Set Screw Patents (Class 285/90)
  • Patent number: 11781684
    Abstract: Fittings that generally include a unitary body having an outer surface and an inner lumen forming a void within said unitary body. The lumen is configured to receive threads for mating with the threads of a female sub end of a pipe or tube. The outer surface includes at least one aperture for receiving a tool that can be inserted within said aperture so as to rotate the fitting about an axis that extends through the lumen of the unitary body. The at least one apertures provide a safe and convenient way to tighten and loosen the fitting during the process of coupling pipe or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: 3SC Global, LLC
    Inventors: Don William Broussard, Jr., Ronald Kent Swain, Jeffery Allen Bess, Johnnie Rae Burrows, Jerad Norman Richardson
  • Patent number: 11073175
    Abstract: An apparatus is presented comprising a captive screw comprising an upper portion, an upper middle portion, a central middle portion, a lower middle portion, and a lower portion, the central middle portion comprising a threaded portion, the lower portion comprising a barbed portion, the upper middle portion and the lower middle portion comprising a smooth portion, and the upper portion comprising a grip portion, wherein an outer circumference of the barbed portion is flexible, wherein the captive screw is configured with a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion to attach to a first member of an auxiliary device, and wherein the captive screw is configured to act as a set screw with respect to a second member of an auxiliary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventor: William Kratoska
  • Patent number: 11059161
    Abstract: A joint fixing structure of a hand-held power tool includes a fixing base connected with a tool head. Two opposite sides of the fixing base have through holes with movable balls. The fixing base is surrounded by a C-shaped ring with two protrusions. The C-shaped ring is surrounded by a control ring that has an circular outer surface and an inner surface provided with two recesses. The control ring is operated to rotate relative to the C-shaped ring between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the unlocked position, the protrusions go into the recesses, making the C-shaped ring not press the balls so that the tool head can be pivoted freely. When in the locked position, the tool head is locked by the balls being pressed by the deformation of the C-shaped ring due to the motion of the protrusions out of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Storm Pneumatic Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung Yung Sun
  • Patent number: 11028949
    Abstract: Fittings that generally include a unitary body having an outer surface and an inner lumen forming a void within said unitary body. The lumen is configured to receive threads for mating with the threads of a female sub end of a pipe or tube. The outer surface includes at least one aperture for receiving a tool that can be inserted within said aperture so as to rotate the fitting about an axis that extends through the lumen of the unitary body. The at least one apertures provide a safe and convenient way to tighten and loosen the fitting during the process of coupling pipe or tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: 3SC Global, LLC
    Inventors: Don William Broussard, Ronald Kent Swain, Jeffery Allen Bess, Johnnie Rae Burrows, Jerad Norman Richardson
  • Patent number: 10843677
    Abstract: A quick connection device that can connect the air brakes of a semi-truck to the airbrakes of a trailer is disclosed. A coupler plug and coupler body connect together. A securement housing is placed over the coupler connection, to shield the brake connection from road debris and prevent the connection from separating during normal use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Antonio Paradis
  • Patent number: 10641425
    Abstract: To provide a depressurizer with a function of depressurizing a filling hose separated from a filling device when a safety device (safety joint) operates (separates). A depressurizers (10, 11) according to the present invention are mounted to a filling hose (21) for filling hydrogen from a hydrogen filling apparatus (100) to a vehicle. In the present invention, it is preferable that on a main body portion (1) of the depressurizers (10, 11) is formed a depressurizing communication hole (1B) communicating with a hydrogen gas passage (1A); a plug (2) that can be inserted into the depressurizing communication hole (1B) is mounted; and on the depressurizing communication hole (1B) and the plug (2) are formed tapered portions (a pin tapered portion 2B of the plug 2 and a tapered portion 1BB of the depressurizing communication hole 1B) with complementary shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: TATSUNO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro Takezawa, Yuki Terasoma, Kiyoshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 10612709
    Abstract: A pipe element includes a pipe made of fiber-reinforced plastic and at least one metal connector, which is connected to the pipe in such a way that the connection can transmit torques and axial forces. The metal connector has a thread, in particular a conical thread, or a flange, by way of which thread or flange the metal connector can be screwed to another metal connector of an additional pipe element in order to connect two pipe elements. The metal connector surrounds the pipe on the outside by way of a connection region. A counter sleeve is present, which has contact with the inside of the pipe by way of a connection region. The metal connector and the counter sleeve each have a cylindrical thread, by way of which the metal connector and the counter sleeve are screwed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Bruehler, Patrick Teichelmann, Benjamin Seip
