Snap-fit Patents (Class 285/921)
  • Patent number: 11796109
    Abstract: A connector is provided comprising a hollow connector body having a central aperture and a hollow tube that is rotatable within the central aperture without rotating the hollow connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cytiva US LLC
    Inventors: Simon Phillip Durrant, Danniel Bowdery, Daniel J. Kesselaar
  • Patent number: 11648182
    Abstract: Various aspects of the subject disclosure relate to a compounder system having a cartridge that includes fluid pathways controllable by valves of the cartridge. A pump component within the cartridge is actuable to move fluid through the controllable fluid pathways. The cartridge includes a needleless fluid port and a needleless vent port for fluid coupling to a vial via a vial puck. The vial puck includes corresponding needleless fluid and vent ports and a cannula. The cannula is extendible, by insertion of a protrusion on the cartridge into a shaft of the vial puck, into the vial to couple the vial to the needleless fluid and vent ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Oda, Tomas Frausto, Dereck S. Ferdaws
  • Patent number: 11293576
    Abstract: A gas supply connector of the present invention includes a gas supply member and two fasteners, wherein the gas supply member has a main body and multiple tubes; the fastener includes a buckling portion, a pressing portion and a neck portion. The pressing portion has an inner layer body and an outer layer body. The neck portion contracts from two lateral ends toward the center to form a tapered section, and the outer surface of the neck portion is arranged with multiple reinforcing ribs. The present invention through the neck portion reduces the force required for pressing the fastener to deform by the user, and through the reinforcing ribs increases the structural strength of the neck portion to prevent the fastener from breaking; in addition, the inner layer is made of plastic, and outer layer body is made of soft material, so as to improve the comfort of pressing fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Caremed Supply Inc.
    Inventor: Pao-Ming Shih
  • Patent number: 10299446
    Abstract: An assembly of fluid conduit parts is disclosed along with a method of assembling, a method of manufacturing and an apparatus for manufacturing the one of the fluid conduit parts. The assembly includes a blow molded part having a first portion. A second part includes a tapered section and a sealing flange extends from the first portion towards a central axis of the first portion at a distance, an end of the sealing flange defines an opening. The second part inserts into the opening and at least part of the tapered section is of a size larger than the opening. The sealing flange flexes upon insertion of the second part into the opening to define a contact surface between the tapered section and the sealing flange that extends around a perimeter of the tapered section where the sealing flange contacts the tapered section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Zimmer, Rick Braasch, Mitch Gravert, Michael Grinnall, Craig J. Bormann
  • Patent number: 10267445
    Abstract: A releasable valved coupler and a method of producing and using such a coupler including a coupler body having a first valve element and a coupler insert having a second valve element, wherein a first valve tip of the first valve element can engage a second valve tip of the second valve element upon insertion of the coupler insert inside of a tubular chamber of the coupler body, whereby the first valve element disengages a first valve seat and the second valve element disengages a second valve seat to open a flow path through the coupler. By moving the coupler body and the coupler insert in outward opposed axial directions, the first and second valve tips can disengage, correspondingly engaging the first valve element with the first valve seat and engaging the second valve element with the second valve seat to close the flow path through the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Craig Alan Ira
  • Patent number: 9848539
    Abstract: A control device of a cutting tool is revealed. For performing cutting, opening and closing, the cutting tool includes a pair of handles pivotally connected to each other and each handle having a blade. The control device is set on the handle and involved in opening or closing of the blades of the cutting tool. The control device includes a first component and a second component. The first and the second components are connected to and locked with each other tightly by a fastening structure. The control device is disposed on the handle closely, without loosening from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BOR SHENG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shih-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 9574691
    Abstract: A fitting body having an interior surface is provided with a tube stop extending radially inwardly thereof, and one or more nut connector assemblies provided as part of a packing arrangement comprising at least one sealing ring, a spacer gland and a fastening ring. The packing arrangement can further include a release pusher positioned on the radially inward side of the nut connector, wherein the release pusher is capable of axial insertion into the cavity of the head connector in order to lift teeth of the grip ring radially outwardly to permit insertion and removal of tubes to be connected via the center body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Quick FItting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9517285
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for treating carpet that includes a hollow tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the tube further includes: a plurality of injection holes located near the second end of the tube, a pointed tip located at the second end of the tube, and a lug moveably attached to the tube; the method including inserting the tube into a carpet by penetrating the pointed tip into the carpet; lifting the tube up via the lug such that a portion of the carpet is pulled away from padding located underneath the carpet; and inserting fluid into the tube at the first end of the tube such that the fluid is injected into the carpet via the injection holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Injectinator, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome P. Behr
