With Magnetic Element Patents (Class 285/9.1)
  • Patent number: 11925760
    Abstract: Nasal respiratory assembly comprises a pair of sheets. Each sheet defines an opening sized and shaped to fit over the nostril of a patient, with a ferromagnetic ring positioned at an underside of the sheet, with an upper side of the sheet configured for sealable engagement with the nostril. A pair of posts is provided, each post including a magnetic ring positioned at a first end and a receptacle positioned at a second end, the magnetic ring removably attachable to the ferromagnetic ring. A connector is also provided, the connector including a pair of channel openings at a post end, each channel opening sized and shaped to cooperate with one of the post receptacles to form a substantially airtight connection therewith, and an inlet at a vent end that is fluid communication with a flexible tubing connected to a fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: SNAP CPAP, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Heatherington
  • Patent number: 11896764
    Abstract: A patient interface face contact element includes a surface for contacting the face of a patient and a connection face for coupling the patient interface face contact element to a support using a magnetic coupling. The support is also provided as well as the complete patient interface. Headgear strap clips can also be retained magnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Haibach, Jr., Sander Theodoor Pastoor, Christoph Dobrusskin, Andrew Blake Kittridge, Jerome Matula, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11466804
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust evacuation system includes an adapter secured to an end of a vehicle tailpipe and a nozzle assembly secured to the end of a flexible hose for carrying vehicle exhaust outside of a building. The nozzle assembly has an aluminum cartridge removably secured in a rubber boot. Magnet assemblies are secured to the aluminum cartridge. Openings in the adapter allow ambient air to flow over the magnet assemblies to lengthen the life of the magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Rossman Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Miller
  • Patent number: 11375834
    Abstract: A coupling including a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The first elongate member includes a first tube and a first magnet. The first tube has a first end and a second end. The first magnet secures to the first end of the first tube. The second elongate member includes a second tube and a second magnet. The second tube has a first end and a second end. The second magnet secures to the first end of the second tube. The first and second magnets are cooperatively configured to attract one another and secure the first end of the first tube to the first end of the second tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Ryan Barrett
  • Patent number: 11339904
    Abstract: A magnetic hose coupling system for a helmet includes first and second coupling conduit segments magnetically coupled to each other. The first segment includes a hinged clamp at a first end to attach to a forced air intake barb on a motorsport helmet and an angled polygonal mating surface at a second end with magnetic attractors in the polygonal mating surface. The second segment includes an internally threaded first end to attach to a forced air hose and an angled polygonal mating surface at a second end with magnetic attractors in the polygonal mating surface. The polygonal mating surfaces of the first and second segments magnetically couple together and resist rotational and sheer movement of the first and second segments with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Arvand Ghodrati, William A. Hilgenberg, Allen A. Bischofberger
  • Patent number: 11273279
    Abstract: A conduit (14A) for conducting a flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device (4) to a cushion (10) of a patient interface device (8) includes a housing (22) that defines a passage (24) therethrough. The conduit further includes a first magnetic element (30A) disposed on a first side of the passage and a second magnetic element (32A) disposed on a second side of the passage opposite the first side. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned such that the magnetic fields produced by each magnetic element interact in a manner such that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are repelled away from each other in a manner which resists collapse of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Jonathan Sayer Grashow
  • Patent number: 11065377
    Abstract: An apparatus for guiding cannulation with a dialysis needle of an arteriovenous dialysis access graft subcutaneously implanted in a body of a subject. The guiding apparatus comprises an elongated body member comprising a base portion terminating in longitudinal edges, a distance between the longitudinal edges of the base portion being substantially equal to a lateral dimension of the aces graft, and an elongated tubular sleeve defining an pocket having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension configured to receive the body member. The body member is adapted to be received in the pocket of the sleeve for securing adjacent the subcutaneous access graft such that the inner surface of the base portion is aligned with a cannulation point of the graft for guiding location of a needle insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: InnAVasc Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn M. Gage, Jeffrey H. Lawson, Joseph Knight, Craig Nichols
  • Patent number: 11040158