  • Patent number: 10532428
    Abstract: A method for creating a flexible portion or bending portion within a rigid structure. The method can also be used for creating a flexible structure from a rigid material. The method includes providing a substantially rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metals, alloys, hard plastics, and the like, and selectively removing portions of the rigid material defining a geometric pattern in the rigid material. A bending radius of the flexible portion is defined by the geometric pattern. The rigid structure may be used to create an enclosure, a cover for an electronic device, one or more hinges, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner
  • Patent number: 10186741
    Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) component includes a first portion of a waveguide configured to transmit an electro-magnetic (EM) wave. The RF component includes a waveguide coupling configured to receive the EM wave from the first portion of the waveguide and transmit the EM wave to an external RF component. The waveguide coupling includes a waveguide plate having a second portion of the first waveguide formed therein; a waveguide spacer having a third portion of the first waveguide formed therein; and a conductive spring circumferentially disposed around the first waveguide in between the waveguide plate and the waveguide spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edwin Nealis, Ying Shen, Zhiping Feng
  • Patent number: 10060197
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first number of splines located near a first end of a first joint section and a second number of splines located near a second end of a second joint section. The first number of splines extends in an axial direction of the first joint section and spans a circumferential surface of the first joint section. Each of the first number of splines has a base, a tip, and a pair of flanks that extends from the base to the tip and forms an acute angle. Each of the first number of splines are configured to be received between adjacent pairs of splines in the second number of splines as the first end of the first joint section and the second end of the second joint section are joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SUNSTONE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William James Hughes, Bryan Lane
  • Patent number: 9453375
    Abstract: A subsea riser system includes a riser joint. The riser joint includes a main line and an auxiliary line, in which the auxiliary line includes a pin section, a box section, and an interior section intermediate the pin section and the box section. An internal diameter of the interior section is larger than an internal diameter of the pin section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: John Hoefler
  • Patent number: 9410647
    Abstract: An anti-rotation system for use in retaining a threaded connection between a pin and a box. The anti-rotation system includes a key that sets in a recess formed in one of the box or pin. The key is selectively in contact with one of the other of the box or pin, and is activated when the threaded connection begins to decouple. The key is profiled and operates in a cam like fashion to wedge itself between the box and pin when these members begin to decouple and prevents further relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Lowell Steen, Joseph William Pallini, Daniel Caleb Benson, David Lawrence Ford, Kevin Edward O'Dell, Stephen David Peters, William Rey Patterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9334992
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a transfer device coupled to a dry break coupler. The transfer device includes a valve assembly moveable between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly includes a main valve and a pilot valve. An actuator controls both the main valve and the pilot valve. A cam plate interconnects the actuator and the valve assembly. The cam plate provides a quick acting shutoff to quickly move the valve assembly to the closed position. A pivotal and rotatable connector couples the transfer device to the dry break coupler. A lock is integrated with the actuator to lock the valve assembly in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: MARSHALL EXCELSIOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederick W. Blanchard, Alex L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9119947
    Abstract: A cluster-type fluid-conducting pipe connecting device includes a base section; a retaining ring fitted to a front of the base section and turnable from a closed position to an open position; the retaining ring and the base section being correspondingly provided at a front end with fixing slots and connection slots, respectively, and a sideward locating slot being formed at a rear end of each fixing slot; a reset structure enabling the retaining ring to automatically return from the open position to the closed position; and a connector having a forward pipe engaging section for fluid-conducting pipes to connect thereto, and a rearward plug section for inserting into the base section and externally provided with stubs that slide into the connection and fixing slots while the retaining ring is in the open position and are locked in the locating slots while the retaining ring is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: CAREMED SUPPLY INC.
