Coupling To Conduit Patents (Class 29/237)
  • Patent number: 11939767
    Abstract: A cap and tube or seal setting apparatus comprises an anchor holding fixture having a surface for receiving a post tension anchor. An actuator is operably mounted to one side of the anchor holding fixture and in some embodiments has a cap setter attached to a movable part of the actuator. In some embodiments a tube or seal holding fixture is mounted to a support base and disposed on an opposed side of the anchor holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: P. T. Atlas Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Nate Mikulsky
  • Patent number: 11927290
    Abstract: A multipurpose connector for connecting a multiplicity of lines of an aircraft monument. The multipurpose connector comprises a base bracket, a system connector plate configured to receive a multiplicity of first line adapters, a monument connector plate configured to receive at least one second line adapter, and a movement device configured to move the system connector plate relative to the base bracket and the monument connector plate between an open position and a closed position. The system connector plate is, in the closed position, arranged relative to the monument connector plate such that the at least one second line adapter of the monument connector plate is operatively connected to an associated first line adapter of the system connector plate, and, in the open position of the system connector plate, the multiplicity of first line adapters and the at least one second line adapter are detached from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Le Polotec, Tammo Bahns
  • Patent number: 11648602
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a grab ring having a grab notch and a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment. The system includes a swage machine, which includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with the grab notch to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the swage machine, a die plate including a die that opens away from the grab plate, and a swaging actuator secured to the die plate. The swage machine operates the swaging actuator to move the die plate over the fitting jacket in an outwardly axial direction away from the grab plate to facilitate conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Gregory, Richard Charles Lawrence, John Paul Leger, Mikel Lee Lewis
  • Patent number: 11578824
    Abstract: A crimping tool is described comprising a first crimping member, a second crimping member, at least one intermediate crimping member, a first sliding member and a second sliding member. The free ends of the first crimping member and the second crimping member form an opening of the crimping tool. The first crimping member, the at least one intermediate crimping member, and the second crimping member are sequentially hinged together via connecting devices. The first sliding member is slidably disposed on the free end of the first crimping member. The second sliding member is slidably disposed on the free end of the second crimping member. The first sliding member is adjacent to the second sliding member. The inner sides of the first crimping member, the at least one intermediate crimping member, the second crimping member, the first sliding member, and the second sliding member are formed to be pressed with the workpiece to be crimped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ridge Tool Company
    Inventors: LeiHua Chen, Qi Zhou
  • Patent number: 11471652
    Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus facilitates attachment of an extension wire to a guidewire. The apparatus includes a body portion including a lumen sized to accommodate a distal end of the extension wire therein. A cutout is defined within a portion of a sidewall of the body portion, the cutout allowing access to the lumen. A funnel portion is disposed within a distal end of the body portion and includes an opening in the distal end of the body portion. The funnel portion includes a tapered wall converging from the opening to the lumen, wherein, with the distal end of the extension wire disposed within the lumen, the funnel portion facilitates alignment and attachment of a proximal end of the guidewire with the distal end of the extension wire. In other examples, a system or a method facilitates attachment of an extension wire to a guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Lake Region Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: John Matthew Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11426564
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a drug coating layer capable of preventing breakage of elongated drug crystals on a surface of a balloon and maintaining the drug crystals in an appropriate shape in order to act on a living body. The method includes supplying a coating solution which contains the water-insoluble drug, a water-soluble additive, an organic solvent, and water to the surface of the balloon and evaporating the organic solvent and the water to form an additive layer containing the water-soluble additive and a protruding crystal having a tip end protruding from the additive layer, cutting a surplus portion protruding from the additive layer of the protruding crystal from a part surrounded by the additive layer and forming the part surrounded by the additive layer as the elongated body, and removing the cut-out surplus portion from the drug coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuo Kurosaki, Hiroshi Goto, Yuno Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 11400508