    Abstract: A gas delivery component of a CPAP system is configured to magnetically connect to a second gas delivery component of the CPAP system to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient's airways. The gas delivery component includes a lumen forming a first part of a gas flow path for the breathable gas. A connection end of the gas delivery component is configured to engage the second gas delivery component. In addition, a magnetic connection assembly is located at the connection end and includes a magnet positioned at least partially within the lumen. The magnetic connection assembly is configured to magnetically secure the gas delivery component to the second gas delivery component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Renee Frances Flower, Chun Yui Lau, Philip Rodney Kwok, Christopher John Baxter, Angelene Marie Ozolins, Paul Anthony Green
  • Patent number: 10969042
    Abstract: Pair of connecting plates contain on the backside pits fitted with magnets, while at the “connected” position the connecting plates are adjacent, they have identical axially oriented polarization. The pits have passage channels and are laid-out on imaginary circles, where the neighboring magnets have alternating polarization and by pairs and/or threes are covered with magnetic hasps fitted with hasp screws. Centering and disconnection are ensured with the help of centering holes, and possibly centering dimples, fitted with connecting/disconnecting devices. Additional passages placed between two circles with magnets can be added. Possible closing device is attached by spacing posts, spacing screws and ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Petr Cuber
  • Patent number: 10953180
    Abstract: A therapy device that includes an air conduit that is configured both to secure the patient interface to the patient as well as provide pressurised air to the patient. The positioning and stabilising structure of the patient interface may include magnets that assist in positioning the positioning and stabilising structure and also assist in positioning the air conduit of the positioning and stabilising structure to interact with the mask assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Yi Mei Foong
  • Patent number: 10890277
    Abstract: A water delivery device includes a plurality of magnetic joints each including a plurality of magnetic members, and a plurality of conduit sections each rotatably coupled to each other by a magnetic joint of the plurality of magnetic joints. The plurality of conduit sections collectively define a spout of the water delivery device. The spout extends from a first portion configured to be coupled to a mounting surface to a second portion configured to discharge a fluid. The water delivery device is configured such that magnetic joints located closer to the first portion include a greater number of magnetic members than magnetic joints located closer to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Chanseol Chung, Linghua Chen
  • Patent number: 10765827
    Abstract: A patient interface device is for use in a pressure support system delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The patient interface device includes a sealing apparatus having a cushion structured to sealingly engage about the airway of the patient and defining a passage therethrough which is structured to receive the flow of breathing gas. A first magnetic material is coupled to the cushion, and a second magnetic material coupled to the cushion or another element of the sealing apparatus. The second magnetic material and the first magnetic material are configured such that there is a repulsive magnetic force therebetween. The coupling of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material provides an adjustable coupling that provides selective adjustment of the magnitude of the repulsive magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Robert William Baiko
  • Patent number: 10485410
    Abstract: An flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a tubular insertion section including a bending portion and a flexible tube portion, variable stiffness sections to cause a change in a level of a bending stiffness of the flexible tube portion, a variable stiffness control section that controls the change in the bending stiffness by the variable stiffness sections; and a time setting section that sets a time period. The variable stiffness control section causes the bending stiffness of the variable stiffness sections to change in such a manner that the relationship of levels between the bending stiffness of adjacent variable stiffness sections is switched at the set time period when the variable stiffness control section determines that the flexible tube portion is passing through a flexure of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Takahashi, Yuichi Ikeda, Shuji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10463016
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices and kits configured to displace noxious odors generated by pet waste or excrement from within pet waste receptacles, such as a litter box kept within the pet owner's living space or home to areas existing outside of such owner's living space via a preexisting window therein. More particularly, a flexible, elongated duct is coupled to an exhaust hole in any hooded litter box on one end, and on another end, coupled to an electrically powered fan and universal window vent panel. When the window vent panel is sealedly disposed in a window and the fan is powered on, noxious air within the receptacle is drawn through the exhaust opening in the enclosure, the duct, and an exhaust opening in the window vent panel to an outside of such window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Toni Kfoury