    Inventor: Chih Pam Tsao
  • Patent number: 9121229
    Abstract: An improved drilling riser assembly including a male drilling riser assembly section and a female drilling riser assembly section that form a connection joint when mated. The drilling riser assembly sections having an internal stab type main drilling riser connector. The drilling riser assembly sections each have main drilling riser flanges that have helically threaded rings on an outer edge of the flange. A box and pin connector each have an inner helically threaded ring that mates with the outer helical flange ring of a drilling riser assembly section. The box and pin connectors extend towards each other and make up an enclosed compression joined mating section around the stab type connectors of the drilling riser assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: OIL STATES INDUSTRIES (UK) LTD.
    Inventor: John Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9115833
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, a device that can fit around a fitting retention compartment of a pipe fitting, apply axial pressure to a pipe insertion component so as to flex the teeth of a fastening ring inwardly, which permits smooth insertion and removal of piping elements. In embodiments, the device comprises a two-piece device with mating threads that permit the pieces to move toward and away from one another with minute adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias
  • Patent number: 8944188
    Abstract: A retaining arrangement suitable for use with a drill string assembly having a sub adaptor and a drill spindle in use connected together, the retaining arrangement including: one or more retaining bodies, the or each retaining body comprising a connection region for removably connecting the or each retaining body to one of the sub adaptor and the drill spindle; and a first retaining or catch region adapted to catch the other of the sub adaptor and drill spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cardinal Trading Company Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Jacob Garth Lowry
  • Patent number: 8840147
    Abstract: A coupling adaptor. The coupling adaptor includes a body which extends from a first end to a second end. The body also has a hollow interior extending between the first end and the second end. The first end has a first port with screw threads. The first threaded port mates with and receives an electronic sensor. The second end has a second threaded port with screw threads. The second threaded port mates with and receives a telemetry system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: DataOnLine Intellectual Property, LP
    Inventor: Walter Mruk
  • Patent number: 8646813
    Abstract: An exemplary connector assembly includes an elongated body with an internal passage for a conduit or cables. A body aperture region with a body fastener aperture is set between two elongated slots. The body aperture region may radially bulge out from the body, and may alternatively or additionally include an aperture flange protruding from the body aperture region. A U-shaped connector clip includes two parallel teeth that are inserted in the two slots, and a clip body having a clip fastener aperture. A fastener is inserted through the fastener apertures, securing the connector clip to the body. A fastening clip secures the fastener to the connector clip and keeps the connector clip from falling back into the slots as the connector clip is being disengaged from the body. Each clip tooth includes an engaging end that is complementarily interfittable with grooves in the conduit, keeping the conduit in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Sami Shemtov
  • Patent number: 8567827
    Abstract: A threaded union for tubulars used for high-pressure fluid applications includes a unitary nut supported by at least two nut retainer segments received under a top wall of the nut in an annular segment retainer groove in one of the tubulars. The nut retainer segments fully support the unitary nut. The nut retainer segments are held in the annular segment retainer groove by securing the nut retainer segments in the segment retainer groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Oil States Energy Services, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Bob McGuire
  • Patent number: 8480384
    Abstract: A quick attach and safe release arrangement for a pump of the type in which a pump chamber has at least one chimney and at least one separable port locatable in the at least one chimney. The quick attach and safe release arrangement is provided with a cooperating retaining elements integrally formed with the at least one chimney and integrally formed with the at least one separable port respectively, for retaining the at least one separable port in within the at least one chimney. The at least one separable port and the at least one chimney are rotatable relative to one another and the cooperating retaining elements have a single port release position at a predetermined angular position of the at least one separable port relative to the at least one chimney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Munster Simms Engineering Limited
    Inventor: William Stephen Killingbeck
  • Publication number: 20120169041