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a grab ring having a grab notch and a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment. The system includes a swage machine, which includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with the grab notch to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the swage machine, a die plate including a die that opens away from the grab plate, and a swaging actuator secured to the die plate. The swage machine operates the swaging actuator to move the die plate over the fitting jacket in an outwardly axial direction away from the grab plate to facilitate conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Gregory, Richard Charles Lawrence, John Paul Leger, Mikel Lee Lewis
  • Patent number: 11391394
    Abstract: A pipe laying device (T) connected to the jib (F) of a transport machine and carrying the pipe to be laid (T) to tight-fit it into a laid pipe (To). This coupling head (1) comprises a vertical axis (YY) swiveling link (11) and a horizontal axis (Z) tilting link (12). It comprises a guide rail (2) with a bearing (21) for positioning and attachment to the end of the laid pipe (To) and aligning the pipe to be laid (T) with the laid pipe (To) and a carrier (3) forming a telescopic tube (30) tight-fitted to the guide rail (2) and operating in relation to it; the carrier (3) carries the pipe to be laid (T) and tight-fitted to the laid pipe (To). The guide rail (2) is connected to the coupling head (1) through the telescopic tube (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: ACIMEX
    Inventors: Pascal Renard, Julien Dhenne
  • Patent number: 11390046
    Abstract: A tubular material application system for applying a tubular material onto an elongate mandrel includes a gripper system including a first gripper and a second gripper configured to move with inchworm-type movement along an elongated mandrel and incrementally apply a tubular material onto the mandrel to thereby result in a tubular material-mandrel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Darrell D. Jones, Paul Chace Wilcoxson, Raviendra S. Suriyaarachchi
  • Patent number: 11384871
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an axial swage tool configured to axially swage a fitting to a tube, a cable, or other such item of manufacture. The swage tool can be configured to utilize swaging engagement members for grasping and driving a swaging ring over a fitting. The swaging ring thereby radially compresses the fitting around the tube or other item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: AEROFIT, LLC
    Inventor: Srinivas B. Suresh
  • Patent number: 11378210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a connection section (33) of a hose (3) with a plug-in connector (4). The plug-in connector (4) comprises a connector body (6), which connector body (6) has a ring space (22). In a first method step, the connection section (33) is pushed into the ring space (22) of the plug-in connector (4) of the hose (3) from the hose accommodation side (25) of the connector body (6), and positioned there; in a second method step, a pressing tool (50) deforms the first mantle section (12) of the connector body (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Henn GmbH & Co KG.
    Inventors: Harald Hartmann, Christian Moosbrugger
  • Patent number: 11365836
    Abstract: A pulling and alignment system for flanged components has pairs of flange attachments fixed to respective flanges of components that are to be pulled together and aligned for coupling. A puller device is supported by a flange attachment of each pair. A flexible elongate pulling link extends between the flange attachments of the pair and is engaged by, and movable relative to, the puller device to act in tension between those flange attachments. Each flange attachment is a flange extension that comprises an arm cantilevered from a mounting to extend beyond the flange and to hold the pulling link outboard of the flange. The pulling link is an articulated rod having a longitudinal series of rigid elements, each of those elements being pivotably coupled to at least one other of those elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Subsea 7 do Brasil Servicos Ltda
    Inventor: Luiz Carlos De Lemos Junior
  • Patent number: 11318522
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a grab ring having a grab notch and a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment. Additionally, the system includes a swage machine, which includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with the grab notch on the grab ring to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the swage machine, a die plate in which a die is loaded, and a swaging actuator secured to the die plate. The swage machine operates the swaging actuator to push the die plate over the fitting jacket of the pipe fitting to facilitate conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment via a forward stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Gregory, Richard Charles Lawrence, John Paul Leger, Mikel Lee Lewis
  • Patent number: 11292104
    Abstract: A pipe clamp apparatus and method consists of a pressure block and a pipe wrap connected with the pressure block. A pressure applicator is connected with the pressure block and a pipe alignment guide is connected with the pressure applicator where the pipe alignment guide is configured to receive two separate pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventors: William Mank, Matthew Brunnig
  • Patent number: 11255165