  • Patent number: 10266985
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for use with a laundry dryer includes a first section and a second section. Each section has a plurality of walls defining a cavity, the cavity comprising a portion of a channel for air flow. A first wall among the plurality of walls has a substantially flat exterior surface and a plurality of openings extending through the first wall from the exterior surface to the portion of the channel. The first section and the second section are configured to be disposed substantially adjacent to each other to form the channel. The first section comprises an air outlet cover at a first end, the air outlet cover configured to substantially cover an air outlet of the laundry dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Viktor Kopyrin, Seong Min Oak
  • Patent number: 10220197
    Abstract: A percutaneous connection device to be fixed in an osseous structure of a patient to connect an internal entity located inside the body of the patient to an entity external to said body, the device comprising a percutaneous socket having a first end comprising a percutaneous abutment and a second end opposite to the first end, an elongated extension member designed to be inserted within a hole created into the osseous structure, said extension member having a first end to be removably coupled to the second end of the socket and a second end opposite to the first end, an anchoring mechanism for anchoring the device to the osseous structure by osseointegration and a separate connection running through the device from the first end of the percutaneous socket to the second end of the extension member, and comprising at least a first connector arranged within the percutaneous abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: PLUGMED HEART
    Inventors: Pierre Sabin, Pierre-Yves Quelenn
  • Patent number: 10002824
    Abstract: Incorporating at least one magnetic alignment structure on a microelectronic device and incorporating at least one alignment coil within a microelectronic substrate, wherein the alignment coil may be powered to form a magnetic field to attract the magnetic alignment structure, thereby aligning the microelectronic device to the microelectronic substrate. After alignment, the microelectronic device may be electrically attached to the substrate. Embodiments may include additionally incorporating an alignment detection coil within the microelectronic substrate, wherein the alignment detection coil may be powered to form a magnetic field to detect variations in the magnetic field generated by the alignment coil in order verify the alignment of the microelectronic device to the microelectronic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ankur Agrawal, Srinivas S. Moola, Sujit Sharan, Vijay Govindarajan
  • Patent number: 9923290
    Abstract: Connector inserts and receptacles that are robust, easily manufactured, and provide an improved connector performance. One example may provide a connector receptacle having a power contact located in a ground surface. An insulating layer may be placed between the power contact and the ground surface. The ground surface may be curved or flat, or it may have other shapes. Another example may provide a robust connector insert. This connector insert may include a crimping piece that fits over a cable braiding and is crimped. The crimping piece may then be attached to an attraction plate. A cover or shell may be attached to provide further reinforcement. Another example may provide a connector system having a ground contact and a power contact, where the ground contact is a make-first-break-last contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Gao, Joshua Pong
  • Patent number: 9711443
    Abstract: Incorporating at least one magnetic alignment structure on a microelectronic device and incorporating at least one alignment coil within a microelectronic substrate, wherein the alignment coil may be powered to form a magnetic field to attract the magnetic alignment structure, thereby aligning the microelectronic device to the microelectronic substrate. After alignment, the microelectronic device may be electrically attached to the substrate. Embodiments may include additionally incorporating an alignment detection coil within the microelectronic substrate, wherein the alignment detection coil may be powered to form a magnetic field to detect variations in the magnetic field generated by the alignment coil in order verify the alignment of the microelectronic device to the microelectronic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ankur Agrawal, Srinivas S. Moola, Sujit Sharan, Vijay Govindarajan
  • Publication number: 20150090595
    Abstract: A fitting (200) for providing a fluid connection between a capillary (202) and a fluidic conduit (204) of a fluidic component (30), the fitting (200) comprising a male piece (240) and a female piece (250) for connection with the male piece (240), wherein the male piece (240) comprises a housing (252) with a capillary reception (212) configured for receiving the capillary (202), wherein a part of the capillary (202) being received in the capillary reception (212) is circumferentially covered by a sleeve (214), an elastic biasing mechanism (206) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252), being configured for biasing the capillary (202) against the female piece (250) and being supported by the sleeve (214), and a locking mechanism (208) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252) and being configured for locking the capillary (202) to the fitting (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: aGILENT TECHNOLOGIES , INC.
