Particular Tool-engaging Means Or With Tool Patents (Class 285/39)
  • Patent number: 6957833
    Abstract: A tube coupling includes a coupling body having a throughway open at one end to receive an end portion of a tube. A seal encircles the throughway to seal with the outer face and end of the tube. A cap mounted on the body has a tube locking device to engage and hold the tube in the coupling body. The cap and body have interengaging structure which guide the cap on the body for rotation and simultaneous axial movement between a first position on the coupling body and a second position further along the body. As such, when the cap is in the first position the tube can be inserted through the cap into the seal in the throughway and held therein by the locking device and on rotating the cap into the second position, the tube held by the locking device is forced against the seal in the throughway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 6938636
    Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 6929289
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for a tube coupler for receiving and securely holding a tube. The tube may be inserted into an opening in an end cap, which engages a coupling body for axial movement between forward and retracted positions on the coupling body. By moving the end cap from the retracted position to the forward position, an end of the tube is drawn into the coupling body to engage and seal against an in-turned annular flange of a seal. Further, as the tube is drawn into the coupling body the seal is compressed around an outer surface of the tube to further seal the tube within the tube coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: John Guest International Ltd.
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 6908119
    Abstract: A detachable hose coupling includes an improved female coupler piece. The female piece is generally cylindrical female sleeve piece having a pair of coaxially aligned bored open surfaces which are in opposing generally equidistant positions and displaced from a vertical plane passing through a central longitudinal axis of the female sleeve piece. A grooved surface extends partially into an outer surface of the female sleeve and extends between the bored open surfaces. A male piece is provided and a staple is provided for use in connecting the male piece to the female piece, wherein the staple fits through the bored open surfaces and seats in the grooved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Lewis-Goetz and Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Murken
  • Patent number: 6908116
    Abstract: A fixation clamp device includes a bracket having two flaps extended from a base plate which has a channel, and a block slidably coupled along the channel of the base plate with a fastener. The block includes a mouth and a port communicating with a bore, a fitting is engaged onto one of the flaps and coupled to the port of the block. A forcing device may force the block against the fitting. A gasket may be engaged between the port of the block and the fitting, and may include one end engaged into the port of the block. One or more further fittings may be selectively engaged onto the bracket, and coupled to the port of the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventors: Henry C. Chu, Ralph R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6880864
    Abstract: A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6860070
    Abstract: A utility pipe encasement collar for preventing water from weather related sources such as rain and snow from traveling rearwardly along the exterior surface of the utility pipe and into a building structure from which the pipe projects. In a first embodiment the collar includes a weather proof elastomeric sheet material having an opening therethrough sized to inherently huggingly accommodate a utility pipe passed through the opening, and a generally rigid support member extending laterally from the elastomeric sheet material. In a second embodiment the collar includes a first generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an upright generally U-shape opening therethrough and a second generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an inverted generally U-shape opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Patent number: 6851726
    Abstract: A radial conduit coupling is provided. The conduit coupling may include a tubular first connector having an exterior diameter, an interior diameter and first and second ends. The first end may be adapted to receive a first conduit. The second end may include at least one locking lug configured to cooperate with at least one shaped cavity associated with a component of a conduit system. The locking lug may extend from at least one tab lock disposed at the second end of the first connector. In one embodiment, a protrusion may extend from the interior diameter and generally separate the first end from the second end. The protrusion may include an interior diameter which generally corresponds to the interior diameter of the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: John T. Minemyer
  • Patent number: 6843507
    Abstract: A tube joint includes a body into which a fluid tube is inserted, a chuck which is arranged in the body and which engages with an outer circumferential surface of the fluid tube to retain the fluid tube, fastening pawls which are disposed on an inner circumference of the chuck facing the fluid tube and which protrude while being inclined by predetermined angles, curved sections which are depressed by predetermined lengths in a direction in which the fluid tube is pulled, recesses which are formed in the curved sections, and a release bush which releases the fluid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6834891