    Abstract: A fitting connectable to an end portion of a pipe generally includes a housing configured for receiving at least part of the end portion of the pipe into the housing, and an insert member disposed at least partly within the housing. The insert member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the pipe when at least part of the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing. A retention member is movable relative to the housing for selectively connecting the fitting to the end portion of the pipe. The retention member is movable to press at least part of the end portion of the pipe radially against at least part of the insert member to help secure the fitting to the end portion of the pipe when the end portion of the pipe is received into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: BLAZING PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. King, Duane K. Smith, Douglas L. Kirk
  • Patent number: 7775559
    Abstract: A compression generator uses a plurality of jackbolts threadedly engaged at a spaced apart relation about a bolt circle in a main core element. The main core element is releasable interlocked by threads, bayonet connection or other form of fasting system with the mounting element forming a fixed part of the mechanical connection. The jackbolts torqued to generate a pushing force in an axial direction for compressing a moveable part of the mechanical connection against a compression seat for forming a mechanical connection between juxtaposition fixed and moveable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Steinbock Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Allan T. Steinbock, Robert C. Steinbock, Tony Felldin, Gerhard Ploke, Norbert Schneider
  • Patent number: 7735875
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device that secures a first pipe to a second pipe. The pipe coupling device includes a collet disposed within a collar having a fastening mechanism. The collet includes a first collet portion that interlocks with a second collet portion to form a seal that fastens the first pipe securely to the second pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Jimenez
  • Patent number: 7559583
    Abstract: A tube coupling for tube elements comprising a socket and a plug which can be inserted axially into the socket. The tube coupling has a joining portion for producing a torque proof junction between the socket and the plug as well as a securing portion for securing the axial-position of the plug in the socket. The securing of the axial position is brought about by two corresponding annular grooves, into which at least one locking element can be inserted via an insertion opening in order to produce a form-locking connection. To secure the locking element a plurality of radial bores is provided on the inner annular groove, into which a securing bolt can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Bauer Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Stoetzer
  • Patent number: 7128345
    Abstract: A terminal connection (1) is provided that includes a threaded sleeve (2) and a counter sleeve (3) that can be connected to it, and a terminal insert that can be pressed against an elongated body (4). The connection has a coupling element (6) that can be detachably connected to the connection and includes a depression (7) and a passage (8) for the elongated body (4), and a radially protruding collar located on the threaded sleeve (2) fits and can be inserted into the depression (7). The coupling element (6) has radially inwardly directed projections (9) for engaging over the collar of the threaded sleeve (2) in the coupling position that are located on a front edge of the depression in the insertion direction of the threaded sleeve (2). The coupling element (6) has a fixing area (10) adjacent to the depression (7) for connecting to a counterpart or a retaining nut and/or through opening (11) of a housing (12), to which the terminal connection (1) is to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Anton Hummel Verwaltungs GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Bartholomä, Fritz Zügel, Volker Götz, Philipp Gerber
  • Patent number: 6871804
    Abstract: A disconnectable hot air nozzle device is provided with a nozzle holder 2 having an introducing portion 2c and a hook shaped retaining portion 2d, an attachment 3, and a cover 4 vertically replaceable for a predetermined amount relative to the attachment and having a retaining pin 4a, with the retaining pin being introduced from the introducing portion 2c of the nozzle holder 3 into a retaining portion 2d. The nozzle holder 2 and the attachment 3 are disconnectably fixed with each other, with the abutting surfaces provided on the nozzle holder 2 and the attachment 3 being brought into abutment with each other by a force applied from a urging member 5 to the nozzle holder 2 via the retaining pin 4a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hakko Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hagihara
  • Patent number: 6863312
    Abstract: A pipe connector consisting of a sphincteral band having an over-center buckle; a coupling sleeve extending through the sphincteral band, the coupling sleeve having a wall and having a plurality of traction pin apertures extending through the wall; and a plurality of traction pins fixedly attached to the sphincteral band and extending inwardly from the sphincteral band, each traction pin extending through one of the traction pin apertures, each traction pin being moveable between an inwardly extended pipe engaging position and an outwardly retracted pipe disengaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Mark K. Liebst
  • Patent number: 6733045
