Patents Assigned to Miniature Precision Components
  • Patent number: 10661210
    Abstract: An oil separator including a housing that is separated by a partition assembly. The partition assembly includes a plurality of channels that each extend between a first opening and a second opening for passing oil-laden gases therethrough. A plurality of spiral members are each disposed in one of the channels, each define a helical flow path for guiding the oil-laden gases in the helical flow path about the spiral member to separate the oil from the oil-laden gases. One or more valves may be connected to at least one of the openings of the channels. The valves may be moveable in response to a predetermined pressure being applied against the valve. A fine mist separator assembly may include includes a fibrous pad disposed adjacent to and in alignment with the second openings for absorbing oil after the oil-laden gases have passed through the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon Meister-Place
  • Patent number: 10480699
    Abstract: A quick connector and assembly therewith is provided. The connector includes a housing having a tubular housing wall with an inner surface extending between open opposite ends with at least one locking opening extending through the wall. The inner surface bounds a through bore and forms a radially inwardly extending shoulder. A retaining member has an annular retainer wall with inner surface sized for receipt about at least a portion of the housing wall. The retainer wall has at least locking member resiliently biased radially inwardly for receipt through the opening of the housing wall in axially spaced relation from the shoulder by a gap, in which the annular collar of the insertion member is received and locked. The at least one locking member is restrained against substantial axial and rotational movement within the at least one opening, and thus, prevents unwanted removal of the insertion member from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon Meister, Tyler Walczak, William Kahabka, Tim Hammond
  • Patent number: 10286347
    Abstract: An oil separator for separating oil from oil-laden gases includes a housing having a plurality of cavities with an auger disposed in each cavity. Each auger has a helical flight extending about a longitudinal central axis between inlet and outlet ends. At least one of the augers has an annular wall extending from the inlet end with an end cap, including an inlet, extending thereover to delimit an inlet chamber. A valve head is disposed in the inlet chamber, wherein a spring member biases the valve head to perfect a seal over the inlet to inhibit the flow of oil-laden gases therethrough. The valve head is moveable against the bias of the spring member to an open position in response to pressure applied against the valve head sufficient to overcome the spring member bias to promote the flow of oil-laden gases through the inlet chamber and about the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon Meister, Christopher Jared Moncur, Ryan Tanner, Brad Hakes, Oscar Davidson, Jon Bunne
  • Patent number: 10247340
    Abstract: A locking quick connect assembly is provided for removably coupling a first tube and a second tube. A quick connect housing presents a central bore for receiving the second tube. A redundant latch component positionable between an unlocked position and a locked position may be provided to slidingly engage the quick connect housing. A twist lock retainer surrounds the quick connect housing and the redundant latch component. The redundant latch component includes an axially extending peg and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the peg. The twist lock retainer also includes a twist lock arm that locks against a bead of the second tube to resist separation. The twist lock arm extends perpendicularly to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to interleavingly engage the peg thus preventing unwanted decoupling of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen B. Arnold, Chad M. Dickman
  • Patent number: 10107433
    Abstract: A connector assembly and method of making and ensuring a reliable, fluid-tight connection, the assembly includes a housing a having a wall bounding a bore extending along a central longitudinal axis. The wall has a locking opening, a slot, and a window. A retaining member has a cylindrical wall received in the bore of the housing. The cylindrical wall has a detent received in the locking opening and a locking arm cantilevered by a hinge connection for pivotal movement. The locking arm is spaced from the cylindrical wall by a gap and is received in the slot when the detent is received in the locking opening. A visual indicator attached to the cylindrical wall moves radially outwardly into the window in response to the collar being fully received in the gap to provide visual evidence of a fluid-tight seal between the insertion member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Duane Eckard, Umashanker Natarajan, Brian Champion, Michael Longhenry
  • Patent number: 10006577
    Abstract: A quick connector and assembly therewith is provided. The connector includes a housing having a tubular housing wall with an inner surface extending between open opposite ends with at least one locking opening extending through the wall. The inner surface bounds a through bore and forms a radially inwardly extending shoulder. A retaining member has an annular retainer wall with inner surface sized for receipt about at least a portion of the housing wall. The retainer wall has at least locking member resiliently biased radially inwardly for receipt through the opening of the housing wall in axially spaced relation from the shoulder by a gap, in which the annular collar of the insertion member is received and locked. The at least one locking member is restrained against substantial axial and rotational movement within the at least one opening, and thus, prevents unwanted removal of the insertion member from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon Meister, Tyler Walczak, William Kahabka, Tim Hammond