    Abstract: A pipe connecting device includes a female connecting member and a male connecting member. The female and the male connecting member can be restrained from turning relative to each other without using additional locking cover or the like and without being subject to various restrictions placed by actual piping conditions. A retainer (46) is provided with retaining parts (56a, 56b) that engage with an annular ridge (54) formed on the male connecting member (44) to restrain the male connecting member (44) from axial movement relative to the female connecting member (42), A noncircular part of the male connecting member (44) and the retaining parts (56a and 56b) of the retainer (46) constitute a locking structure for restraining the male and the female connecting member (44, 42) from turning relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsubara, Mitsuo Kaishio
  • Publication number: 20040255608
    Abstract: A refrigerant connection includes a ferrule positioned within a threaded nut. The threaded nut is received on a connector body. A seal is positioned between the ferrule and the connector body. As the nut is turned on the connector body, the ferrule squeezes the seal. The seal is cylindrical such that sealing surfaces are provided at each axial end and at an outer periphery. In this way, the seal is not as sensitive to surface imperfections in the various components as was the case in the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Velez Hector, David Neranjan
  • Publication number: 20040245766
    Abstract: The invention concerns a quick coupling device comprising a tubular insert (4) provided with external anchoring means (5), a prong washer (12) which delimits a passage and housed in the tubular insert, and at least a gasket (10), the device comprising a tubular bushing (9) connected by linking means (8, 12) to the tubular insert (4) to extend into the passage opening of the washer coaxially thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Christophe Vallee
  • Publication number: 20040169372
    Abstract: A fluid coupling includes various features. One feature is a disconnect tool that may expand a lock ring from engagement with a lock shoulder to permit the male half and female half to be separated. Another feature is to utilize geometry and structure whereby a leak would occur to indicate the condition of wear within the coupling while the coupling halves remain mechanically coupled. A further feature is to provide connection verification structure to assure that a complete connection of the male and female halves has been made. A still further feature is to provide an anti-rotational sleeve which would selectively prevent and permit relative rotation between the male half and the female half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Edward LeMay, Blaine Glodowski, Troy Eugene Hackett
  • Patent number: 6775890
    Abstract: An apparatus for urging two members apart or together that includes a first clamp adapted to be received by a first piece, a second clamp adapted to be received by a second piece and a plurality of power screws coacting with the first clamp and the second clamp, whereby moving the power screws in a first direction causes the first clamp to move relative to the second clamp and the first piece to move relative to the second piece. The present invention is suited for separating muffler pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Kolarik
  • Patent number: 6766861
    Abstract: A subsea production system and method includes a wellhead field having multiple wellheads and utilizes a stackable guide funnel system for sequential tying back of those wellheads. A storage frame retains several guide funnels that are nestably stacked one upon the other. The frame is made up of a plurality of guide members that are secured to the exposed tubular conductor of a wellhead. A pair of annular rings surrounds portions of each of the guide members. A riser having a riser connector is lowered to the central location. The riser connector latches onto the uppermost guide funnel within the frame. The riser, together with the affixed funnel, is then lifted upwardly, removing the affixed funnel from the frame. The riser is then moved laterally through the sea until the funnel and riser are proximate a second wellhead within the wellhead field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Koen, Gilbert P. Mican, Arjin Nolan, Joseph W. Pallini, Jr., Kim H. Phan, Andrew H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6761574
    Abstract: A coiled tubing connector includes a male and female housing. A rotating ring having threads is disposed on the male housing. When the male housing is joined to the female housing, the threads of the rotating ring threadingly engage threads disposed on the internal circumference of the female housing. The male housing also includes splines which align with grooves on the female housing. Situated on both the male and female housing are electrical contacts which themselves engage when the housings are joined. The electrical contacts are connected to wires embedded in the composite tubing so that electrical power or data signals from one length of composite tubing can pass through the connector to another length of coiled tubing. The ends of the composite tubing are affixed to both the male and female housings through a compression fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Haoshi Song, James W. Estep, James B. Terry, Thomas Platt Wilson