    Abstract: A subsea arrangement including a base structure; a tubular member rotatably mounted to the base structure through an annular bearing, wherein a section of the envelop surface of the tubular member is covered by a layer of thermally insulating material; a ring-shaped insulating member of open cell polymer foam mounted to the tubular member, wherein an inner edge of the insulating member is in contact with the envelop surface of the tubular member and the insulating member protrudes radially from the tubular member. The insulating member is positioned between an inner edge of the layer and the annular bearing with a first lateral surface of the insulating member in sliding contact with the inner edge of the layer and with an opposite second lateral surface of the insulating member in contact with a part of the annular bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY SCANDINAVIA AS
    Inventors: Olav Hande, Morten Voldsund Karlsen, Rolf Bastesen, Marius Rosvold
  • Patent number: 11198202
    Abstract: A fixture for supporting a workpiece during a machining operation is disclosed. The fixture may include a seat configured to receive the workpiece. The fixture may further include a quick release lever mounted to the fixture and configured to displace the workpiece from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Butler, Kenneth L. Mask, Steve B. Barnett, Joey R. Bain
  • Patent number: 11154922
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment and a swage machine. The pipe fitting includes a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment. The swage machine includes a grab plate that interlocks with the pipe fitting, a die plate, in which a die is to be loaded in the die plate, a swaging actuator secured to the die plate, in which the swaging actuator facilitates conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment by causing the die plate and the grab plate of the swage machine to move toward one another, and a die retainer actuator secured to the grab plate of the swage machine, in which the die retainer actuator extends through the grab plate toward the die plate and pushes against the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Mikel Lee Lewis
  • Patent number: 11130207
    Abstract: A transport tool capable of carrying out attaching an object to an attachment position while positioning the object in a predetermined positional relationship with the attachment position. The transport tool includes a base, a holding section movably supported by the base in a predetermined direction and configured to hold an object, and a positioning section that is provided to the base and configured to arrange the object held by the holding section in a preparation position having a predetermined positional relationship with the attachment position, the positioning section allowing the execution of an attachment operation of attaching the object, which has been arranged in the preparation position, to the attachment position by movement of the holding section relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masayoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 11117247
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an attachment for a base jaw of a pressing tool for pressing fittings in order to produce pipe connections, comprising an attachment body, a pressing section, formed on the attachment body, to form half of a jaw opening, and comprising a connecting section, formed on the attachment body, for a connection to the base jaw. The technical problem of providing attachments for exchangeable jaws, base jaws and systems which allow an improved use for fittings of different nominal widths is solved in that the pressing section and the connecting section are arranged at a distance from one another. The invention also relates to a base jaw and to a system consisting of at least two pairs of attachments and one pair of base jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Viega Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Rischen, Markus Faulstich
  • Patent number: 11090789
    Abstract: A sliding element for transmitting a sliding force onto a sliding sleeve which is provided to be slid, at least in sections, onto a widened end region of a tube has at least one stop surface with a recess, wherein the stop surface is designed for arranging the sliding sleeve on the stop surface and the recess is designed for the arrangement of a portion of the tube. The stop surface has an edge facing away from the recess and an edge facing the recess. The stop surface comprises at least two raised regions which are arranged spaced apart from that edge of the stop surface which faces away from the recess, and/or the stop surface comprises two extension portions which extend the stop surface on both sides of the recess beyond the end of a respective limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: REHAU CONSTRUCTION LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Kirchberger, Thomas Schaaf, Hansi Homburg, Oliver Vocks
  • Patent number: 11090708
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting and a swage machine. The swage machine includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with a grab notch on the pipe fitting to facilitate securing the swage machine to the pipe fitting and a die plate having a die seat that enables a set of die segments to be used to conformally deform the pipe fitting around the tubing of the pipe segment to be loaded in the swage machine. The die plate and the grab plate include a base plate section, a hinge plate secured to the base plate section via a hinge fastener such that the hinge plate directly abuts the base plate section, and a pivotable plate section secured to the hinge plate via a hinge fastener such that the hinge plate directly abuts the pivotable plate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Leger, Dale Brian Marietta
