock that can be actua
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AEROSYSTEMS
    Inventors: Mathieu Iwaniuk, Sébastien Gouel, Philippe Bulard, Christophe Mendes
  • Patent number: 11225991
    Abstract: Devices and system for releasably securing objects are disclosed. An insert with tabs around a perimeter is inserted into a receiver. The tabs follow inlet grooves and tab capture grooves, and then retract into tab resting depressions, securing the insert and receiver while force is maintained between the insert and the receiver. The force is removed and the tabs exit the tab resting depressions into the tab release groove. Application of the force again causes the tabs to enter into an outlet groove and out of the receiver, thus detaching the insert and the receiver. The device is preferably used in a system for raising a lowering a rectangular platform with a device at each corner of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Jerome Miles, Jeffrey Knighton
  • Patent number: 11112037
    Abstract: A hose connection system for connecting a hose to a gas turbine engine. The hose connection system may include a connection fitting and a connection tool. The connection fitting may include a first member to be attached to the gas turbine engine, a mating component to be attached to the hose, and a splined second member to be torqued onto the first member. The connection tool may include a drive wheel with a number of drive wheel splines such that the drive wheel splines torque the splined second member onto the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Luis Armando Sanchez Del Valle, Brian Kenneth Bassett, Robert Scott Phillips, Jesse Ellis Barton, Peter Koppenhoefer, Michael F. Dolan, Jr., Nathan Lynn Green, Le Yu
  • Patent number: 10094487
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for attaching a magnet to a shaft of a valve assembly includes a carrier housing having a magnet holder portion, a shaft holder portion, and a plurality of fingers extending from the shaft holder portion. The carrier assembly includes a locking collar wherein the collar is installed over the carrier housing and moved from a open position to a closed position. The collar is further moved to a locked position to lock the carrier assembly to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Salvador Hernandez-Oliver, Suraj K. Alva
  • Patent number: 9761989
    Abstract: A connector secured to a panel and connectable to a circuit terminal. The connector extends through a panel opening with a flange abutting the panel rear and a front portion with a connecting terminal projecting from the panel front. A lock washer around the connector front portion includes a planar washer body and integral lock tabs radially outward of its central aperture. A securing tab extends radially from the washer body and is bent away from the panel front face. A nut is secured to the connector outer thread over the lock washer. A protective cover is selectively securable over the connector front portion by threading on the connector outer thread, and a lanyard secures the protective cover to the lock washer securing tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Saint Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. L. Blair
  • Patent number: 9739024
    Abstract: A system for joining two separate spun piles by interlocking together a top end plate located at a bottom end of a first spun pile to a bottom end plate located at a top end of a second spun pile, wherein the end plates each have a plurality of segments comprising an equal number of segmental protrusions and segmental recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Chin Chai Ong
  • Patent number: 9725962
    Abstract: A drill string section includes at least one plug-and-rotate seat (bayonet seat) for interacting with a (bayonet) catch, wherein the seat allows an additional plug-in step for fixing the catch in a connection secure against rotation in both directions of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drill string section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TRACTO-TECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Sebastian Fischer
  • Patent number: 9664322
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system male component includes a first body and a ring assembly. The first body defines a fluid channel therethrough. The first body includes a first coupling portion at a first end portion and a second coupling portion at a second end portion. The first coupling portion is configured to couple with a fluid conduit and the second coupling portion configured to couple with a female quick connect/disconnect system component. The ring assembly is supported by the first body. The ring assembly extends about the second coupling portion and includes a first mating feature on an internal surface of the ring assembly configured to rotatably engage a second mating feature on an external surface of the female quick connect/disconnect system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Fiskars Oyj Abp
    Inventors: Charles A. Lehmann, Lawrence P. Heren, Robert R. Brimble
  • Patent number: 9347592
    Abstract: A quick-disconnect coupling such as a camlock includes a hollow male plug with an external peripheral groove and a hollow female socket defining a duct for communication of a fluid with a locking arrangement for locking the male plug in the female socket. Protrusions are provided on either an inside surface of the female socket or on an outside surface of the male plug and corresponding recesses are provided on the other with the recesses and protrusions being cooperatively shaped and arranged to allow insertion of the male plug member into the female socket member to the locking position only when at least one recess and at least one protrusion match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Kelly Maxwell Stead, Edwin John William Zonneveld
  • Patent number: 9316365
    Abstract: The present invention is an assembly that changes retrofits a flagpole with a solar powered area light, whereby the flag is removed from connection with the residential flagpole and stored. The assembly optionally includes a remote control so that a user can select from a number of operational modes for area lighting. The assembly also includes support bar connectors formed from two parts that are usable in either a connection of a support bar to the top of the flagpole or for connecting the support bar to the top of a downward directed solar lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Gordon Ko
  • Patent number: 9243730
    Abstract: The adapter assembly extends outward from an inner structure such as an outer barrel or nipple base to attach the inner structure to a housing such as a bowl. Each sized inner structure fits a specified bowl for attachment of the inner structure to the bowl. The adapter assembly extends outward from the inner structure to fit one of the available sizes needed for attachment to the bowl. The adapter assembly is characterized by a first attachment body and a second attachment body. The adapter assembly attaches to the exterior of the inner structure to increase the surface exterior of the outer surface for attachment of the inner structure to the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: PRUITT TOOL & SUPPLY CO.