  • Patent number: 6749231
    Abstract: A fluid coupling includes various features. One feature is a disconnect tool that may expand a lock ring from engagement with a lock shoulder to permit the male half and female half to be separated. Another feature is to utilize geometry and structure whereby a leak would occur to indicate the condition of wear within the coupling while the coupling halves remain mechanically coupled. A further feature is to provide connection verification structure to assure that a complete connection of the male and female halves has been made. A still further feature is to provide an anti-rotational sleeve which would selectively prevent and permit relative rotation between the male half and the female half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Edward LeMay, Blaine Glodowski, Troy Eugene Hackett
  • Publication number: 20040108712
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a body and a tube constrictor. The body has a center through hole for liquid to flow through, and a constrictor groove formed in the center through hole and an O-shaped ring fitted in the constrictor groove. The constrictor groove has an innermost wall, an intermediate straight wall and an outer-sloped wall orderly arranged. The tube constrictor is made integral, having a plurality of elastic petals spaced apart with gaps and each petal has a clamp member formed on an inner wall of its inner end for tightly pushing against the outer surface of a tube inserted in the center hole of the tube constrictor and a pointed tip formed at a lower end of each petal. Then the tube constrictor may loosen the tube to be pulled out and inserted in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Tsai Tzu Liang
  • Patent number: 6739628
    Abstract: A frangible hose connector that has a knit line at the intended point of fracture, as opposed to a circumferential groove or notch. The knit line provides a break zone which has a lower tensile strength than that of the parent material, thereby providing that the connector is relatively easy to fracture. The connector also includes finger grips which makes breaking the connector easier. The finger grips provide that the connector is configured to be fractured via a twisting or torsion force, as opposed to a bending force. As such, the connector tends to break in a manner wherein fluid does not fling or spray. The connector is formed of plastic, and the knit line is created during the plastic injection molded process, wherein two mold fronts are “squared-up” and meet in the mold cavity to form the knit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Atrion Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Rowland W. Kanner, Michael Parcus, Larry Lee Young
  • Publication number: 20040094950
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe coupling, which enables pipes to be assembled with the pipe coupling by an one-touch operation while maintaining the liquid-tightness at jointing portions. In the pipe coupling, a connection tube has holding shoulders formed at opposite predetermined inner portions of the connection tube and maximum diameter portions formed at both side portions of the connection tube outside of the holding shoulders. The connection tube has an inner diameter decreasing in a direction toward both mouths of the connection tube from the maximum diameter portions. Snap rings is inserted inside of the mouths of the connection tube in a compressed state. Each of packing members is tightly disposed in each of the maximum diameter portions. Jaw couplings are inserted in the mouths of the connection tube and each of the jaw couplings is assembled with a plurality of fixing jaws and having engaging protuberances. The fixing jaws are arranged in a circumferential direction of each of the jaw couplings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Eounjin Ko
  • Publication number: 20040070198
    Abstract: A union for which may be secured by press fitting in a housing recess (6). It possesses an insert (12) which comprises holding means (17) having at least one sleeve-like insert body (15) and holding means (17) serving for holding a fluid line to be connected. For fixing the the insert (12) a separate attachment ring (28) is provided, which may be press fitted in the housing recess (6) and which in the press fitted state is in front of at least one support face (32) on the insert (12), said support face facing in a direction opposite to the direction (13) of insertion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Rohrig
  • Publication number: 20040070197
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is disclosed that includes a first member and a second member having a receiving portion sized to receive the first member. A retaining formation is provided on one of the first and second members. The retaining formation includes a ramp and two or more grooves, wherein each groove is at least partially defined by converging surfaces. A locking member is moveably secured in a cavity in the other of the first and second members. The locking member is condfigured to be moved in a first radial direction by the ramp upon movement of the first member into the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: David S. Densel, Matthew M. Persohn
