Patents Examined by Aaron M Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 11906083
    Abstract: A pipe connector for connecting pipes that includes an elongate tubular body having an outer diameter, a sleeve disposed over the elongate tubular body, and a first wire ring. The elongate tubular body that has a groove formed on the outer diameter. The sleeve has a groove formed on an inner diameter that is spaced from a first end of the sleeve and is aligned with the groove of the elongate tubular member. The first wire ring is disposed within the groove of the elongate tubular body and within the groove of the sleeve such that the sleeve is coupled to the elongate tubular body by the first wire ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew James Heaton, Brian Lee Dillinger, Jagtar Singh Thethy
  • Patent number: 11905767
    Abstract: This invention builds up on technical features and on the industry experience with the use of Merlin™ family connectors. In addition to friction, structural means utilized to transfer high torsional loads include dog-clutch teeth and may also include: interlocked thread systems, shear pins, keys and splines, all used in isolation or in arbitrary combinations. Static and fatigue bending load capacities of the connectors remain high, while the axial load capacities may or may not be high, depending on the design requirements. Connectors according to this invention can be built as new, carefully optimized designs. In some cases upgrading existing Merlin™ family connector designs to increase their torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Krzysztof Jan Wajnikonis
  • Patent number: 11898677
    Abstract: A quick insertion locking connector is disclosed and includes a female connector body, a receiving joint providing with multiple limiting holes, a sliding sleeve sleeving a first boss provided on an outer wall of the receiving joint, a protective sleeve and a sealing ring. Limiting elements are arranged in the limiting holes. A second boss abuts against the outer wall of the receiving joint. A recess and a boss base extending along inside of the receiving joint are formed on an inner wall of the receiving joint. The sealing ring is arranged on the boss base and extends into the recess. Multiple limiting grooves are circumferentially formed in an outer wall of a male connector body which is configured for being inserted into the receiving joint and abutting against the sealing ring located on the boss base and the sealing ring located in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Luxecasting Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaobin Lu, Chengyong Yang
  • Patent number: 11901670
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking air hose couplings together, such apparatus including flexible inserts wherein the apparatus is configured for holding and locking air hose couplings of different sizes. A method of locking air hose couplings together using an apparatus for locking air hose couplings together, such apparatus including flexible inserts wherein the apparatus is configured for holding and locking air hose couplings of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Alpha/Omega Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley Lance Pearman, Kenny Lavelle Miller
  • Patent number: 11898676
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a quick-connect fitting that provides a leak-proof connection between two components of a waterway. The quick-connect fitting of the present disclosure is releasable and reusable for disconnecting and reconnecting the waterway connection. Moreover, the quick-connect fitting further comprises an audible identifier which identifies the quick-connect fitting has secured the waterway components to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Mercury Plastics LLC
    Inventors: Scott Raymond Gardner, Earl Christian, Donald Currey, Grandin Rushlander, Jay Burnett
  • Patent number: 11892107
    Abstract: A pipe joint having a compound locking ring is disclosed herein. The pipe joint bell has a a segment cavity into which ring segments may be inserted through a slot on the face or outer surface of the bell end of a first pipe. The locking ring has multiple ring segments, each segment having an arcuate outer surface. The outer surface may be a compound surface of multiple arcs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: Cameron Anderson Corcoran, Jerry Gregory Key, Jay Derek Caston
  • Patent number: 11882984
    Abstract: A vacuum attachment tool includes a hollow body extending from a first end to a second end and defining a flow path, and a conduit connector disposed at the second end of the hollow body. The conduit connector includes an inner collar having an inner diameter sized to receive a first vacuum conduit having a first diameter, and an outer collar having an inner diameter sized to receive a second vacuum conduit having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer collar is formed separately from the inner collar and is coupled to the inner collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Williams, Devdatta Namdev Shingate, Bo Shi, Christopher Burch, Vikas Mahadev Jadhav, Douglas C. Schultz, Rahul Shrihari Doke
  • Patent number: 11885449
    Abstract: A quick connector for connection to a complementary counterpart comprises a coupling piece and a retainer for a section of a fluid having a coupling center axis defining an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD and a circumferential direction CD. The retainer is allocated to the coupling end, wherein the retainer has at least one retaining element for retaining the counterpart and at least one actuating element for opening the retainer for pulling the counterpart out of the coupling piece. The coupling piece comprises a first flange at the coupling end, wherein the first flange has a flange opening so as to insert a tool into the flange opening so that the tool can exert a force on the retainer and the actuating element, respectively. The flange opening has an outer border, wherein the outer border lies in radial direction RD outward of the flange opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TI AUTOMOTIVE (FULDABRUECK) GMBH
    Inventors: Iris Barthel, Kay Bube, Reiner Rohde, Seong-hwa Choo, Dong-hyeok Lee, Andre Häckel, David Gabbey, Jeong-gi Choi
  • Patent number: 11885447
    Abstract: A coupling and anchoring system for coupling lengths of pipe and anchoring the lengths of pipe to a structure comprise a pipe coupling having an external peripheral groove defined by axially facing axial clamp engaging surfaces, said groove receiving an anchoring clamp. The anchoring clamp has corresponding axial coupling engaging surfaces for engaging the axial clamp engaging surfaces of the pipe coupling to restrict axial movement of the pipe coupling when the anchoring clamp is fastened to the structure. The anchoring clamp is formed from arced bands having laterally extending connecting portions and laterally extending arced elements. The laterally extending connecting surfaces and arcs combine to form dual fastener openings for optionally receiving fastening elements perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe coupling for optionally anchoring the system to perpendicular and parallel portions of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: IPEX TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Vincent Littlefield
  • Patent number: 11879570