    Inventors: Grant Pruitt, Cris Braun
  • Patent number: 8813722
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an elongated body with a fuel inlet end and a fuel discharge end. The injector body includes an outwardly extending plate attached at a position between its ends and this plate includes at least one radially outwardly extending tab so that the cross-sectional shape of the plate is noncircular. A fuel cup receives the fuel inlet end of the fuel injector and includes a radially inwardly extending ledge at a mid position of the cavity. This ledge includes a through bore complementary in shape to the shape of the plate so that, with the fuel injector and plate aligned at a predetermined angular assembly position, the plate passes through the ledge upon insertion of the fuel injector into the cavity. Thereafter, rotation of the fuel injector and attached plate to a locking position positions the tabs above the ledge thus locking the fuel injector to the fuel cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Products (USA)
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 8794678
    Abstract: In a vibration damper of a turbomolecular vacuum pump, a vacuum tightness function and a vibration damping function are both performed by one or more toroidal rings made of an elastic material. The elastic rings assume a resting configuration while the vacuum pump is not operating and the damper is at atmospheric pressure, and they assume a compressed configuration while the vacuum pump is operating and the damper is under vacuum conditions. In the compressed configuration, the elastic rings are deformed due to a compression force. This deformation of the elastic rings prevents metal-to-metal contact between the vacuum pump and a vacuum chamber to which the pump is connected through the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmelo Quartarone, Luca Bonmassar, Silvio Giors, Vincenzo Pandolfo
  • Patent number: 8567823
    Abstract: A quick-mounting adapter is axially forced upon and then twisted relative to threaded targets for connection. A rotatable hub has a threaded portion for connection to a hose and an integral flange fastened to a tubular sleeve coaxially within the adapter. A rotatable handle assembly comprises a rigid ring with an internal orifice and at least two outwardly projecting handle segments. A multi-segment thread assembly secured within a ring groove to the sleeve is displaceable radially inwardly and outwardly in response to a rigid, cylindrical collar secured to the handle assembly. Each segment comprises an outer tapered portion contacted by and compressed by the collar. Pushing and subsequent rotation of the handle assembly attaches the thread assembly on the threaded target to connect the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Stroope
  • Patent number: 8480384
    Abstract: A quick attach and safe release arrangement for a pump of the type in which a pump chamber has at least one chimney and at least one separable port locatable in the at least one chimney. The quick attach and safe release arrangement is provided with a cooperating retaining elements integrally formed with the at least one chimney and integrally formed with the at least one separable port respectively, for retaining the at least one separable port in within the at least one chimney. The at least one separable port and the at least one chimney are rotatable relative to one another and the cooperating retaining elements have a single port release position at a predetermined angular position of the at least one separable port relative to the at least one chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Munster Simms Engineering Limited
    Inventor: William Stephen Killingbeck
  • Patent number: 8141915
    Abstract: A modular coupling system comprises a connector (200, 201) having a generally cylindrical center section (224) with a bore (208) extending from a front face (206) of the connector (200, 201) through to a back side of the connector. The connector (200, 201) has a first (220) and a second wing (222) extending from the generally cylindrical center section (224) of the connector (200, 201). A first flange (202) extends from a front side of the first wing towards a top side of the connector (200, 201), and a second flange (204) extends from a back side of the first wing towards a bottom side of the connector (200, 201). A third flange (202) extends from a front side of the second wing towards the bottom side of the connector (200, 201), and a second flange (204) extends from a back side of the first wing towards the top side of the connector (200, 201).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Everard Hall
  • Patent number: 8096524
    Abstract: A wafer-style valve assembly adapted to be coupled between opposing pipeline components having a common centerline secured together by a plurality of longitudinal fasteners includes a substantially cylindrical valve body, a seat retaining plate, and at least one clip. The valve body has a peripheral edge portion and an axial end surface. The seat retaining plate is disposed on the axial end surface. The at least one clip is also disposed on the axial end surface and extends radially outward of the peripheral edge portion. The clip has a radially inward portion and a radially outward portion. The radially inward portion secures the seat retaining plate to the to valve body. The radially outward portion has an edge defining a first recess and a second recess. The first and second recesses are each adapted to accommodate a longitudinal fastener to locate the valve assembly relative to the centerline of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Dalluge, Paul A. Day