  • Publication number: 20040041394
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female member having a receiving end with an axially extending passageway and inwardly facing groove extending outwardly from said passageway in a position spaced from the receiving end. A split metal locking ring is positioned in the groove. A male member is sized to be received in said receiving end and includes a rib having a ramp where the ramp in a first embodiment curves outwardly to an apex and in a first alternate embodiment curves outwardly to a flat and in a second alternate embodiment increases in height in a linear fashion until a relatively short distance from the flat where it curves outwardly to meet the flat, the rib also has a shoulder tapering away from the forward end and inwardly toward the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Eaton Aeroquip Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Dahms, Loren H. Uthoff
  • Patent number: 6688655
    Abstract: A quick connection-release coupling according to the present invention comprises a female coupling part having a cylindrical adapter and a male coupling part having a cylindrical nipple, a resiliently expandable and retractable C-shaped spring ring being arranged along an inner circumferential surface of the adapter, the nipple having an engaging portion protruded on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and the engaging portion being capable of being engaged with or disengaged from said C-shaped spring ring. A cylindrical releasing jig being movable forward and backward against the engaging portion is threadably arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the nipple. When pulling the nipple out of the adapter, the releasing jig is moved forward and pushes the C-shaped spring ring using an advancing force of the thread, thereby radially expanding the C-shaped spring ring to cause the engaged state between the engaging portion and C-shaped spring ring to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Yokohama Hydex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6685230
    Abstract: A device for connecting tubes which comprises a housing 6 having an enclosed area 15 in which the crown of a spring washer 4 is enclosed such that the washer may rotate without translation A tube 20 can fit into the housing to be gripped by elastic teeth 11 which are distributed around the crown of the washer. The tube 20 may thereafter be released from the washer when a release lever 3 is pressed against the teeth 11 to bend them back away from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: OLAB S.r.l.
    Inventor: Olindo Bottura
  • Patent number: 6676168
    Abstract: A hollow fitting assembly is secured with a pressure-tight seal in a hole which is disposed in a curved wall of a vessel. A body barrel portion of a hollow body element is inserted through the hole from a concave side of the vessel wall. A force-distributing washer is inserted over the free end of the body barrel portion such that a concave face of the washer faces the hole, and a flat face of the washer faces away from the hole. A pusher flange is screwed onto the free end of the body barrel portion. Jack bolts are screwed into internally threaded apertures of the pusher flange and are brought into abutting relationship with the flat face of the washer so that upon tightening of the jack bolts, a flange portion of the hollow fitting compresses a seal ring against the concave side of the vessel wall to form a pressure-tight seal around the hole. An externally threaded hollow connection member is attached to a threaded interior of the body barrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: J. Eugene McAliley
  • Patent number: 6676171
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for providing a fluid connection comprising a female connector, a tube, a retainer and a cap. The female connector defines a bore. The bore extends axially inwardly into the connector from an entrance. An annular face is defined in the bore axially inwardly of the entrance. The tube is received within the bore. The tube has an enlarged upset. The retainer is disposed in the bore. The retainer has a member directly contacting the upset and extends to the annular face to retain the tube in the bore. The cap is slidably mounted on the tube and is attached to the female connector. The cap has a protrusion directly contacting the upset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bucher, Bruce McLauchlan
  • Publication number: 20030230893
    Abstract: A connector providing methods and apparatus for connecting two lengths of composite coiled tubing whereby the connector can be spooled with the tubing onto a reel. Embodiments of the connector include female and male housings which join together to create the coiled tubing connection providing mechanical and electrical or fiber optic connectivity between the two lengths of tubing. A connecting member on the male housing connectably engages the female housing. Splines on the male housing also align with corresponding flutes on the female housing. The female and male housings each attach to end portions of coiled tubing through a clamped connection and with the housings and connecting member being substantially flush with the outside diameter of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Haoshi Song, James W. Estep
  • Publication number: 20030155763