    Inventors: Claus Lueth, Darijo Zeko
  • Publication number: 20150014986
    Abstract: A magnetic connection structure, includes a ring-shape magnetic sleeve body, made of mixed magnetic iron powder and plastic by means of ejection-to-mode; and a plastic fastener, provided in an arc-shape opening on both sides of the ring-shape magnetic sleeve body, for fastening a faucet seat or an ejection head. In the magnetic connection structure, the magnetic sleeve body and the plastic fastener are formed by means of ejection-to-mode separately. The magnetic sleeve body is formed by ejection-to-mode using magnetic iron powder and plastic mixed at a certain ratio; while the magnetic fastener is formed by means of ejection-to-mode separately. Then, the magnetic sleeve body and the plastic fastener are fastened together, to achieve said magnetic connection structure, that is low in production cost and easy to install. In case the plastic fastener is damaged, it can be replaced readily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Xi-Min Chen, Ke-Sheng Peng, Li-Zhong Liao
  • Patent number: 8925970
    Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Publication number: 20140318650
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling including a pair of sleeves, one sleeve fitting within the other, each sleeve provided with a connector body, and a hose connector secured partially with one of the connector bodies. The first sleeve holds a metal annulus, while the second sleeve secures a ring separator, generally counterbored, to secure a series of round magnets, so that when the sleeves and their connector bodies are brought together, they are secured by the magnets into connection, but that when an excessive force is encountered, the breakaway will separate, and prevent further discharge of fuel from the nozzle or its fuel line hose. Connecting with one of the connector bodies is a swivel connector, which can furnish a degree of pivot to the swivel, and its connected nozzle, or the hose, during usage. The swivel connector includes male and female portions, which provide for a degree of pivot, while the male portion further includes a swivel nut, which adds further turnability to the entire unit, during installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Brian P. Wolff, Arthur C. Fink, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140232101
    Abstract: A magnetic connection system with at least three components for connecting host and target systems. A first magnetic connector is attached to the host system, a second magnetic connector is attached to the target system; a third magnetic connector or puck is positioned between the first connector and the second connector. The first, second, and third connectors fit together with their magnets aligned, and the magnetic attraction is stronger between the puck and the target system connector than the puck and the host system connector. The system can transfer fuel, data, or electricity. In one example, the system transfers fuel from a fuel supply vessel to a target vessel with minimal human effort to attach the fuel connector components. The puck can have a conduit for fuel, data, or electricity that is centrally aligned with a receiving conduit in the target system connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: The Government of the US, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gregory P. Scott, Carl Glen Henshaw
  • Publication number: 20140213962
    Abstract: A medical device comprising a socket unit for connecting a plug unit of a device for providing medical fluids, wherein the medical device is in particular an extra-corporal blood treatment device. The medical device provides an automated connection of the plug unit to the socket unit by means of a connecting mechanism for establishing a connection between the at least one connecting piece and the at least one connector. The connecting mechanism has a drive unit that has at least one movable drive body that carries out a translational and/or rotational movement. The connecting mechanism comprises a position detection mechanism for detecting the linear position and/or the angular position of the drive body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Stefan Konrad Marterstock
  • Patent number: 8746745
    Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Publication number: 20140077044
    Abstract: A connection mechanism between two components may use one or more metallic pins that are magnetically extended when the components are engaged, and a sloped groove that retracts and unlocks the pins when the components are rotated. The components are locked in place by the pins during engagement. Disengagement may be performed by rotating the two components with respect to each other. The connection mechanism may include one or more magnets mounted on either or both components. The magnets may be arranged to attract the components when the components are in the locking orientation and to repel the components when the components are rotated to an unlocked position. The connection mechanism may include electrical connections between the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: KEVIN W. WITTER, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, JONATHAN SHEA ROBINSON, ADAM D. CENTER, LARRY HOLMES
  • Patent number: 8573200