  • Patent number: 9512949
    Abstract: Connector part comprising a body part for connecting to a counterpart for creating a fluid tight seal when fitted together. The connector part also comprises a seal element made of resilient material and a space which is capable to receive the seal element made of resilient material when the fluid tight seal is made. The connector part can be used for forming a fluid tight connection structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CAREFUSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jani Kauppi, Heikki Haveri
  • Patent number: 8827317
    Abstract: A medical device adaptor includes a housing defining a mounting port and a circumscribing outer wall, a fluid passage extending substantially through the adaptor to the mounting port, and a pair of mounting shoulders spaced circumferentially along the outer wall. The pair of mounting shoulders extend transverse from the outer wall. The medical device adaptor also includes an insert disposed within the mounting port. The insert defines a thru hole at least partially aligned with the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean R. Karla, Raymond A. Lia, Jamie H. Bartenstein, Robert L. Vivenzio, Victor G. Ianno
  • Patent number: 8757667
    Abstract: A connector for a flow managing device in fluid communication with an outlet conduit is disclosed. The connector can comprise a receiving member, an engaging member, and an adapter. The receiving member can be secured to the adapter, which can be secured to a side wall of a basin near an outlet coupled to the outlet conduit. The adapter can comprise a curvature plate having a curvature that complements a curvature of the side wall. The adapter can further comprise an adapter bore through the curvature plate and an adapter conduit extending from the curvature plate and at least partially overlapping the adapter bore. The flow managing apparatus can be secured to the engaging member, which can be engaged with the receiving member. Fluid from the basin can flow through the flow managing device, the engaging member, the receiving member, and the adapter and into the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: IPEX Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Guillaume Hugo Marquis-Martin
  • Patent number: 8708376
    Abstract: A medium connector including a passage configured to allow for the flow of medium, and a multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage. The multi-portion engagement surface includes a first surface portion, and a second surface portion. The first surface portion is configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector. The second surface portion is configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector. The ratio of the first surface portion and the second surface portion is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 8702129
    Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector and a second connector. Both connectors include a tubular body having a membrane mounted on a distal end thereof. A support member facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to first sterilize the membranes and then melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: HyClone Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold C. Bilstad, Bradley H. Buchanan, T. Michael Dennehey, Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Whitt F. Woods, David V. Bacehowski
  • Patent number: 8596688
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, Jr., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 8561703
    Abstract: An apparatus usable with a well includes a gas lift valve having a check valve arrangement located between an annulus and a passageway of a tubing. The check valve arrangement is adapted to selectively allow fluid flow from the check valve arrangement from an inlet side of the check valve arrangement to an outlet side of the check valve arrangement, and is biased to prevent a leakage flow through the check valve arrangement from the outlet side to the inlet side. The check valve arrangement is defined by a valve element movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat wherein one of the valve element and the valve seat has a first sealing structure engageable with a second sealing structure on the other of the valve element and the valve seat. At least one of the first and second sealing surfaces include at least one pair of sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Abdel-Rahman Mahmoud, Kevin T. Scarsdale
  • Patent number: 8511714
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a flow restricting apparatus is disclosed. The flow restricting apparatus comprises an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet conduit. The connector assembly comprises a first member configured to be engaged with the flow restricting apparatus at least partially about the outlet. The first member comprises a first face, a second face, and a bore defined through the first member. The connector assembly comprises a second member comprising a first side, a second side, a bore defined through the second member, at least one projection extending outwardly from the first side of the second member, and sealing means for sealing positioned intermediate the first member and the second member. The at least one projection forms a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ipex Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Guillaume Hugo Marquis-Martin
  • Patent number: 8511716