  • Patent number: 7703745
    Abstract: A wafer-style valve assembly adapted to be coupled between opposing pipeline components having a common centerline secured together by a plurality of longitudinal fasteners includes a substantially cylindrical valve body, a seat retaining plate, and at least one clip. The valve body has a peripheral edge portion and an axial end surface. The seat retaining plate is disposed on the axial end surface. The at least one clip is also disposed on the axial end surface and extends radially outward of the peripheral edge portion. The clip has a radially inward portion and a radially outward portion. The radially inward portion secures the seat retaining plate to the to valve body. The radially outward portion has an edge defining a first recess and a second recess. The first and second recesses are each adapted to accommodate a longitudinal fastener to locate the valve assembly relative to the centerline of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Dalluge, Paul A. Day
  • Patent number: 7604263
    Abstract: A pipe joint construction comprising an elastic seal member (4) for hermetically sealing between an inner circumferential surface of a receiving pipe section (1) and an outer circumferential surface of an inserted pipe section (2) inserted into and connected to the receiving pipe section in a pipe axis direction (X), and a lock member (7) provided in the inner circumferential surface of the receiving pipe section (1) adjacent a receiving opening thereof for preventing separation of the pipe sections by contacting an engaging projection (5) protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the inserted pipe section (2) in the pipe axis direction, wherein the construction further comprises an attachment/detachment control device (A) for attaching and detaching the lock member (7) to/from the receiving pipe section (1) by rotating the lock member (7) about the pipe axis direction (X) relative to the receiving pipe section (1) and by moving, in the pipe axis direction (X), the lock member (7) placed in a speci
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignees: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Taisei Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Mori, Fumiyoshi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7600788
    Abstract: A fast-fit coupling for a fluid circulation system comprising at least two conveying members of a fluid. The coupling comprises: a receiving body for each conveying member; way for fastening carried by the body, shiftable by the conveying member during the insertion of the conveying member, and integral with the conveying member when the conveying member is moved in a disconnection direction from the body; way for locking cooperating with the way for fastening to lock the conveying member in a position inside the body and to prevent the body itself from being disconnected; and way for releasable constraint, activatable for restraining the way for locking to the body and preventing the conveying member to be disconnected, and deactivatable to disconnect the way for locking and allowing the conveying member to be disconnected; the way for locking and the body are engageable/disengageable by ways of a relative rotation less than ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Pres-Block, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Aldo Nicolino
  • Patent number: 7481466
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sakura Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Horimoto, Atsushi Hirayama, Kazuyuki Tamada
  • Patent number: 7472844
    Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly is disclosed. The assembly may include a nozzle casing, a first tip member, and a second tip member. The first tip member may extend longitudinally within the nozzle casing and may define first and second shoulders on the first tip member. The second tip member may extend longitudinally within the nozzle casing and may be arranged in predetermined rotational alignment with the first tip member. The second tip member may define a third shoulder on the second tip member configured to interact with the first shoulder to oppose rotation of the first tip member relative the second tip member in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the first tip member. The second tip member may further define a fourth shoulder on the second tip member configured to interact with the second shoulder to oppose rotation of the first tip member relative the second tip member in a second direction about a longitudinal axis of the first tip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Avinash R. Manubolu, Avtar S. Sandhu, Christopher A. Greer, Venu G. Garimidi
  • Patent number: 7431351
    Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for making a pressure-containing threaded tubular connection, suitable for remotely operated connection and separation, utilizing electrical heating to reduce the amount of make up torque required to produce reliable preloading of the connection. One aspect of the present invention comprises: 1) a first hub with male threads on its exterior and having a sealing face and axial flow passage, b) a second hub having an axial flow passage and carrying an annular seal which can be mated with the sealing face of the first hub and mounting a rotatable nut having female threads on its interior and integral nut heating means. After stabbing and initial make-up of the connection, the nut is heated and thereby expanded in a controlled manner and the connection retightened. Following cooling, the structural connection is fully preloaded and the annular seal fully compressed so that it seals. Reversing the procedure permits disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Patent number: 7387320