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly for use in coupling portions of a gas deliver system. The magnetic coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member to be coupled together. The attractive forces between the first plurality of magnetic elements on the first member and a second plurality of magnetic elements on the second member join these member. The poles of magnetic elements in the first and second plurality of magnetic elements is opposite that of an adjacent magnetic element. The first and second members are easily detached from one another simply by rotating the first member relative to the second member such that the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements in each plurality of magnetic elements become unaligned, causing an weakening of the attractive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Lance Ranard Busch, Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Publication number: 20130285365
    Abstract: Each of a flange and an end cap have at least two magnets or magnetic pieces arranged in complementary fashion to removably attached the end cap to the flange. The end cap removable seals an orifice of the flange by magnetic attraction between the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the end cap and the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the flange. The seal between the end cap and flange provides for pressure relief as the force of a pressure within the orifice exceeds the force of magnetic attraction between the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the end cap and the at least two magnets or magnetic pieces of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Mitchell G. Davis
  • Patent number: 8496272
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling two or more objects together has a coupling that has at least two magnets or metal pieces and is removably attached to a first object. A second object has at least two corresponding metal pieces or magnets, wherein the first object and the second object are held together by magnetically attractive forces when the first object and the second object are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hana Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell G. Davis
  • Patent number: 8387661
    Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Alfred Charles Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130042414
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling and decoupling an air supply hose to an inflatable device. The inflatable device may be adapted to support a patient, such as an air mattress or an inflatable patient transfer mat that rides on an air cushion. The method and apparatus utilize an air inlet that normally assumes a flat orientation. The air inlet includes resilient members that allow the air inlet to flex out of the flat orientation in response to a compressive force. The compressive force changes the air inlet's orientation into a generally round orientation that is sized to accept an air supply hose. A collar on the air supply hose is able to frictionally engage an edge in the air inlet in order to prevent undesired removal of the hose from the inlet. Magnets may be used to help return the inlet to the flat orientation when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Austin Schreiber, Kevin M. Patmore
  • Patent number: 8342577
    Abstract: A fitting for releasably coupling two structures and for maintaining fluid communication between the two structures has a first and second fitting member. The first fitting member includes a first ferromagnetic coupling element, and the second fitting member includes a second ferromagnetic coupling element. The first and second fitting members are constructed and arranged so as to be moved into engaged relation with one another and to be moved apart from on another so as to be separate from one another. Magnetic attraction between the first and second fitting members maintains the fitting members in engagement, and the fitting members are decoupled by applying force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Schoenoff, Mark McMasters
  • Patent number: 8287005
    Abstract: A lightweight and durable drill pipe string capable of short radius drilling formed using a composite pipe segment formed to include tapered wall thickness ends that are each defined by opposed frustoconical surfaces conformed for self-aligning receipt and intimate bonding contact within an annular space between corresponding surfaces of a coaxially nested set of metal end pieces and a set of nonconductive sleeves. The distal peripheries of the nested end pieces and sleeves are then welded to each other and the sandwiched and bonded portions are radially pinned. The composite segment may include imbedded conductive leads and the axial end portions of the end pieces are shaped to form a threaded joint with the next pipe assembly that includes contact rings in the opposed surfaces of the pipe joint for contact together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Composite Products & Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Leslie, James C. Leslie, II, James Heard, Liem V. Truong, Marvin Josephson
  • Publication number: 20120198826
    Abstract: A connector system is disclosed for connecting an exhaust extraction system to the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. The connector system comprises a first flange, which can be connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine. A second flange is connected to a conduit through which exhaust fumes are evacuated. The first and second flanges can have mating tapered surfaces, to facilitate alignment of the second flange relative to the first flange. The second flange preferably comprises magnets for providing a secure connection between the first flange and the second flange, while enabling quick release of the connection. The magnets are preferably arranged in an asymmetric configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: PLYMOVENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoffrey Johannes Sylvain Aubert, Vincent Nicolaas lohannes Van Baar, Shawn Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 8210572