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting hydraulic ducts has a first coupling element (1), in the form of a female coupling, with a receptacle (3) and a first locking face (10), and a second coupling element (2), in the form of a male coupling, The second coupling element (2) has an annular groove (9) that forms a second locking face (27) insertable into the receptacle (3). Several locking elements (10) are arranged in the annular groove (9). The locking elements (10) are held in the annular groove (9) and can be pivoted between a locking position and a releasing position. In the coupled condition of the coupling elements (1, 2), the first locking face (24) is axially supported on the second locking face (25). An unlocking sleeve (28) is displaceable between a locking position and a releasing position on the second coupling element (2). By moving the unlocking sleeve (28) from the locking position into the releasing position, the locking elements (10) are displaced from the locking position into the releasing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Diethard Wolf, Jorg Altenrath, Recep Macit
  • Patent number: 6604760
    Abstract: A coupling assembly that includes: a) a female coupling member including a cavity opening onto its receiving end, where the cavity has an annular groove; b) a male coupling member including an annular rib, the rib having a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge and a maximum diameter between the leading and trailing edges; c) a diametrically expandable locking ring carried in the annular groove of the female coupling member; and d) an annular collar slidably carried on the male coupling member axially between the trailing edge of the annular rib and the trailing end of the male coupling member, where the annular collar includes an outer circumferential surface having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the annular rib and where the annular collar is slidable on the male coupling member from an unlocked position, in which the collar is positioned axially against the annular rib providing a relatively smooth circumferential surface from the trailing edge of the annula
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Cresswell, Judah Davis
  • Patent number: 6598907
    Abstract: A fast-action coupler for coupling a first tubular component (1) to a second tubular component (2) includes a spring wire (8) as a retaining unit. The spring wire (8) is secured to the second component (2) and with its end part (12) is resiliently fixed in a locking position for a retaining part (6) on the first component (1). The end part (12) can also be unlocked simply and even from relatively great distances, counter to the spring force of the spring wire (8), by rotation of a tool (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AG
    Inventor: Eduard Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6592151
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Aeroquip, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Densel, Stephen D. Hargett, Philip C. VanRiper, Todd J. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20030122372
    Abstract: A tube joint includes a body into which a fluid tube is inserted, a chuck which is arranged in the body and which engages with an outer circumferential surface of the fluid tube to retain the fluid tube, fastening pawls which are disposed on an inner circumference of the chuck facing the fluid tube and which protrude while being inclined by predetermined angles, curved sections which are depressed by predetermined lengths in a direction in which the fluid tube is pulled, recesses which are formed in the curved sections, and a release bush which releases the fluid tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Publication number: 20030116960
    Abstract: A connector for releasably retaining tubing includes a coupler bore with a O-ring member, a co-axial guide member, a stationary grip-ring member having a radially deployable toothed distal end for grippingly engaging the terminal portion of tubing, and a sleeve limiter disposed around the ring member for restricting ring member axial movement. A release member laterally deploys the toothed distal end and additionally operates in concert with inserted tubing to cause radial deployment of the distal end to cause surrounding receipt of the tubing. The release member then moves to a non-release position upon minimal reverse-direction tubing travel for automatic tubing retention by the toothed distal end of the stationary grip ring member. Hand movement of the release member radially deploys the toothed distal end which results in release thereof of the retained tubing and its withdrawability from the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Ronnie A. Yates
  • Patent number: 6578879
    Abstract: A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6568716
    Abstract: The coupling includes a tubular sleeve having a circumferential wall and an open end for receiving the corrugated pipe, the tubular sleeve having a sleeve section which is pivotable radially outward from the sleeve by means of an integral hinge connecting the sleeve section to the circumferential wall. A first locking tongue is arranged in a first aperture in the circumferential wall, the first aperture being located in the sleeve section. The first locking tongue is resiliently connected to the sleeve section and has a first blocking projection which is engageable with a circumferential groove in the pipe, the first locking tongue being movable radially outward with resilience to release the blocking projection from the groove. A second locking tongue is arranged in a second aperture in the circumferential wall, the second aperture being located opposite from the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Flexa GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Fieber