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for a wall passage, in particular for positioning with a through-opening of a wall element and for the connection of at least one media conduit. The connection arrangement including a connector part with a first connection section that is to be passed through the through-opening, and an oppositely placed second connection section with a contact element for limiting the amount of insertion at the wall element, as well as with a retaining element for locking the connector part in its assembly position, where it is inserted into the through-opening. The connector part includes at least two separate parts, an installation part for retention in the through-opening of the wall element and a connection part, which can be connected to the installation part, and which further contains the connection sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Brandt, Sascha Rosenfeldt, Ulrich Hiltemann, Martin Lechner
  • Patent number: 8505980
    Abstract: Arrangement in a hose connector of a riser (2) provided between a wellhead and a floating surface installation (1). One or more hoses (3) form a flexible fluid communicating connection between an upper portion of the riser (2) and the floating surface installation (1). The first end portion (211) of at least one fluid conduit (21) is fixed to the riser (2) by an upwardly directed, first pipe muzzle (212) and is provided with a rotatable connecting sleeve (213a, 213b, 213c). Each of one or more flexible hoses (3) is connected to a conduit spool (41) of a connecting assembly (4) provided with a second pipe muzzle (42) that is arranged for releasable mating with the first end portion (211) of the fluid conduit (21). A lifting yoke (43) is connected to the connecting assembly (4) and forms an actuator (431) which is able to effect rotary motion to the connecting sleeve (213a, 213b, 213c) to enable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Per A. Vatne
  • Patent number: 8505982
    Abstract: In a connection apparatus for a corrugated tube a sealing sleeve, a coupling part, and an insertion part that can be inserted into the coupling part and comprises outwardly protruding latching portions on its outside surface, the coupling part is provided on an outside surface with cooperating latching portions. The coupling part comprises an inner holding device through which the corrugated tube can be guided in the direction towards the insertion part and performs elastically resilient radial movements thereby securing the corrugated tube against withdrawal. The corrugated tube extends into the sealing sleeve sitting in the interior of the insertion part having an axial flow passage, and with the holding device protruding axially into the opening of the insertion part in a coupled state. The outwardly protruding latching portions exposed on the outside of the connection apparatus when in the coupled state. The holding device compressing the sealing sleeve when in the coupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Schlemmer GmbH
    Inventors: Yanning Lei, Michael Gerking
  • Patent number: 8485561
    Abstract: A combined structure for air-conditioning ventilation comprises a tee connector (1), an easy connector (40), and a caliber adapter (30). The tee connector (1) comprises a tubular adjustable part (10) at its cylindrical tube (3) for outflow ventilation. The caliber adapter (30) may be installed at the inflow cylindrical tube (14) of the tee connector (1). By clamping the snap-fit points of the easy connector (40) into the snap-fit points (7) that is located on a first cylindrical tube (3) of the tee connector (1), the easy connector (40) may be installed at the first cylindrical tube (3). The resulting combined structure can be easily installed and used, and can have its parts easily switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Yinda Air Conditioning Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jincai Guo
  • Patent number: 8465059
    Abstract: A swivel coupling is provided for a waste disposal system having a first waste disposal component and a second waste disposal component. The swivel coupling comprises a first coupling portion having a first end and a second end, the second end being configured for connection to the first waste disposal component, and a second coupling portion having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end being configured for connection to the second waste disposal component. The first end is rotatably connected to the third end such that when the second end is connected to the first waste disposal component and the fourth end is connected to the second waste disposal component, the first and second coupling portions are rotatable relative to one other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: CAMCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Clay D. Price, Jeffrey R. Russell, Robert Mancari, Bruce A. Angel, Dallas V. Eisenhauer, William T. Brockington
  • Patent number: 8448994
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, Jr., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 8376412
    Abstract: Provided is a means for efficiently completing a high pressure seal and a connector assembly comprising two sealing members, each comprising an annular groove, and two elastomeric gasket members, each disposed into and fittingly received by the annular grooves of one of said sealing members, each gasket additionally comprising a sealing face not received into the annular grooves, wherein the sealing faces are in mutual aligned pressurized contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Theodore D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8302999
    Abstract: A faucet connecting structure contains a body including a chamber having a receiving trench, the receiving trench including an opening; an outlet pipe including a first end to input water and a second end to output water, the first end including a connector inserted into the receiving trench; an engaging member including a peripheral fringe, an inner surface, an outer surface, a first and a second segments, a slot, and the inner and the outer surfaces including at least one first deformable area and at least one second deformable area respectively to generate a radial-direction deformation when being forced in a radial direction so as to act against a radial-direction engaging force resulting from connecting the first engaging member and body together; a retaining means to retain the engaging member and the body together so that the outlet pipe is limited to move and rotate axially relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Jianhui Xu
  • Patent number: 8235426
    Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Pisula, Jr., Bruce A. Williams, Ravikumar Narayanan, Francis J. Lombardi, III, Robert J. Elshof, Marc Lalouette
  • Patent number: 8210573
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Dan W. C. Delmer
  • Patent number: 8162357
    Abstract: A microfluid system includes at least one flow-through volume, and at least one connector connected to the flow-through volume. The microfluid system includes a structured surface having at least one elevation. Each elevation is a tapered elevation. Each connector is formed in a respective elevation and is configured as a tapered recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ibidi GmbH
    Inventor: Johan-Valentin Kahl
  • Patent number: 8162355
    Abstract: An inflatable safety system for a vehicle, the safety system including an inflator assembly and an airbag assembly. The safety system further includes an airbag inflator connector securely connecting the inflator assembly to the airbag assembly. The inflator assembly and the airbag assembly may be connected to one another at a connection in which a male portion that includes a first exterior projection extends into a tube having a second exterior projection. The airbag inflator connector has, among other elements, a first and second reaction surface, such that the first reaction surface is positioned adjacent a surface of the first projection, and the second reaction surface is positioned adjacent a surface of the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Donald Hall
  • Patent number: 8075551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical coupling device for detachably connecting a handpiece end to a portion of a surgical instrument, the handpiece end being provided with a recess into which a coupling portion of the instrument can be detachably slid, an interior wall of the recess having formed thereon a locking recess with which a snap type element can be brought into detachable engagement that is supported on the instrument, characterized in that the snap type element is formed on a double-sided rocker which extends substantially in axial direction and has one end on which the snap type element is arranged and has its other end in engagement with a pivot element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: EFS—Eberle-Feinwerktechnische Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Eberle
  • Patent number: 7984931
    Abstract: A fluid line of thermoplastic material includes a first end section integral with a principal part of the fluid line which is at least partially undulated. A first holding rib engages behind at least one locking projection of a connecting ring. The ring engages behind a second holding rib on a second end section of the pipe. The first end section has an essentially conical initial section located adjacent the principal part of the fluid line. The initial section has an outer diameter which increases in a direction toward the free end of the first end section. The initial section is adjacent to an intermediate section whose outer diameter decreases from the greatest diameter of the initial section to the smallest diameter of a locking groove for the engagement of a first locking projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Janos Kertesz, Jerome Chateau, Uwe Wickel
  • Patent number: 7963565
    Abstract: An adapter (1) for cleaning a medical appliance comprises a fluid channel (2) with an inlet (3) and at least one outlet (4.1), at least one outlet being provided with a coupling unit (5.1) for an opening of a medical device. The coupling unit (5.1) is designed as a single-use coupling which, after the medical device has been coupled for the first time, generates a leak in the fluid channel at the time of uncoupling. This ensures totally hygienic cleaning of medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Oro CLean Chemie AG
    Inventor: Ursula Suter
  • Patent number: 7950412
    Abstract: A toilet refill restrictor apparatus includes an adapter interposed between a fill valve and a refill hose. The adapter is non-removably coupled to the fill valve and is configured with a larger proximal pathway, and a smaller distal metering pathway for restricting the refill flow rate. The adapter may be coupled to a shortened horizontal outlet formed at a top portion of the fill valve. The horizontal outlet is shortened to a length such that the refill hose cannot be connected directly to the outlet. The adapter may also be coupled to a fill valve without a horizontal outlet where an exit port is defined in the vertical conduit of the fill valve. The adapter includes a securing mechanism to prevent removal from the fill valve without excessive force or breaking the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Nguyen, Christopher Coppock
  • Patent number: 7918424
    Abstract: A suspending buckle mechanism of output water device, which connects to a supporting arm protruding out of a wall, includes a sucker mechanism, a suspending tube, a supporting hoop and an elastic buckle. The suspending tube has an upper part with a through fixing hole and a lower part fixed to the sucker mechanism. The supporting hoop includes: a connecting sleeve, on which an axial groove is internally and externally disposed, and two connecting sheets. Through holes are disposed in the connecting sheets. The connecting sheets are symmetrically fixed around the connecting sleeve. The elastic buckle is placed between the connecting sheets. The connecting sheets are inserted in the upper opening of the hanging tube in order to make the convex columns of the elastic buckle protrude out of the through hole and then inserted in the fixing hole, so that the connecting sleeve can clasp the supporting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gangqiang Wu, Qingshuang Li, Bin Chen, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 7878553
    Abstract: A connection assembly for creating a releasable fluid seal connection between two or more sections of tubing includes a male fitting and a female fitting. Connection assemblies generally include the male fitting having a pair of clasps that releasably interact with corresponding catch structures on the female fitting. Interactions between the female and male fittings can be rotatable with respect to the male and/or female fittings. Buckle structures are also disclosed having connection capabilities for a plurality of sections of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clark Wicks, Bruce Alan Williams