    Abstract: An article and method for coupling two or more objects together uses magnetically attractive forces generated by corresponding magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) positioned at or near the periphery of the two or more objects. Multiple magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are spaced-apart around the periphery of the two or more objects. Alternatively, two corresponding annular magnet(s) and/or pieces of metal are used. Where multiple spaced-apart magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are used, the magnet(s) and/or metal piece(s) are either regularly spaced-apart or asymmetrically spaced. The coupling device is generally designed to hold tubular objects together. The coupling device has numerous advantages, including, for example, rapid assembly and disassembly, pressure release characteristics, superior ergonomics for the user, increased adjustability for specific applications, and improved durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hana Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell G. Davis
  • Patent number: 8136844
    Abstract: A hose connection structure for an air mattress and includes a casing, a plurality of pipe fitting units, a retention board and a resilient buckle. The plurality of pipe fitting units is first jointed together to form an assembly, which is then combined with the retention board and the resilient buckle to then mount inside the casing. The pipe fitting units each comprise a plurality of pipe fittings each having a rear end coupled to an air hose extending to an air mattress. A projection formed on the retention board and a barb formed on the resilient buckle are then put into engagement with a connector of an air pump so as to realize connection of multiple hoses and loosening resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Caremed Supply Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Fong Liu
  • Publication number: 20120013117
    Abstract: A magnetic air connector (200) including an air inlet (132) configured to connect to an air source (140), a magnet (220) with a hollow area to enable air flow through it, a hollow pin (212) is inserted into the hollow area of the magnet (220). In addition it includes an attach element (204) configured to attach to an air consumer (104, 108) from a one side and the magnet (220) from the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Arnon Bernshtein
  • Publication number: 20110084474
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling having two or more elements for providing a conduit. The coupling provides high retention of conduit elements with minimum size magnetic components, while also providing for intentional detachment of the magnetically coupled elements. The coupling is configured to facilitate detachment with applied loads that are substantially less than operational retention force (i.e., breakaway force) of the magnetically coupled elements. The magnetic coupling device includes a connecting male element and a female element and at least one internal conduit integral to at least one of the connecting male and female elements. Magnetic attraction is accomplished via a magnetic circuit where the magnetic circuit includes ferromagnetic material and at least one permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: David B. Paden, Josiah E. Verkaik
  • Patent number: 7793987
    Abstract: A magnetic coupling assembly for use in coupling portions of a gas delivery system. The magnetic coupling assembly includes a first member and a second member to be coupled together. The attractive forces between the first plurality of magnetic elements on the first member and a second plurality of magnetic elements on the second member join these members. The poles of magnetic elements in the first and second plurality of magnetic elements is opposite that of an adjacent magnetic element. The first and second members are easily detached from one another simply by rotating the first member relative to the second member such that the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements in each plurality of magnetic elements become unaligned, causing an weakening of the attractive forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Lance Busch, Peter Chi Fai Ho
  • Patent number: 7669899
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a section of a pipe interior includes a clamp having a magnetic engagement means for axially positioning the clamp within the interior of a pipe and preventing relative axial movement there-between and a sealing plate securable thereto. Movement of the sealing plate against the clamp results in deformation of a resilient sealing member thereby forming a seal between the apparatus and the pipe. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with another oppositely oriented apparatus or other sealing means to form a sealed space within the tube. Pressurization of the sealed space allows for a radial and/or axial force being applied to the sealed section of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: CAR-BER Investments Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Carson
  • Patent number: 7604259