    Abstract: A coupling or adapter assembly that serves as a transition device for interconnecting a fluid source, such as a fire hydrant, to a conduit, piping system or hose includes an adapter portion of generally cylindrical configuration having a fluid conveyance bore of non-uniform diameter extending therethrough and annular threads at opposed ends of the adapter portion. The annular threads at one end of the adapter portion are of a stepped threaded configuration in order to engage the inner annular double threaded configuration of a ring member that is externally threaded onto the adapter portion thereby binding the adapter portion to the ring member so that they function as an integral, one piece transition device interconnecting, for example, a fire hydrant to a Storz-type coupling of a hose or conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Harrington, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Harrington, Gary C. Salisbury
  • Patent number: 6615422
    Abstract: A bath tap fitting in the known way comprises a securing device which can be attached to a mounting plate. This has a securing body which extends upward and in its upper area possesses a multi-faced outer contour. An outlet spout can be fitted to the securing body with a multi-faced seating aperture so that it does not turn. A locking screw can be screwed through a threaded hole of the outlet spout against the securing body so that two faces of the seating aperture of the outlet spout, enclosing an angle with each other are pressed against two faces of the securing body enclosing a corresponding angle. In this way the securing body is “wedged” in the seating aperture of the outlet spout. The outlet spout sits absolutely firmly on the securing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Hans-Hermann Hecker
  • Patent number: 6588031
    Abstract: A bath tap fitting is composed in the known way of a securing device which can be attached to a mounting plate and a movable outlet spout fitted to this. The securing device comprises a securing body which is composed of a lower part and an upper part which can be pushed onto the lower part so that it cannot turn but can be adjusted for height. An adjusting bush is axially fitted in the upper part of the securing body, which however can be turned. It has in the lower area an outer thread, with which it is screwed into a threaded hole of the lower part of the securing body. By turning the adjusting bush therefore the height of the upper part can be changed in comparison to the lower part. The upper part grips over the lower part with a skirt which is divided into segments from below by axis-parallel slits and has an outer thread there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Hans-Hermann Hecker
  • Patent number: 6568479
    Abstract: A U-shaped elevator having no doors is provided with first and second latching mechanisms which when contacted by the tubular to be entrapped within the elevator move from a closed position to an open position and which then return to a closed position as soon as the tubular is entrapped within the elevator. The latching mechanisms have a safety catch which prevents the tubular from being inadvertently removed from the elevator. The safety latch mechanism can only be activated by a handle which is manipulated by hand by personnel working on the derrick utilizing the elevator. The elevator has an open throat to receive tubulars that have couplers or other features with a lower flange surface for lifting a pipe string. The throat access has blocking members that are movable to allow tubulars to move out of the gap unless the blocking members are locked to prevent such movement. The blocking members have latches biased toward a position to immobilize the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Mosing, David L. Sipos
  • Patent number: 6550814
    Abstract: A high-pressure pipe element having hooped tube sections for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil drilling installations, notably offshore. The element includes several hooped tube sections (51 to 56) connected by connecting parts (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean Guesnon, Christian Gaillard, Gérard Papon
  • Publication number: 20030025324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-pressure pipe element consisting of hooped tube sections for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil drilling installations, notably offshore. The element consists of several hooped tube sections (51 to 56) connected by means of connecting parts (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jean Guesnon, Christian Gaillard, Gerald Papon
  • Patent number: 6494495
    Abstract: A locked connection comprises a circular groove around a pin or inside member. A box or outside member provides a series of passages tangential to the groove in a made up position of the box and pin. One or more locking pins extend through the passages. When the box and pin tend to move relative to each other, the locking pin is placed in shear in a path extending along the long dimension of the pin whereby a large shear area is provided by a small diameter locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6447028
    Abstract: A fitting for connecting two components is described. The fitting may be explosion proof for use in hazardous environments. The fitting may swivel allowing fast and easy connection to fixed components, thus minimizing the time required for installation and periodic maintenance, while maintaining the integrity of the explosion proof fitting. In this way, components—such as electrical conduits containing conductors or wires—can be installed and maintained without the use of damming material. Also described is a method of installing an explosion proof fitting for use in hazardous environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Asco Controls, L.P.