    Abstract: A pressure relief cap for a water supply comprises an outer portion defining a front face for generally covering an outlet of the supply. The outer portion includes a seal for being urged against and sealingly engaging a periphery of the outlet. An inner portion includes a connector for coupling and decoupling to an outlet. The inner portion is rotatably coupled to the outer portion such that upon at least partial rotation of the outer portion in a first direction relative to the inner portion the seal is moved axially inwardly relative to the inner portion from a disengaged position to an engaged position to sealingly engage a periphery of an outlet, and upon at least partial rotation of the outer portion in an opposite direction the seal is moved axially outwardly from the engaged position to the disengaged position to thereby permit back pressure within an outlet to vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Kochek Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Kozey
  • Patent number: 7243953
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sakura Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakamura, Akira Horimoto, Kazuyuki Tamada
  • Patent number: 7137654
    Abstract: A medical connector adapted for placement between a catheter and a medical infusion or injection source includes a pair of interlocking half medical connector portions, one side of which attaches to the infusion source and the other side of which is coupled to the catheter connected to the patient and a locking mechanism for locking a medical connector portion to a medical fitting. The connection to the catheter and the infusion source can be via standard medical luer taper fittings, with or without specially designed locking mechanisms that prevent inadvertent disconnection. The medical connector itself is uniquely shaped and includes a raised surface feature and a recessed surface feature formed on the medical connector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: QD Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Scott Segal, Stephen B. Corn
  • Patent number: 7040670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an alternative pipe coupling apparatus, to conventional tapered screw threads usually used to join ends of pipe sections to fixtures. The invention utilizes a bayonet style interlocking arrangement having a male element and a female element which join together and are opposingly biased against one another by a spring-like retaining ring to ensure an appropriate rigid and leak-proof connection between two elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Parker & Harper Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Madden
  • Patent number: 7025385
    Abstract: A coupling connects a first member and a second member. The first member has a first interlocking member extending radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of an axial end. The second member includes a second interlocking member extending radially inward from an inner circumferential surface of an axial end. The axial end of the first member is inserted into the axial end of the second member, such that the first interlocking member is inserted past the second interlocking member. The first and second members are then rotated relative to one another to a locked angular orientation, in which the first interlocking member is interlocked with the second interlocking member to prevent relative axial movement of the first and second members. A key is then inserted into a keyway in the first and second members to lock the angular orientation, thereby coupling the first and second members to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph D. Drescher
  • Patent number: 7017953
    Abstract: A twist lock assembly includes an annular first flange at an open end of a first conduit attached to a fluid receiving component. The first flange has an alignment slot and at least one locking slot formed therein. A fluid conducting conduit has an annular second flange at an open end thereof. The second flange includes an alignment tab formed thereon. A locking ring rotatably mounts on the second flange and includes at least one locking tab formed thereon. When the first flange is attached to the component, the alignment tab engages the alignment slot and the at least one locking tab is aligned with the at least one locking slot. Rotating the locking ring relative to the second flange draws the first and second flanges into airtight engagement and locks the conduit to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Benscoter, Michael E. Skelton, Rocko D. Parker
  • Patent number: 6991270