  • Patent number: 11065669
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a grab ring having a grab notch and a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment. Additionally, the system includes a swage machine, which includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with the grab notch on the grab ring to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the swage machine, a die plate in which a die is loaded, and a swaging actuator secured to the die plate. The swage machine operates the swaging actuator to push the die plate over the fitting jacket of the pipe fitting to facilitate conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment via a forward stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Gregory, Richard Charles Lawrence, John Paul Leger, Mikel Lee Lewis
  • Patent number: 11065670
    Abstract: Techniques for implementing and/or operating a system that includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment, in which the pipe fitting includes a grab ring having a grab notch and a fitting jacket to be conformally deformed around tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment. The system includes a swage machine, which includes a grab plate having a grab tab that matingly interlocks with the grab notch to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the swage machine, a die plate including a die that opens away from the grab plate, and a swaging actuator secured to the die plate. The swage machine operates the swaging actuator to move the die plate over the fitting jacket in an outwardly axial direction away from the grab plate to facilitate conformally deforming the fitting jacket around the tubing of the pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Gregory, Richard Charles Lawrence, John Paul Leger, Mikel Lee Lewis
  • Patent number: 11045931
    Abstract: When coupling tubular parts by fitting, the seal interposed between them may roll on itself, be pinched or damaged. Now, a twisted or damaged seal no longer correctly ensures the seal-tightness and it is very difficult to detect this. The present application discloses a tool for installing a seal between two tubular parts, one male and one female, including a compression ring to encircle the male part and exert a compression on the seal before producing the join. The tool also includes a tongue that can be positioned at a chamfered surface of the female tubular part. The tongue makes it possible to offer the pre-compressed seal with the dimensions of the female part a continuous travel making it possible to prevent any twisting or other effect compromising the seal-tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: Airbus Operations LTD., Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: David Petit, Geneviève Schubetzer, Damien Fraysse, Serge Vernet, Sophie Gourdon, Nicolas Charmes, Mathieu Trindade, Joel Antic
  • Patent number: 10994397
    Abstract: A tool usable to insert tubing fittings into tubing includes a first handle and a second handle, each with a connection end and a gripping end. The connection end of the second handle is movably connected to the connection end of the first handle, the gripping end of the second handle being biased away from the gripping end of the first handle. A tube-gripping element is mounted on the first handle, and a fitting alignment fixture is mounted on the second handle. The tube-gripping element is configured to move into a first position to hold the tubing or into a second position to release the tubing, while the fitting alignment fixture is configured to press a protruding portion of the tubing fitting into an open end of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Adam Frock, Richard Frock
  • Patent number: 10967522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twin gripper (1) for gripping two round-profile portions (2, 3) simultaneously, having a first mount (6) with a first bearing means (6a) and a further first bearing means (6b), and having a second mount (7) with a second bearing means (7a) and a further second bearing means (7b), wherein the first and second bearing means (6a, 7a) are connected to one another in a fixed position, and the first and second further bearing means (6b, 7b) are connected to one another in a resilient manner, and the two bearing means (6a, 7a) can be displaced back and forth in a displacement direction (V) in relation to the two further bearing means (6b, 7b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Rattunde AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Patent number: 10940029
    Abstract: A crimper device can facilitate sheathing of a stent frame for vascular delivery. The device can include first and second components that rotate relative to each other to drive radial movement of one or more compression members of the device. The one or more compression members can direct and balance a compressive force within an aperture of the device. In use, the stent frame can be positioned within the aperture and be compacted by actuation of the compression members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: JC MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon G. Walsh
  • Patent number: 10926314