  • Publication number: 20030094813
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for providing a fluid connection comprising a female connector, a tube, a retainer and a cap. The female connector defines a bore. The bore extends axially inwardly into the connector from an entrance. An annular face is defined in the bore axially inwardly of the entrance. The tube is received within the bore. The tube has an enlarged upset. The retainer is disposed in the bore. The retainer has a member directly contacting the upset and extends to the annular face to retain the tube in the bore. The cap is slidably mounted on the tube and is attached to the female connector. The cap has a protrusion directly contacting the upset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Bucher, Bruce McLauchlan
  • Patent number: 6554320
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling assembly includes: (a) a female coupling member including a cavity opening onto its receiving end, where the cavity has an annular groove; (b) a male coupling member including an annular rib, where the rib has a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge and a maximum diameter between the leading and trailing edges; (c) a diametrically expandable locking ring carried in the annular groove of the female coupling member, where the locking ring has an unexpanded inner diameter that is less than the maximum diameter of the annular rib on the male coupling member, and where the locking ring is diametrically expandable to have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the annular rib on the male coupling member; (d) a dial carried for rotation in the male coupling member; and (e) a mechanical actuator carried on the male coupling member operatively coupled to the dial such that the mechanical actuator extends radially outwardly with respect to the male cou
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Cresswell
  • Publication number: 20030067165
    Abstract: A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6543186
    Abstract: A utility pipe encasement collar for preventing water from weather related sources such as rain and snow from traveling rearwardly along the exterior surface of the utility pipe and into a building structure from which the pipe projects. In a first embodiment the collar includes a weather proof elastomeric sheet material having an opening therethrough sized to inherently huggingly accommodate a utility pipe passed through the opening, and a generally rigid support member extending laterally from the elastomeric sheet material. In a second embodiment the collar includes a first generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an upright generally U-shape opening therethrough and a second generally rigid weather proof sheet member having an inverted generally U-shape opening therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Gilleran
  • Publication number: 20030057699
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided comprising a first member and a second member. The first member includes an exterior surface having one or more engagement features. The second member includes a portion for receiving a portion of the first member having one or more locking features configured to mate with the engagement features of the first member to prevent rotation of the first member relative to the second member while connected thereto. When the first member is securely retained within the second member, the first and second members comprise a coupling assembly suitable for both low-pressure and high-pressure coupling applications. Further, depending upon the circumstances and intended environment, the second member may be configured with features for quick-connect and/or disconnect from a corresponding first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew M. Persohn, James Lashaway
  • Patent number: 6530604
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement connects two elements with each other. The coupling arrangement includes a plug element and a bushing element which are configured in such a manner that they can be plugged together and locked in position by means of an expandable retaining ring. An axially movable release arrangement cooperates with the retaining ring in order to release the locking mechanism. The coupling arrangement is characterized in that the release arrangement (41) comprises a release sleeve (43), which can be closed with a cover (51) on its side facing away from the bushing element (5), and that a blocking device (55) is used to prevent an inadvertent release of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Luft, Robert Stumpf, Johannes Schmid
  • Patent number: 6516496
    Abstract: A device for facilitating manual gripping of pipes and connectors includes first and second elements hingedly interconnected and biased open by a spring element. Each element includes a channel with projections deployed to define gripping features for gripping a roughly cylindrical object of given outer diameter. The first and second elements provide grasp surfaces which, in the closed position, lie within a cylindrical volume of diameter four times the given outer diameter and generally circumscribe the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Easy-Con Ltd.