    Abstract: A damper that provides damping to the motion caused by flow induced vibration of a bellows type expansion joint. The damper is at least partially filled with a damping medium and located at a root region of the bellows type expansion joint convolutions. The damper is manufactured in segments which have an attachment structure therebetween to facilitate retrofitting of the damper to various conduits that are experiencing or are expected to experience flow induced vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale O. Cipra
  • Publication number: 20090146412
    Abstract: A fitting for releasably coupling two structures and for maintaining fluid communication between the two structures has a first and second fitting member. The first fitting member includes a first ferromagnetic coupling element, and the second fitting member includes a second ferromagnetic coupling element. The first and second fitting members are constructed and arranged so as to be moved into engaged relation with one another and to be moved apart from on another so as to be separate from one another. Magnetic attraction between the first and second fitting members maintains the fitting members in engagement, and the fitting members are decoupled by applying force sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Michael S. Schoenoff, Mark William McMasters
  • Patent number: 7487796
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male valve body interfitting with a female valve body for defining a fuel passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially movable spring biased poppet valve members. The valve bodies are connected by a permanent magnetic coupling system which provides for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. In one embodiment, the coupling system includes an annular strike member surrounding the fuel passage and a mating annular magnet member supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of rare earth materials. In another embodiment, the valve bodies define a vapor return passage with a poppet valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel passage. The magnetic coupling system also simplifies reconnecting the valve bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Imler, Paul D. Carmack, Robert M. Csortos
  • Publication number: 20080283467
    Abstract: Ballast water treatment apparatus and methods for preventing foreign aquatic invasive species form entering marine ecological zones by translocation in ship's ballast water. The apparatus includes a housing, a filter member, and UV water treatment chambers. Methods include use of a ship's fire hydrant system or ballast water discharge port for moving ballast water from the ship's ballast tanks into the apparatus for filtration and treatment. In-port service vessels and barges as well as dock-side service vehicles are equipped with the various treatment and filtration apparatus to provided in-port or dock-side ballast water treatment services. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hap Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080185060
    Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Alfred Charles Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080143098
    Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
  • Patent number: 7252112
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male valve body interfitting with a female valve body for defining a fuel passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially movable spring biased poppet valve members. The valve bodies are connected by a permanent magnetic coupling system which provides for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. In one embodiment, the coupling system includes an annular strike member surrounding the fuel passage and a mating annular magnet member supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of rare earth materials. In another embodiment, the valve bodies define a vapor return passage with a poppet valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel passage. The magnetic coupling system also simplifies reconnecting the valve bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Imler, Paul D. Carmack, Robert M. Csortos
  • Patent number: 7246757
    Abstract: An air brush includes a brush member with a head portion at an end and a nozzle on the head portion. A nozzle cover is detachably bonded to the nozzle. The nozzle cover has a first attracting portion, and the nozzle has a second attracting portion associated with the first attracting portion. The first attracting portion and the second attracting portion are attracted together by a magnetic force to bond the nozzle cover to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Victor Air Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Tsuen Juo
  • Patent number: 7216897
    Abstract: A system and method reduce starting torque for initial rotational displacement and assure smoothness of motion for continuing displacement of a rotary joint. A rotary joint (either cylindrical or spherical) has a first annular joint member and a second annular joint member separated by a fluid-filled annulus. The second annular joint member is adapted for rotary motion with respect to the first annular joint member. A module fluidly communicating with the fluid-filled annulus creates vibratory micro motions in the fluid of the fluid-filled annulus which is between a pair of seals extending between the first annular joint member and the second annular joint member. The vibratory micro motions induce micro motions in the seals of the rotary joint. The micro motions in the seals reduce the initial torque for the initial displacement and assure smoothness of continuing displacement of either or both of the joint members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert Hughes