    Inventors: Drew P. LaMarca, Gennaro A. Barile
  • Patent number: 6328343
    Abstract: A dog-style connector with a fail-safe mechanism for a marine riser system that connects a box portion and a pin portion of a riser. An actuator housing is affixed to an external surface of the box portion. The actuator housing has an outer bore and a threaded inner bore. An actuator body is threadably received in the inner bore. The actuator body has a hex head on its first end. The actuator body has a threaded fastener bore extending from the first end for receiving a threaded fastener. The actuator body has a second end that has a stem receptacle formed therein. The fastener bore is in communication with the stem receptacle. An actuator head, which includes a flange and a stem, is provided wherein the stem is positioned within the stem receptacle for sliding engagement therewith. Threads formed on the threaded fastener engage a threaded fastener receptacle formed in the stem of the actuator head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Vetco Gray, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Hosie, David Stewart Christie
  • Patent number: 6328270
    Abstract: A combination of a swivel joint with an arm for mounting an apparatus for surveillance applications, such as a television camera includes a truncated ball, an arm attached at the end thereof to the truncated ball and having a passage for a cable, a ring-shaped holder having an inner curved rim of a curvature radius equal to that of the truncated ball for locking that truncated ball. An elongated cylindrical cover having an elongated cutout provides a passage to the arm for gripping the truncated ball and provides the arm with positioning capacity extending through the length of the cutout. A locking nut locks the cylindrical cover to the ring-shaped holder. The cylindrical cover can be rotated for positioning the cutout so that the arm can be adjusted to any position within the length of the cutout and the cable passing through the truncated ball and the holder is not obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Elbex Video Ltd.
    Inventor: David Elberbaum
  • Patent number: 6123363
    Abstract: The assembly of a connection that uses cooperating grooved surfaces to provide an easily disassembled and assembled connection is improved by the use of a centered lip and cooperating groove on the contact faces of the connection halves that engage the faces of complementary connection ends to prevent lateral misalignment while the pipe ends are brought together for axial alignment. The lip extends into the groove to trap a gasket retained within the groove and inhibit extrusion of the gasket between the contact faces under high pressure conditions. The centering device may be used with a clamping mechanism to provide single person assembly of this type of connection despite normal field misalignments. The trapping cavity formed by the faces of the connection ends particularly enhances the pressure capacity of elastomeric gasket applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Burgard, Gary A. Schulz
  • Patent number: 6092844
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for connecting pipes together is disclosed. The pipe coupler includes a cylindrical socket. A pair of insertion grooves are formed inside the socket, and each of a pair of packings is inserted into each of the insertion grooves to seal off connecting portions of two pipes. A plurality of withdrawing paths are formed inside both end portions of the socket, and a pair of binding grooves respectively communicate to the pluralities of the withdrawing paths. A plurality of protuberances are formed on each of the connecting portions of the two pipes correspondingly to the plurality of the withdrawing paths, for being inserted into the plurality of the withdrawing paths. The connecting portions of the two pipes are slightly rotated after entering into the socket so as to make the protuberances disposed within the binding grooves and between the withdrawing paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Do Yean Lee
  • Patent number: 5924745
    Abstract: A connector assembly (20) for connecting expandable slotted tubing (EST) (10) comprises tubular first and second parts (22, 24) for mounting on the ends of respective lengths of slotted tubing. The parts (22, 24) are themselves slotted (26). The free end of the first part defines a male portion (28) and the free end of the second part defining a female portion (30), the free ends of the parts being adapted to engage with one another and to permit expansion of the coupled parts in a corresponding manner to the tubing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Petroline Wellsystems Limited
    Inventor: Alasdair Campbell
  • Patent number: 5906401
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for firmly connecting a tap in a sanitary or kitchen appliance without consuming a large space, the assembly comprising a compact clamp and a short screw, the clamp having a large orifice to be passed along a pipe portion of the tap and a small orifice receiving the screw, the clamp operating like a lever around the pipe portion of the tap and being retained against an outer surface of the pipe portion by screwing the screw in the small orifice and making a distal tip of the screw engaging a wall of the device so as to cause the clamp move like a lever and make the large orifice to wedge against the pipe portion of the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Francisco Enrique Viegener
  • Patent number: 5799984