    Abstract: In a method for joining bumper members, a bumper reinforcement including a rear inclined wall provided with a hole, and a bumper stay in a hollow shape are prepared. The method for joining bumper members includes the steps of: inserting the bumper stay through the hole of the bumper reinforcement to pass through the rear inclined wall; inserting rubber into the bumper stay; and compressing the rubber in a direction of an axis L of the bumper stay to expand the rubber outward from inside to expand and deform at least a portion of the bumper stay inserted into the hole, thereby joining the bumper stay to the rear inclined wall by press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Maeda, Toru Hashimura, Junya Naitou, Hideto Katsuma
  • Patent number: 10899027
    Abstract: A portable, hand held hydraulic cutting tool having an in-line handle assembly and a working head assembly. The handle assembly has a tool frame portion and a neck portion. The working head assembly has a pair of jaw members joined so that they are movable relative to each other and held in place by a locking pin. Each jaw member has a cutting blade attached thereto. Each jaw member can be tapered and can include weight reducing pockets defined in respective sidewalls. Each jaw member includes a raised tab on an outside edge that mates with a respective tab notch in a yoke of the neck portion of the handle assembly. When the locking pin is in an extended position, the jaw members of the tool can separate and rotate away from one another until their respective locking tabs engage their respective locking tab opening, connecting the jaw members to the yoke of the neck portion of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Hubbell Inorporated
    Inventors: Peter Matthew Wason, John David Lefavour
  • Patent number: 10828757
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an axial swage tool configured to axially swage a fitting to a tube, a cable, or other such item of manufacture. The swage tool can be configured to utilize swaging engagement members for grasping and driving a swaging ring over a fitting. The swaging ring thereby radially compresses the fitting around the tube or other item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AEROFIT, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Gallegos, Srinivas B. Suresh
  • Patent number: 10815740
    Abstract: Gripping apparatus includes a body, a pair of legs extending from the body and separated by a gap, and a gripping head opposite the legs. A magnet or other adhering fastener is supported on an inwardly facing surface of the legs. The legs straddle an extendable member of a chuck device, the adhering fastener retaining the body on the extendable member. The gripping head includes teeth or another gripping surface for engaging a tubular member that is disposed in the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Dreco Energy Services, ULC
    Inventor: Kenneth Joseph Mayenburg
  • Patent number: 10802002
    Abstract: Described is a chromatographic column assembly that includes an outer tube comprising a metal, a first conduit disposed within the outer tube, a second conduit disposed within the outer tube, and a first joint located between the first conduit and the second conduit. The outer tube is deformed by a first uniform radial crimp at a longitudinal location along the outer tube that surrounds the first conduit on a first side of the first joint, and a second uniform radial cramp at a longitudinal location along the outer tube that surrounds the second conduit on a second side of the first joint. The first and second uniform radial cramps form a fluid-tight seal between the first conduit and the second conduit and each have a substantially flat base region over which a diameter of the outer tube is reduced for a non-zero longitudinal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph D. Michienzi, Keith Fadgen, Wade P. Leveille, Raymond P. Fisk, Frank John Marszalkowski, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10799988
    Abstract: A pipe alignment tool may be used to hoist and align two pipe ends and may comprise: a chain and an alignment bar. The alignment bar may comprise: an elongate bar with a pipe contacting member and a chain support slidably coupled to the elongate bar for guiding and retaining the chain. The method for aligning two pipe ends may comprise the steps of: providing the pipe alignment tool; lassoing the chain around a first pipe; guiding and securing the chain to the chain support of the pipe alignment tool; hoisting the chain and first pipe by lifting the alignment bar; and aligning the two pipe ends by repositioning the elongate bar and engaging an upper portion of the second pipe with the pipe contacting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Galen Marks
  • Patent number: 10781940
    Abstract: A system and method for coupling sections of pipe is disclosed, wherein the system preferably comprises a frame, a carriage and a controller. In embodiments, the frame comprises a pipe frame, which preferably extends substantially the entire length of the system and may be secured via a chain. The system in a preferred embodiment may be secured to a piece of machinery, such as an excavator bucket, back hoe or equivalent machinery for moving a first section of pipe to a location where a second section of pipe resides for coupling the first and second sections of pipe. Methods of use are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Inventor: Lance Rundle
  • Patent number: 10639772