  • Patent number: 7866710
    Abstract: A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Sheppard, Dario Bettio
  • Patent number: 7857360
    Abstract: A coupler that can be configured for easy insertion and removal from an unthreaded cavity within a manifold or other part. The coupler includes an axially movable lock member that also carries a valve member for sealing against a valve seat of a main coupler body. The coupler also has a plurality of radially flexible fingers spaced apart by slots, and a lock member has one or more stop portions that engage the fingers to prevent radial collapse of the fingers for retention of the coupler in the cavity in the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd D. Lambert, Shawn D. Ellis, Brian K. Foner
  • Patent number: 7837646
    Abstract: A shunt system quick connector assembly to quickly connect and disconnect a catheter to a hydrocephalus shunt system comprising a valve in a valve housing. The catheter is affixed to the quick connector assembly. The quick connector assembly snaps over an external barb on the valve housing of the shunt system with an audible sound, so that the surgeon knows that connection has been made. The connector assembly can be operated quickly, minimizing the time for the surgical procedure and the opportunity for infection. The connector assembly has smooth surfaces to minimize the growing of tissue into the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Bruce Eidinger, Kendra McGrath, Joshua Rigberg, Peter Callaway, Mark Macomber
  • Patent number: 7802824
    Abstract: A connecting piece for a tubing including a first unit and a second unit is provided. The first unit includes a first connecting element for a tubing element and a second connecting part for the second unit. The second connecting element includes a tubular female part for engagement with the second unit and first sealing elements, and the second unit includes a tubular male part with a collar and second sealing elements for cooperating with the first sealing elements. The first and second units further include separator elements. The first sealing elements and the second sealing elements are configured for mutual locking engagement by moving a male part and a female part axially towards each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Unomedical A/S
    Inventors: Bjarne Lasse Christensen, Trygve Kalf Hansen
  • Patent number: 7798177
    Abstract: A transition sleeve is inserted into a transition tube of a vacuum system of a vacuum sweeper. The transition sleeve extends the useful life of the transition tube by sacrificially wearing instead of the transition tube. Such wear arises from abrasive grit and other materials swept up by the vacuum sweeper. The transition sleeve is desirably formed using wear-resistant materials. The transition sleeve can include a flange at one end to allow the transition sleeve to be held in the transition tube without using fasteners or bonding agents. A first portion of an interconnection structure is provided at the other end of the transition sleeve and engages with a second portion of the interconnection structure provided at a first end of an extension sleeve to connect the extension sleeve to the transition sleeve. The extension sleeve allows the transition sleeve to be used with transition tubes of varying lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Blair, Shawn M. Beltz, Timothy W. Rowles, Charles Embrey
  • Patent number: 7784836
    Abstract: An air filter connecting unit having a connecting flange (11) and a connecting nipple (20) that can be coupled to the connecting flange via a snap connection. The connecting flange (11) has a round receptacle (13) provided with an inside thread flight (12) that is subdivided into individual, resilient, curved thread flight segments (12.1, 12.2, . . . , 12.n). The associated connecting nipple (20) has a generally cylindrical construction and an advancing thread (22) which ends in a free-running groove (23) on the connecting nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Dworatzek, Ralf Bauder
  • Patent number: 7735468
    Abstract: An electronic throttle device includes a throttle body, a bulge, and a ring. The throttle body includes a bore part having an approximately cylindrical shape. The bore part is connected to an upstream air hose such that the upstream air hose is located on an outside of the bore part and is fastened with a fastening member from an outside of the upstream air hose. The bulge is discontinuously located along an outer circumference of the bore part and has a groove along an outer circumference of the bulge. The ring has a cross-sectional dimension larger than a depth of the groove in a radial direction of the bore part, and is located into the groove to configurate a protruding part that protrudes radially outwardly and extends entirely on the outer circumference of the bore part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanimura, Tomiharu Isogai
  • Patent number: 7699360
    Abstract: A novel design for the connection of lengths of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) casing. Each length of casing has a male end and a female end. The female end has a narrowing interior diameter with its wider interior diameter at its outermost end sufficient to receive the male end of similar length of casing for connection. The diameter of the female end narrows to a diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the male end. The male end has a lip at its leading edge and is slotted and compressible when forced through the narrowed diameter of the female end. A groove in the interior surface of the female end is sufficient to receive the lip at the leading edge of the male end. When the lip at the leading edge of the male end reaches the groove, it allows the compressed male end to expand with the groove receiving the lip therein. The connected lengths of casing are locked together in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: Morris G. Haney, Roy L. Thein