    Abstract: A hose coupling assembly wherein a hose 20 having a corrugated portion 22 is coupled to a fitting block 24 by a socket 50. The fitting block 24 has a block engagement catch 25c projecting from the outside rim of the block body 25. The socket 50 comprises a socket body 51 elastically expandable and contractible by being divided by a slit 51a, and a socket engagement catch 51b engages the block engagement catch 25c. To detach the socket 50 from the fitting block 24, force is applied in a rotation direction to a push operation portion 51c to cause the socket body 51 to undergo diametrical expansion, releasing the socket engagement catch 51b from the block engagement catch 25c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ito, Naomi Nakashima, Kenichi Mitsui, Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Yoshiaki Kameda
  • Patent number: 6974161
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a filter element to a filter conduit has male and female couplings each having a passageway for fluid. The male coupling is secured to the filter conduit and has at least two radially projecting lugs. The female coupling is secured to the filter element and has at least two latching tabs for engaging the lugs. A spring is operatively mounted on the male coupling and interferes with the radially projecting lugs. The spring is disposed so as to engage at least one latching tab when the male and female couplings are moved toward each other. The spring urges the latching tabs to rotate in a first angular direction thereby causing the tab to latch to a lug of the male coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Graver Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Bozenmayer
  • Patent number: 6969071
    Abstract: A face seal assembly including an annular mating ring housing having a proximal end surface with a channel therein, a mating ring insert disposed in the channel, the mating ring insert including a mating ring compressed within a first band to maintain the integrity of the mating ring. An annular sealing ring housing has a distal end surface with a channel therein, and a sealing ring insert is disposed in the channel, the sealing ring insert including a sealing ring compressed within a second band to maintain the integrity of the sealing ring. The mating ring faces the sealing ring to prevent fluid from escaping therebetween. A method of making such a face seal assembly is also disclosed as is a complete face seal assembly useful in the top drive unit of an offshore drilling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: PerkinElmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald M. Berard
  • Patent number: 6942255
    Abstract: A fitting connector for a pressure vessel including a bushing for mounting within an aperture defined in a pressure vessel wall. The bushing includes a cylindrical bushing body having a head portion at one end thereof and including at least a pair of locking members for engaging along an interior surface of the pressure vessel wall. The locking members are provided with a contoured surface for engaging with detent members formed on the interior of the pressure vessel wall whereby the bushing is positively locked in a predetermined rotational orientation on the pressure vessel wall and is retained in place until a predetermined torque force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Q3JMC, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Carlton Pickering
  • Patent number: 6880768
    Abstract: A handheld spraying device having a quick disconnect assembly for releasably securing a spray body having a valve mechanism therein to a water line. The device includes a nozzle assembly affixed to a water line that includes a pair of opposed projecting wing portions that are spring biased into a pair of opposed seats formed in the spray body. An elongated opening transversely aligned with the seats is provided in the spray body for the passage of the nozzle assembly therethrough upon the wing portions thereof being aligned with the opening. Upon urging the nozzle assembly inwardly within the spray body against an interior spring so as to raise the wing portions off the seats and rotating the line and affixed nozzle assembly approximately 90° with respect to the spray body, the line and nozzle assembly can be withdrawn, disconnecting the spray body from the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Jing Mei Industrial Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Ping Wa Lau
  • Publication number: 20040232695
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling that eliminates the need for tools and the tedious loosening and tightening of hose clamps when detaching and reattaching hoses, such as dust collection system hoses, between machines. The coupling includes a first fitting adapted to be secured to a machine such as a debris generating machine or a dust collector, and a second fitting fixedly secured to a longitudinal end of the associated hose for being partially engaged with and locked to the first fitting. The fittings are preferably translucent or clear so that debris flow can be observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: John Wirth, Jay L. Sanger, Mark K. McCool, Paul Brutsman, Dan Stoops
  • Publication number: 20040164553
    Abstract: A simple twist and lock or unlock structure is provided for use with high pressure hydraulic lines used on small vehicles such as Lawn and Garden tractors. The locking structure utilizes the combination of a tab and slotted member secured to adjacent end portions of the hydraulic lines to releasably secure them together. No tools are required to rotatably manipulate the locking structure into its locked or unlocked position. With this structure, no clamping hardware is needed to secure the lines together nor are any anchoring brackets required to mount the lines to the vehicle or its components. Accordingly, leaks caused by engine vibrations or vehicle encounters with small obstacles are minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Ellis Junior Smith