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for advancing a coupling along a length of pipe. The apparatus or tool is designed to sit on a segment of the pipe's outer circumference, adjacent to the coupling edge. The tool is repeatedly struck with a hammer or mallet and the force from each strike is transferred from the tool to the coupling, advancing that coupling along the pipe length until it is in the proper position. The tool geometry conforms to a portion of the pipe's exterior surface contour as well as the edge of the coupling, increasing the efficiency of the tool and minimizing damage to the fitting and pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas Twum
  • Patent number: 10589343
    Abstract: A tool assembly for forming a workpiece with an outer surface into a housing with a non-round design outer profile. The tool assembly includes a number of jaw segments, each jaw segment having an internal surface for engaging the outer surface. The jaw segments are movable between a first condition and a second condition, in which the internal surfaces of the jaw segments substantially define the design outer profile of the housing. Each internal surface has a preselected end point associated therewith defined by a radius centered on the preselected end point that is substantially coincident with the portion of the design outer profile defined by the internal surface. Each jaw segment is movable toward the preselected end point therefor when moved from the first condition to the second condition, and away from the preselected end point therefor when moved from the second condition to the first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GWS Tube Forming Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Sojak, James E. Kys
  • Patent number: 10451594
    Abstract: Described is a tubing assembly which includes a permanently deformable outer tube, an intermediate tube and an inner tube. A radial seal is provided by a uniform radial crimp having a non-zero longitudinal length at a longitudinal location on the tubing assembly. In some embodiments one or both ends of the assembly have a uniform radial crimp and are polished so that the ends of two or more of the tubes are substantially flush with each other to thereby block the passage of fluids between the ends of the tubes. In other embodiments the uniform radial crimps are at other longitudinal locations where a high pressure seal is desired. The longitudinal length and the depth of each uniform radial crimp can be formed to accommodate the requirements of a particular application so that leakage along the tubing assembly is prevented and void volume is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph D. Michienzi
  • Patent number: 10454232
    Abstract: A terminal locator for holding a terminal in a crimping zone of a terminal crimping device includes a housing configured to be positioned forward of crimp tooling defining the crimping zone. The housing has a terminal cavity extending along a terminal axis configured to receive the terminal such that a crimp barrel of the terminal extends rearward of the housing along the terminal axis into the crimping zone for crimping to a wire. A spacer is held by the housing. The spacer has a spacer blocking surface configured to locate the terminal and block axial rearward movement of the terminal. A latch is held by the housing. The latch is deflectable to allow insertion and removal of the terminal from the terminal cavity, the latch having a latch blocking surface configured to locate the terminal and block axial forward movement of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Corporation
    Inventors: Chadwick Alan Kerstetter, Todd Matthew Troutman
  • Patent number: 10443772
    Abstract: A pipe joint structure provided with: a heel section configured so that a spigot formed on the end section of a pipe is inserted via a seal member into a socket formed in the end section of another pipe and seal member is fitted to a recessed section formed on the inner circumferential section of the socket; and a valve section compressed between the inner circumferential surface of the socket and the outer circumferential surface of the spigot. Additionally, a marker member is provided to the heel section that is accommodated in the recessed section. The socket circumference section of the pipe joint structure is subjected to non-contact inspection by a marker detection device from the spigot-side pipe along the axial direction of the pipe and the quality of the joining state of the pipe joint structure is determined on the basis of whether the marker member is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shozo Kishi, Takaaki Kagawa, Keita Oda, Yuito Komaru
  • Patent number: 10427127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated radiosynthesis device adapted for enhanced automatic disconnection of a disposable kit once a radiosynthesis has been carried out. The automated radiosynthesis device of the invention therefore reduces the time to remove the disposable kit from the radiosynthesis device and reduces radiation exposure to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventor: Philippe Dumont
  • Patent number: 10427207
    Abstract: A press apparatus includes a press assembly and an activation assembly. The press assembly includes a plurality of dies. The plurality of dies defines a center opening for receiving a work piece. The central opening defines a central longitudinal axis. The activation assembly is adapted to actuate the press assembly. The activation assembly includes a first switch and a second switch. The second switch includes a capacitive touch surface that faces in a direction toward the central longitudinal axis of the press assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER, LTD.