  • Patent number: 7690694
    Abstract: A quick coupling device comprising a body (5) axially subdivided into a link section (6) for linking to a first duct (1), and a connection section (7) arranged to receive in leaktight manner one end of a second duct (2), the body being associated with a retaining member (22) possessing tabs (24) that are elastically deformable between a state of gripping an outer bead (4) on the end of the second duct, and a state of releasing the bead, the retaining member being mounted on the body to turn between a free deformation position in which the tabs can deform between their two states, and at least one holding position in which the tabs cooperate with a surface (20, 21) that is secured to the body and that holds the tabs in one of their two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Legris SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Poder
  • Patent number: 7686349
    Abstract: A tube coupling includes a body having a cylindrical projection to engage in a tube to be secured to the body. A grab ring is mounted by arms having openings to snap onto abutments on the coupling body. The grab ring encircles with a clearance the projection and engages an outer surface of a tube pushed onto the projection to grip and resist withdrawal of the tube from the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Stephen Guest
  • Patent number: 7677608
    Abstract: When a retainer is mounted on or in a retainer mounting portion and is positioned at an inserting position, a pipe is inserted into the retainer mounting portion. An annular engaging projection of the pipe advances in the connector housing while spreading leg portions of the retainer outwardly. When the annular engaging projection reaches a connecting position, the retainer is automatically moved to an engaging position and snap-engages with the annular engaging projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7618069
    Abstract: A tube is insertable into a housing and secured by a collet connector. The tube has a first upset portion for actuating the collet and a second upset portion outwardly from the first upset portion. A retention clip has a first pair of arms which attach to a portion of the housing and a second pair of arms which attach to the tube outwardly of the second upset portion to further secure the tube within the housing. The end of each of the second pair of arms include a ramped surface. If the tube is not fully inserted within the housing before attaching clip, and thus the first upset portion has not fully actuated the collet, the ramps will cam along the second upset portion, thus pushing the tube into the housing and likewise the first upset portion through the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew David Lutzke
  • Patent number: 7611171
    Abstract: A piping joint device for connecting a first piping member having a male joint and a second piping member having a female joint includes: a piping joint member provided with a plurality of diametrically deformable engagement portions; and a plurality of window portions provided in an extension cylinder portion of the second piping member to be engaged with the engagement portions. The male joint of the first piping member is inserted into the female joint of the second piping member in one touch by using deformation of the engagement portions, and a detent portion is provided at an engagement position where the engagement portions engage with the first piping member to prevent a rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7604258
    Abstract: A heat exchanger, in particular a brazed heat exchanger (1) for motor vehicles, has at least one header tank (2) having two junction pieces (3, 4), a binocular-shaped flange (7) for the fastening of pipes and being inserted into the junction pieces (3, 4) which are arranged adjacently at a spacing a with respect to one another. The flange (7) can be produced from plastic and is formed in two parts, so that it is divided essentially in a plane T which is arranged between, preferably at half the spacing “a” between, the junction pieces (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Getto, Alexander Schaudt
  • Patent number: 7588562
    Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing configured for receipt of fluid and/or tissue for collecting fluid therefrom. A holder is configured with the housing to receive an evacuated tube. The holder can include a needle hub supporting a needle cannula in fluid communication with a port extending into a fluid well of the housing. A sloped bottom surface of the housing directs fluid to the fluid well. A sidewall extension or support component extends downward beyond the sloped bottom surface to allow the housing to be stood upright on a flat surface. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a tubular cavity to provide a recessed location of the needle cannula for preventing accidental needle injuries. An optional cap provides further shielding from needle cannula and safely maintains fluid in housing after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Mary Jo. A. Toomey, Bradley M. Stewart, Lee C. Burnes, Eugene E. Weilbacher
  • Patent number: RE41302
    Abstract: A sprinkler device, especially for units for the spray distribution of dispersing water and other similar liquids, comprising an at least partly hollow central body defining a longitudinal axis, a connecting sleeve to a supply line removably secured to the central body, a convergent to plants includes a deflector member disposed downstream from a nozzle to accelerate the liquid located between the central body and the sleeve, a diverter unit located downstream from the nozzle to for diverting the flow a stream of fluid from the nozzle in a substantially transverse direction so as to spray disperse the fluid outwards, first snap means to connect the nozzle to the sleeve . The first snap connection means are arranged so as to hold the nozzle in an axially immobilised position with respect to the sleeve when the latter is fitted to and disconnected from the central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Arno Drechsel