  • Patent number: 9976457
    Abstract: A PCV valve that regulates the flow of gases to a turbocharger. A spring biased plunger member is used to restrict and meter the flow of gases through the PCV valve. The plunger member can include an axially extending through opening extending through the length of the plunger member to allow back flow of gases to be routed to the turbocharger. The through opening can be selectively opened and closed by a valve module contained in the plunger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Mosher, Jonathan Bunne, Oscar Davison
  • Patent number: 9890886
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling assembly for interconnecting a tubular component to a mounting component is provided. The coupling assembly includes a retainer adapted to be coupled to the mounting component and having a pair of resiliently cantilevered snap arms. A housing for coupling with the mounting component has an inner cam surface and is configured to abut the mounting component. The snap arms each include a first deflector ramp that is aligned in proximity to the inner cam surface and a second deflector ramp adapted to releaseably engage a back surface of the mounting component. A push/pull feature permits the retainer to be pushed and causes the first deflector ramps to engage the inner cam surface and cause the snap arms to deflect inwardly and release the second deflector ramp from engagement with the back surface and allow the coupling assembly to be pulled out of the mounting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Schuessler, Brandon Meister-Place
  • Patent number: 9670806
    Abstract: A PCV valve that also monitors the flow of gases produced by use of a turbocharger. A spring biased plunger member is used to restrict and meter the flow of gases through the PCV valve. A nozzle member with a Venturi throat is used to allow back flow caused by use of a turbocharger. The nozzle member can be part of a module including a passageway member that can be closed by the plunger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Duane M. Eckard, James J. Mosher, Brian P. Schuessler, Thomas A. Everts
  • Patent number: 9523453
    Abstract: A locking quick connect assembly is provided for removably coupling a first tube and a second tube. A quick connect housing presents a central bore for receiving the second tube. A redundant latch component positionable between an unlocked position and a locked position may be provided to slidingly engage the quick connect housing. A twist lock retainer surrounds the quick connect housing and the redundant latch component. The redundant latch component includes an axially extending redundant latch retaining arm and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the redundant latch retaining arm. The twist lock retainer also includes a twist lock retaining arm that locks against a bead of the second tube to resists separation. The twist lock retaining arm extends perpendicularly to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to interleavingly engage the redundant latch retaining arm thus preventing unwanted decoupling of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Kathleen B. Arnold, Chad M. Dickman
  • Publication number: 20140284915
    Abstract: A locking quick connect assembly is provided for removably coupling a first tube and a second tube. A quick connect housing presents a central bore for receiving the second tube. A redundant latch component positionable between an unlocked position and a locked position may be provided to slidingly engage the quick connect housing. A twist lock retainer surrounds the quick connect housing and the redundant latch component. The redundant latch component includes an axially extending redundant latch retaining arm and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the redundant latch retaining arm. The twist lock retainer also includes a twist lock retaining arm that locks against a bead of the second tube to resists separation. The twist lock retaining arm extends perpendicularly to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to interleavingly engage the redundant latch retaining arm thus preventing unwanted decoupling of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathleen B. Arnold, Chad M. Dickman
  • Patent number: 8297659
    Abstract: The quick connector assembly includes an insertion member that is inserted along a longitudinal axis into a receiving member. A retaining member is disposed in the receiving member for movement in a direction of insertion that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A positioning member is disposed in the receiving member and includes a biasing portion that extends angularly from a base portion to a pair of blocking portions. The blocking portions move between an extended position and a retracted position and are oriented opposite the direction of insertion of the retaining member to block the retaining member from moving into a fully inserted position when the biasing portion is in the extended position. An annular collar of the insertion member engages the blocking portions when the insertion member is axially inserted in the receiving member to move the blocking portions into the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas John Callahan, Juris Julijs Pruzinskis, Steve Mixter, Michael Longhenry, Brent J. Ertl
  • Patent number: 7762240
    Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel tank having an opening. A cap is removably coupled to the fuel tank and operable for sealingly closing the opening to prevent ingress and egress of air through the opening. An overfill chamber is in communication with the fuel tank, and a hydrocarbon collection chamber is in communication with the overfill chamber. A valve is disposed between the hydrocarbon collection chamber and the overfill chamber. The valve includes a reference axis and is configured to permit fluid communication between the overfill chamber and the hydrocarbon collection chamber only when an angle between a vertical axis and the reference axis is less than about thirty-five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Callahan, Juris Julijs Pruzinskis, Brent J. Ertl, Hans Henning Bishop
  • Patent number: 7547350
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon trap that includes a sheet paper element and a plurality of fingers. The paper element is at least partially formed of a material capable of adsorbing and desorbing gaseous hydrocarbons. The paper element is arranged into a plurality of adjacent sheet members. The fingers are disposed between and support adjacent pairs of the sheet members so that each adjacent pair of the sheet members forms a flow channel. A method for filtering gaseous hydrocarbons from an air flow is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J Callahan, Mark T Van de Bogert
  • Patent number: 7497478
    Abstract: A duct assembly comprises a collar that defines a bore and has a first plurality of slots and a second plurality of slots formed therethrough. The collar includes an annular wall formed within the bore and an end groove formed at one end thereof. A duct has an end fitted within the end groove. A ring is disposed within the collar and abuts the annular wall. A ring retainer is disposed within the collar and abuts the ring. The ring retainer has a plurality of tabs formed thereon that fit within the first plurality of slots. An end of a port extends into the collar. The port has an annular groove formed along its circumference. A clip that has a plurality of arcs formed along its length extends around the collar. The arcs extend through the second plurality of slots into the annular groove of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7318424
    Abstract: A fuel system comprising a fuel tank having an opening. A cap is removably coupled to the fuel tank and operable for sealingly closing the opening to prevent ingress and egress of air through the opening. An overfill chamber is in communication with the fuel tank, and a hydrocarbon collection chamber is in communication with the overfill chamber. A valve is disposed between the hydrocarbon collection chamber and the overfill chamber. The valve includes a reference axis and is configured to permit fluid communication between the overfill chamber and the hydrocarbon collection chamber only when an angle between a vertical axis and the reference axis is less than about thirty-five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Callahan, Juris Julijs Pruzinskis, Brent J Ertl, Hans Henning Bishop
  • Patent number: 7316226
    Abstract: A PCV system includes heated PCV valve for metering a flow of crankcase gases therethrough and a heated inlet manifold fitting for receiving a flow of crankcase gases therethrough. The PCV valve and the heated inlet manifold fitting are in communication with a current source to apply current to heaters associated with each as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7311088
    Abstract: An emission control module (14) includes a housing (52) that includes an atmospheric air opening (102) and a vapor emission inlet (104) for communication with a vapor region (32) of a fuel reservoir (16). A hydrocarbon filter (56) is disposed between the atmospheric air opening (102) and the vapor emission inlet (104) to passively filter vapor emissions within the vapor region (32). The housing (52) is configured for purging of the hydrocarbon filter (56) due to a low-pressure draw from the vapor emission inlet (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas John Callahan, Brent J. Ertl, Juris J. Pruzinskis, Michael P. Farrey, Hans Bishop
  • Publication number: 20070283937
    Abstract: An emission control module (14) includes a housing (52) that includes an atmospheric air opening (102) and a vapor emission inlet (104) for communication with a vapor region (32) of a fuel reservoir (16). A hydrocarbon filter (56) is disposed between the atmospheric air opening (102) and the vapor emission inlet (104) to passively filter vapor emissions within the vapor region (32). The housing (52) is configured for purging of the hydrocarbon filter (56) due to a low-pressure draw from the vapor emission inlet (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: MINIATURE PRECISION COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Callahan, Brent Ertl, Juris Pruzinskis, Michael Farrey, Hans Bishop
  • Patent number: 6902206
    Abstract: A quick connector for establishing a connection between a flexible tube and an interior chamber of a vessel. The vessel has a wall structure through which a mounting bore extends. A canister assembly associated with the quick connector includes a housing is adapted for installation in the mounting bore, a retainer coupled to the housing that adapted to accept and retain a port connector of the hose therein, and a spring clip for coupling the housing to the wall structure. Flanged ends of the spring clip are retained in, and project outwardly from, corresponding apertures formed through a leading end of the housing. Upon installation of the housing into the mounting bore, the end flanges are deflected inwardly until the leading end of the housing extends beyond the mounting bore. Then the flanged ends return to their expanded condition, thereby coupling the canister assembly to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jed W. Zenko, Duane Eckard