    Inventor: Amir Ekron
  • Patent number: 6517121
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling assembly includes (a) a female coupling member; (b) a male coupling member including an annular rib; (c) an expandable locking ring carried by the female coupling member, where the locking ring has an unexpanded inner diameter that is less than the maxinium diameter of the annular rib, and has an inner diameter slightly larger than the maxinum diameter of the annular rib when expanded; (d) a rotatable dial carried on the male coupling member; and (e) a mechanical actuator including an axial lever coupled to the dial such that the axial lever extends radially outwardly upon rotation of the dial in a first direction to uncouple the male coupling member from the female coupling member, and retracts inwardly with respect to the male coupling member upon rotation of the dial in an opposite direction to couple the male coupling member to the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Cresswell
  • Publication number: 20030015870
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for joining similar pieces of plastic pipe includes using the shape memory of the pipe pieces to slightly deform a “female” end to permit insertion therein of a non-deformed male end. The deformation is sufficient to permit the insertion but not so large as to preclude the substantially complete “recovery” of the female end's shape and size, using the “shape memory” of the pipe material. Embodiments include, without limitation, single-walled (or mono-walled) pipe, pipe formed from multiple material layers, corrugated pipe, flat-walled pipe, and others. Preferred tools and apparatus are disclosed for stretching the female end and maintaining the desired stretch during transportation and storage, for sealing the joint (via adhesive/sealant, flange gasket, O-ring, or the like), and for further protecting the resulting joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Dan W.C. Delmer
  • Publication number: 20030006609
    Abstract: A connector for releasably retaining tubing includes a coupler bore with a O-ring member, a co-axial guide member, a stationary grip-ring member having a radially deployable toothed distal end for grippingly engaging the terminal portion of tubing, and a sleeve limiter disposed around the ring member for restricting ring member axial movement. A release member laterally deploys the toothed distal end and additionally operates in concert with inserted tubing to cause radial deployment of the distal end to cause surrounding receipt of the tubing. The release member then moves to a non-release position upon minimal reverse-direction tubing travel for automatic tubing retention by the toothed distal end of the stationary grip ring member. Hand movement of the release member radially deploys the toothed distal end which results in release thereof of the retained tubing and its withdrawability from the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ronnie A. Yates
  • Patent number: 6503461
    Abstract: An injector of a type routinely used in an FCC unit for dispersing a feed into a fluidized stream of catalyst particles is given additional versatility and maintainability through the use of internal connections of a low profile type. The injector apparatus has at least one connection that is positioned inside a retaining sleeve and connects the discharge tip of the injector to the piping that extends outside the sleeve and delivers the feed to the injector. The connection can join materials that are not amenable to welding in a space that is too confined for a flange connection. The connection combines the ductile properties of the carbon steel or stainless steel for the feed piping with an abrasion resistant but brittle material that will extend the life of the nozzle tip. Such relatively brittle materials include ceramics. The injector will also routinely incorporate an internal sleeve for separating two different fluids that enter the injector independently and undergo mixing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Burgard, Gary A. Schulz, Todd P. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20030001386
    Abstract: A coupling assembly that includes: a) a female coupling member including a cavity opening onto its receiving end, where the cavity has an annular groove; b) a male coupling member including annular rib, the rib having a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge and a maximum diameter between the leading and trailing edges; c) a diametrically expandable locking ring carried in the annular groove of the female coupling member; and d) an annular collar slidably carried on the male coupling member axially between the trailing edge of the annular rib and the trailing end of the male coupling member, where the annular collar includes an outer circumferential surface having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the annular rib and where the annular collar is slidable on the male coupling member from an unlocked position, in which the collar is positioned axially against the annular rib providing a relatively smooth circumferential surface from the trailing edge of the annular r
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: William L. Cresswell, Judah Davis
  • Publication number: 20030001383
    Abstract: A connection device for a fluid line having a connection unit (12) with a sleeve-like insert body (16) placed by plugging in a socket (3) in the metallic holding body (8). On the outer periphery of the insert body (16) anchoring means (18) are provided, which serve for anchoring in the socket (3) and are formed by one or more projections. A retaining ring (24) consisting of synthetic resin material is fixed in an annular groove (25) provided on the inner periphery of the socket (3) so that the retaining ring may bear in either in relation to the holding body (8). The insert body (16) is inserted coaxially into the retaining ring (24) and has its anchoring means (18) biting into the synthetic resin material of the retaining ring (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Wolfgang Halama
  • Patent number: 6499772
    Abstract: A radial conduit coupling is provided. The conduit coupling may include a tubular first connector having an exterior diameter, an interior diameter and first and second ends. The first end may be adapted to receive a first conduit. The second end may include at least one locking lug configured to cooperate with at least one shaped cavity associated with a component of a conduit system. The locking lug may extend from at least one tab lock disposed at the second end of the first connector. In one embodiment, a protrusion may extend from the interior diameter and generally separate the first end from the second end. The protrusion may include an interior diameter which generally corresponds to the interior diameter of the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Minemyer