  • Patent number: 6755446
    Abstract: An under-sink waste pipe system comprises first and second waste pipes telescoped together, a softly resilient seal ring that adapts a smaller pipe for coupling to a larger pipe, seals the waste-pipe juncture, and secures the waste pipes together, a locking ring for compressing the sealing ring into resilient locking and sealing engagement with the waste pipes, and a latching mechanism for securing the locking ring in place with the seal ring resiliently compressed a predetermined degree. The latching mechanism maintains the locking ring secured to the end flange structure and comprises at least first and second latching projections on the end flange structure that extend towards the locking ring, and projection guiding cam surfaces formed in the locking ring. Each projection guiding cam surface terminates in a notch-like latching recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Superior Workshop Tool Company
    Inventors: Charles J. Mintz, James A. Kovach
  • Patent number: 6733045
    Abstract: A coupling or adapter assembly that serves as a transition device for interconnecting a fluid source, such as a fire hydrant, to a conduit, piping system or hose includes an adapter portion of generally cylindrical configuration having a fluid conveyance bore of non-uniform diameter extending therethrough and annular threads at opposed ends of the adapter portion. The annular threads at one end of the adapter portion are of a stepped threaded configuration in order to engage the inner annular double threaded configuration of a ring member that is externally threaded onto the adapter portion thereby binding the adapter portion to the ring member so that they function as an integral, one piece transition device interconnecting, for example, a fire hydrant to a Storz-type coupling of a hose or conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Harrington, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Harrington, Gary C. Salisbury
  • Publication number: 20040061334
    Abstract: In order to attach an inlet line to a housing of a plumbing fixture such that it may be detached therefrom, it is proposed that a flange projecting radially beyond the end of the line having a rim that has a shape other than a circular shape be attached to the line in the vicinity of the end of the line. The flange, along with the end of the line, may be shifted to a certain angular orientation to the extent that it will be arranged behind the undercut in the axial direction. Rotating the end of the line, together with the flange, will then bring the flange into engagement with the undercut, which will prevent the end of the line from being withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Stefan Kruck
  • Publication number: 20040056480
    Abstract: A modular fountain includes a base, a bowl and a top or statue supported on the bowl by a pump housing in the bowl. Twist and lock bayonet type connectors are provided for connecting the base to the bowl and the top, if used, to the bowl at the pump housing. A through passage between the pump housing, the bowl and the base is formed for training a pump power cord therethrough, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: BECKETT CORPORATION
    Inventor: John M. Walker
  • Patent number: 6698799
    Abstract: A spud assembly for use with a fuel tank having a body defining an interior chamber and having an outer periphery. The spud assembly includes a base attached to the outer periphery of the fuel tank and the base has a throughbore open to both the interior chamber of the tank as well as exteriorly of the tank. An elongated spud having an axial throughbore is movable relative to the base between a connected and an unconnected position. In its connected position, the spud is positioned through the base throughbore so that the spud fluidly connects the interior of the fuel tank to the spud. Additionally, when the spud is moved to its fully connected position, a locking finger on the base engages a lock abutment surface on the spud to secure the spud and base together. In an alternate embodiment, a locking ring is coaxially disposed over the spud and base when the spud is in its connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Anderson, Daniel Paul Cunkle, David John Gabbey, Larry Marin Vandervoort
  • Patent number: 6669120
    Abstract: A universal head for fixing a nozzle to a fluid distribution duct comprises a cap-like sleeve adapted to be associated with the outlet of the duct, a nozzle insertion slot formed at the top of the sleeve, and wings for locking the nozzle that can expand radially and are formed proximate to the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Arag - S.R.L. Con Socio Unico
    Inventor: Marco Vernia
  • Patent number: 6659511
    Abstract: A flexible pipe joint apparatus for use in a fluid (e.g., water) transport pipe system for maximally absorbing an external force such as a compression or tensile force applied to a pipe of the fluid transport system due to an earthquake, differential settlement, thermal expansion or contraction of the pipe per se, thus preventing resultant damage at a weak portion of the pipe. The apparatus includes a receiving tubular member and an inserting tubular member insertable into and connectable with the receiving tubular member along a tube axial direction. A stopper portion is formed in an outer peripheral face of the inserting tubular member, the stopper portion projecting radially outward from the outer peripheral face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Waterworks Technology Development Organization Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Yoneyama, Akihito Totsugi
