Patents Assigned to Helix Enterprises, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5078188
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off duel dispensing nozzle with a flow rate limiting mechanism. The nozzle includes a valve which controls the flow of fuel through a passage leading from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet which is normally connected to a spout. This valve is responsive to a manually operable lever and to a vacuum operated release mechanism which automatically shuts the flow of fuel through the nozzle off when the level of fuel in a tank reaches a preselected level or when the flow of fuel through the nozzle reaches a preselected threshold rate of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Helix, Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Manhardt
  • Patent number: 5018546
    Abstract: A fluid coupling having a pair of body members having fluid passageways through which fluid may flow through an inlet in one of the body members and out an outlet in the other member. One of the body members is connected in flow communication with a flexible hose, and the other body member is connected in flow communication to a rigid conduit by a connecting member about which the body members may rotate relative to a swivel axis. Valving shuts flow communication through the body members when they uncouple. If the excessive tensile force is axially applied through the hose to the coupling, the body members uncouple by pulling apart in the direction along the line of action of the force, but if the excessive tensile force is non-axially applied, the body members, if they cannot be aligned with the axial force vector to uncouple, will be uncoupled by a twisting action resulting from the bending load caused by the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Helix Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Carmack, James A. Asbury, Leonard R. Nitzberg
  • Patent number: 4827960
    Abstract: A tensile force actuated quick disconnecting coupling device for a fuel line having a vapor return has a pair of body members including interlocking elements which cooperatively couple and provide fuel and vapor passageways through the body members, and uncouple when a tensile force above a predetermined limit is interposed on the line. The interlocking elements are in the form of a mortise and tenon connection having a detent type infrangible locking member for interconnecting the elements together. The interlocking elements pivot one relative to the other so that a combination swivel joint and quick disconnecting coupling device is provided. Valving is disposed within each body member so that when the body members uncouple respective valves close the fuel passageways therein. The valving may include cylindrical stems which abut and open the fuel passageways when the body members are coupled and additionally permit pivoting of one body member relatively to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Helix Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Carmack
  • Patent number: 4827961
    Abstract: A fluid swivel joint coupling has first and second body members pivotably connected together for pivoting about a swivel axis. The first body member includes an inlet portal, an outlet portal, a diverted fluid passageway opening into the outlet portal and a channel communicating the inlet portal with the diverted passageway. The second body member is pivotably mounted in flow communication with the outlet portal and has a second diverted passageway communicating through a second channel to a third portal. Each channel has an axis of elongation offset from the swivel axis so that fluid may enter the diverted passageway in the first body member tangentially from the first channel and flow therethrough in vortex fashion along the swivel axis into the second diverted passageway and leave the second diverted passageway tangentially to flow out the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Helix Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Carmack
  • Patent number: 4800913
    Abstract: A combination spherical swivel joint and quick disconnect coupling device for a fuel supply line or the like permits universal swiveling of a spherical member within a socket member while the members are connected together in flow communication, and has interconnectable means for uncoupling when an external tensile force above a predetermined limit is applied to the fuel line. Valving is disposed within the spherical member and within the socket member so that when the members uncouple the passageway within each member is closed. A retaining member positioned within the socket member maintains the coupling relationship during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Helix Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Carmack
  • Patent number: 4791961
    Abstract: A fluid swivel joint coupling has a body member, a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The body member includes an inlet portal, and outlet portal and a diverted fluid passageway connecting them. The first connecting member is pivotably mounted in flow communication with one of the portals for rotation about a first swivel axis, and the second connecting member is pivotably connected in flow communication with the other portal for rotation about a second swivel axis. The second connecting member has a diverted fluid passageway opening onto a third portal, a longitudinal axis extending through the third portal and a portion of the passageway. The first connecting member is operatively connected to a rigid conduit while the second connecting member is operatively connected at the third portal to a flexible conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Helix Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Carmack
  • Patent number: 4779638
    Abstract: A tensile force actuated fuel line quick disconnecting coupling device has a pair of body members including interlocking elements which cooperatively couple and provide a fuel passageway through the body members, and uncouple when a tensile force above a predetermined limit is interposed on the fuel line. The interlocking elements may be in the form of a mortise and tenon connection having a detent type infrangible locking member for interconnecting the elements together. The interlocking elements may pivot one relative to the other so that a combination swivel joint and quick disconnecting coupling device is provided. Various types of interlocking members are disclosed as are both infrangible and frangible locking means. Valving is disposed within each body member so that when the body members uncouple respective valves close the flow passageways therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Helix Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nitzberg, Paul D. Carmack