    Inventors: Eric D. Orcutt, Ryan Thomas Ellerbrock
  • Patent number: 10421165
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in installing and verifying installation of a seal member in a component, and including a housing defining an interior sized to receive the component therein, and a moveable lid selectively positionable between a loading position and a sensing position. The apparatus also includes at least one seal sensor coupled to the moveable lid and configured to selectively align with a first sensing point on the component when the moveable lid is in the sensing position. The at least one seal sensor is configured to only actuate when pressed against the seal member positioned at the first sensing point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jafor Khaledi, Karan Virmani
  • Patent number: 10400921
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an axial swage tool configured to axially swage a fitting to a tube, a cable, or other such item of manufacture. The swage tool can be configured to utilize swaging engagement members for grasping and driving a swaging ring over a fitting. The swaging ring thereby radially compresses the fitting around the tube or other item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: AEROFIT, LLC
    Inventor: Srinivas B. Suresh
  • Patent number: 10224789
    Abstract: A wire conductor alignment apparatus aligns wire conductors of coil members provided in a core of a dynamo electric motor or generator for welding the ends thereof. The apparatus has a plurality of circumferentially arranged first passages and a plurality of circumferentially arranged second passages. Each first passages is overlapped with a second passage to form a pair, each pair of passages form a combined third passage, and each third passage is configured to receive at least one end portion of at least two wire conductors of a coil member of a dynamo electric machine. The apparatus also has an actuator for moving at least one of the plurality of first passages and the plurality of second passages relative to one another in a circumferential direction to cause a respective end portion of a wire conductor for welding thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ATOP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Rubino Corbinelli, Massimo Ponzio
  • Patent number: 10137017
    Abstract: A crimper device can facilitate sheathing of a stent frame for vascular delivery. The device can include first and second components that rotate relative to each other to drive radial movement of one or more compression members of the device. The one or more compression members can direct and balance a compressive force within an aperture of the device. In use, the stent frame can be positioned within the aperture and be compacted by actuation of the compression members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: SUZHOU JIECHENG MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Brandon G. Walsh
  • Patent number: 10107418
    Abstract: The disclosed subsea clamp tensioning system includes predictability of gasket pre-load to input closure and allows a subsea clamp tensioning system to be closed and made-up without the hindrance of frictional loads that will cause a loss of tension in a drive screw. In an embodiment, the subsea clamp tensioning system tensions the drive screw by applying a set torque load into an API class torque bucket which translates into an applied tension at the drive screw. The tension load on the drive screw applies the gasket pre-load required to create a metal-to-metal seal between the two clamp hubs. Once complete and tested, the subsea clamp tensioning system may be removed and mounted onto a connector tool for retrieval to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Lane Rice
  • Patent number: 10010925
    Abstract: A swage apparatus includes a main body for supporting a coupling such that an axis of the coupling is oriented in a first direction, a stopper which comes into contact with one member of a first member or a second member of the coupling and restricts the one member from moving in the first direction, a pusher which comes into contact with the other member of the first member or the second member and pushes the other member in the first direction, and a cover member for covering the coupling so as to prevent the axis of the coupling from becoming displaced. The axis can thereby be prevented from becoming displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Fumito Kajitani, Hideaki Sakurai, Takahiro Kubota
  • Patent number: 9979151
    Abstract: Crimping tool including a first tool part having a first crimping die and a plurality of first crimping elements, a second tool part having a second crimping die and a plurality of second crimping elements, a first actuator being movable relative to the first crimping die along an actuation axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, wherein the first actuator actuates the first crimping elements moving the first crimping elements in a radial direction, and a second actuator being movable relative to the second crimping die along the actuation axis, wherein the second actuator actuates the second crimping elements moving the second crimping elements in a radial direction, wherein a subset of the first crimping elements and a subset of the second crimping elements are moved consecutively by moving the first actuator and second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: YAZAKI EUROPE LTD.
    Inventors: Zelimir Loncar, Ivan Trgovcic, Ozren Milazzi, Vedran Kovac
  • Patent number: 9937038
    Abstract: A crimping tool and method for reducing an external dimension of a compressible prosthetic device, the crimping tool comprising a first member comprising a first control surface collapsible between a first state and a second state, the first member having a first open end configured for introducing the prosthetic device when the first control surface is in the first state, and a second open end configured for allowing locking of the prosthetic device when introduced into the first member; an engagement portion that moves the first control surface from the first state to the second state; and an actuator portion for moving the first member along the longitudinal axis allowing the engagement portion to interact with the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BIOTRONIK AG
    Inventors: Brian Murphy, Markus Hepke, Nils Le Cerf
  • Patent number: 9908204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for interchanging welding tips of a spot welding gun. According to the present invention, an apparatus for interchanging welding tips of a spot welding gun comprises: a post frame provided with a connection plate on a top surface; a tip-removal means coupled at a predetermined position on one side surface of the post frame; and a tip-setting means coupled to a top surface of the connection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA T&M CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-Hae Lee, Du-Hyeon Song, Joo-Hyun Lee