  • Patent number: 6655612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solenoid actuated fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a housing having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending along a longitudinal axis. The fuel injector additionally includes a valve body having an inlet portion and an armature guide eyelet that is disposed in the inlet portion of the valve body within the fuel passageway. A closure assembly includes an upper bearing guide fixedly connected to a stem portion. The upper bearing guide includes a bearing portion and a contacting portion. The armature guide eyelet includes a first portion circumscribing the upper bearing guide portion, and a second portion engaging the upper bearing guide contacting portion. Methods of mechanically insuring a repeatable stroke of a closure assembly and operating a closure assembly within a solenoid actuated fuel injector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jack David Oliver
  • Patent number: 6651851
    Abstract: An automatic fluid soap dispensing apparatus and method comprising a dispensing spout, housing operatively connected to the dispensing spout and the housing adapted to removably receive and hold a fluid soap containing reservoir module in communication with the dispensing spout. The reservoir module has a central axis, and includes a pump mechanism and delivery tube mounted on the reservoir module in alignment with the central axis. The dispensing tube is adapted to move in the dispensing spout when the pump mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Technical Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Muderlak, Rocky Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6641175
    Abstract: A ramp-lock quick-connect fitting is adapted to be placed between conventional type fittings on pipes and tubes, such as quartz pipes and synthetic resin tubes used in chemical processing systems for semiconductor device fabrication. The quick-connect fitting includes a first coupling member having a pipe receiving section adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a pipe, and a ramp support section with a pair of spiral ramps formed therearound. The quick-connect fitting also includes a second coupling member that sealingly engages the first coupling member. An extension portion of the second coupling member is adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a tube. A locking collar is movably engaged with the second coupling member and has a pair of lock members disposed on an interior surface of the collar that slidably engage with the spiral ramps when the collar is rotated around the ramp support section of the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle K. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20030184091
    Abstract: The system permits two tubular parts (1, 2) to be assembled, the assembly being able to be locked or released, without a cumbersome device being required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Joel Ricard
  • Patent number: 6612624
    Abstract: A medical connector adapted for placement between a catheter and a medical infusion or injection source includes a pair of interlocking half medical connector portions, one side of which attaches to the infusion source and the other side of which is coupled to the catheter connected to the patient and a locking mechanism for locking a medical connector portion to a medical fitting. The connection to the catheter and the infusion source can be via standard medical luer taper fittings, with or without specially designed locking mechanisms that prevent inadvertent disconnection. The medical connector itself is uniquely shaped and includes a raised surface feature and a recessed surface feature formed on the medical connector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: QD Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Segal, Stephen B. Corn
  • Publication number: 20030107218
    Abstract: A spud assembly for use with a fuel tank having a body defining an interior chamber and having an outer periphery. The spud assembly includes a base attached to the outer periphery of the fuel tank and the base has a throughbore open to both the interior chamber of the tank as well as exteriorly of the tank. An elongated spud having an axial throughbore is movable relative to the base between a connected and an unconnected position. In its connected position, the spud is positioned through the base throughbore so that the spud fluidly connects the interior of the fuel tank to the spud. Additionally, when the spud is moved to its fully connected position, a locking finger on the base engages a lock abutment surface on the spud to secure the spud and base together. In an alternate embodiment, a locking ring is coaxially disposed over the spud and base when the spud is in its connected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Pilot Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Anderson, Daniel Paul Cunkle, David John Gabbey, Larry Martin Vandervoort