    Abstract: A connector for a rigid electrical conduit has an internal cylindrical socket sized to snugly receive the end of the conduit. A spring leaf detent is externally mounted on the connector body, with a free end of the leaf extending through a slot in the connector body side wall. Inserting a conduit into the socket deflects the spring leaf away from the socket axis, thereby generating a resilient stress in the leaf that enables the free end of the leaf to exert a gripping action on the conduit. The grip action can be removed by unloosening a screw that is used to mount the leaf spring on the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: ANR Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell T. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5772252
    Abstract: Thus, the present device provides a nut and bolt assembly having a lower threaded end and opposing upper threaded end. A first flange seats above the lower threaded end and an upper flange seats below the upper threaded end. A weak point having a known torque limit is provided below the upper flange. A nut is mounted on the upper threaded end. When the nut is turned beyond the torque limit of the weak point, it causes the bolt to break at the weak point. The bolt of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to make and use. It is designed preferably to be used in conjunction with a pressing member and a pipe junction holder for holding a pair of joined pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Jugal K. Malani
  • Patent number: 5649797
    Abstract: A nut and bolt securing device is disclosed to prevent loosening of the assembly due to environmental conditions. In a first version of the invention the two piece device is fitted over a nut and a portion of a bolt extending from the nut, the two sections of the device being secured together with set screws, with serrations within the device, and one or more set screws engaging the front end of the device. In a second version of the device a shelf like planar projection on the front end of the device engages a planar surface on a nut, again combining with the serrations within the device to prevent fastener loosening. The device is particularly described in use in conjunction with refrigerant system flare nuts so as to prevent loss of refrigerant at these flare nut unions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Lenwar, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Warren, John Lennon
  • Patent number: 5570909
    Abstract: A connector for a rigid electrical conduit has an internal cylindrical socket sized to snugly receive the end of the conduit. A spring leaf detent is externally mounted on the connector body, with a free end of the leaf extending through a slot in the connector body side wall. Inserting a conduit into the socket deflects the spring leaf away from the socket axis, thereby generating a resilient stress in the leaf that enables the free end of the leaf to exert a gripping action on the conduit. The grip action can be removed by unloosening a screw that is used to mount the leaf spring on the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: ANR Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell T. Reynolds, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5524936
    Abstract: A locking device for preventing relative rotation of pretorqued compression nuts used in face seal mechanical fittings includes an inner member having a cavity sized to slide onto and non-rotatably enclose the male or first nut of the fitting, an outer member having a first cavity sized to rotatably receive the inner member and a second cavity sized to slide onto and non-rotatably enclose the female or second nut of the fitting, and at least one set screw projecting inwardly through a threaded borehole in the outer member to non-rotatably engage and lock the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Barr, Christopher V. Barr, James C. Elliott, Dirk A. Frew
  • Patent number: 5441310
    Abstract: A coupling for quickly connecting a cement head to a casing of an oil or gas well comprises tube-shaped upper and lower bodies that connected to each other and are telescopically adjustable. The upper body receives the cement head and the lower body attaches to the casing. A clamp mechanism utilizing split ring segments is located in the lower body and is actuated by a piston for quickly attaching or releasing the lower body to and from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Barrett, Paul A. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5385330
    Abstract: A compression sill-cock flange has a pipe coupling (1) with a flange (8) extended radially outward from a seal end (5). The pipe coupling (1) is straight-threaded internally from an attachment end (3) to a tapered sealing wall (4). The tapered sealing wall (4) is extended inward conically at a select angle from an inside circumferential periphery of the straight threading (2) to a circumferential coupling base (6) that is positioned in sliding contact with an outside periphery of a pipe (12) to which the pipe coupling (1) is attachable. The circumferential coupling base (6) extends to a desired position relative to the seal end of the pipe coupling (5). A set-screw orifice (9) with appropriate threading in a set-screw boss (10) can be provided on the pipe coupling (1). Use means are provided for use in relation to a double-tapered washer (14) and a sill cock (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Mickey W. Joseph
  • Patent number: 5333911
    Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a connector for connecting tubular members in end-to-end relation wherein a ring supported by the one tubular member carries arcuate latches which are adapted to be moved by radial actuators into and out of positions in which locking shoulders thereon are tightly engaged with a complementary locking shoulder about the other tubular member to hold the members in end-to-end relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. Watkins