    Abstract: An indicator assembly includes a fastener defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an axis extending from the first end to the second end; a first indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener; and a second indicator positioned radially outwardly of the fastener relative to the axis of the fastener, wherein the second indicator is axially in between the first indicator and the second end of the fastener upon the fastener being oriented in a first position, and wherein the second indicator is radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the first indicator upon the fastener being oriented in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: ASC Engineered Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan Cameron Belen, Matthew William McNamara, Jeffrey Brian Shaffer, Ronald Pound
  • Patent number: 11879571
    Abstract: A preassembled combination connects a captured pipe element to a second pipe element. First and second segments are connected end to end surrounding a central space for axially receiving the second pipe element. The segments are configured to be drawn toward one another and into engagement with the pipe elements. An annular body forms the captured pipe element. An end face of the captured pipe element is retained within the central space by engagement between a bead projecting from a sealing surface of the captured pipe element and the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Matthew A. Bowman, Philip Wayne Bancroft, Scott D. Madara, Kathryn E. Yovanovich, Thomas C. Savage
  • Patent number: 11879574
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sealing apparatus including a gasket for use in connecting HVAC fluid conduits. In one embodiment, the gasket includes a tubular body, a rim extending outwardly from an end of the tubular body, and two or more ears extending from the rim. The tubular body may be configured to engage a fluid conduit. Each of the ears may be spaced apart from the tubular body and extend in substantially the same direction as the tubular body. Each of the ears may further include an inner surface for engaging with a fluid conduit and an outer surface for engaging with a pipe clamp. The ears may further include a rib located proximate a distal end of the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Schultz, Jr., Travis Hansen
  • Patent number: 11881691
    Abstract: A screw-connection system for connecting a long-shaped part with a terminal geometry includes at least a pressure element, a terminal part, and a seal. The pressure element has at least one contact-wall section with a contact surface. The seal has at least one outer radial-seal surface and at least one axial-seal surface. The outer radial-seal surface of the seal interacts in a sealing manner at least partially with the contact surface of the contact-wall section and the axial-seal surface is configured at least for partial sealing with the terminal geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: PFLITSCH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Martin Lechner
  • Patent number: 11873931
    Abstract: An improved quick connector is provided. The quick connector includes an assembly check that is partially received within an input end of a connector body. The assembly check includes a pull tab and a shielding portion. Upon insertion of a male connector within the input end of the connector body, assembly check retracts from the input end of the connector body and can be manually removed via the pull tab. Once removed from the connector body, a machine readable verification indicia can be read. The verification indicia is visible on an underside of the shielding portion or visible on the connector body once the shielding portion is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventor: Jai Viknesh Sankar Narayanan
  • Patent number: 11873924
    Abstract: A thick-wall compression pipe fitting includes a thick-wall fitting body for connecting arranged between two thick-wall steel pipe bodies for connection, wherein a sealing ring, a positioning retainer and a teeth ring is disposed between said thick-wall fitting body and said thick-wall steel pipe bodies. Said thick-wall fitting body includes a middle connecting section, a first flared section and a second flared section extending to both sides to adopt a thick wall metal pipe. A special crimping tool is used to deform the fitting body for crimping to compress the socket section of the fitting body having a sealing ring and a high-strength teeth ring, so that the sealing ring in the socket section groove seals the steel pipe to stop leakage, wherein the high-strength teeth ring shrinks and firmly fastens the steel pipe so that the connection between the fitting body and the steel pipe can be completed instantly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignees: Guolin (Tianjin) Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Zep International Trade Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ye Jianhua, Zhou Qingnian
  • Patent number: 11873930
    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 latch retaining arm and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the 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 transversely to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to engage the latch retaining arm to prevent unwanted decoupling of the assembly. A handle extends from the redundant latch component in a direction opposite the latch retaining arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Novares US Engine Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Grujo, Christopher Schroeder
  • Patent number: 11867330
    Abstract: A connector for forming a substantially aseptic connection is provided, said connector having a connector member a coupling end with a coupling element for engaging a similar coupling element on a similar connector to form a seal. A method for connecting and disconnecting two such connectors is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB
    Inventor: Klaus Gebauer
  • Patent number: 11867327
    Abstract: A fluid-tight fitting includes at least one strain gauge or includes at least one passage, said passage extending radially through a nut and communicating with an interior chamber defined by a first conduit, a second conduit, and the nut, or includes a visual indicator associated with at least one of a nut or a first conduit of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: JPB Système
    Inventors: Damien Marc, Denis Messager, Jonathan Alain Beaumel
  • Patent number: 11867328
    Abstract: A plug-in connection system for fluid-conducting components of fire extinguishing systems that has a first component having an outer peripheral surface and a first recess in the peripheral surface, and a second component having an inner peripheral surface and a second recess in the inner peripheral surface, wherein the first and the second component can be plugged into one another such that the recesses lie opposite one another and define a locking element channel. A locking element which can be inserted into the locking element channel until an interlock position is reached and at least part of which engages in both recesses in the interlock position. A locking element safety device is provided for reversibly releasably securing the locking element on the first and/or second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Felberg, Wolfgang Habitzl
  • Patent number: 11867326
    Abstract: A profiled leak-before-press sealing ring includes a plurality of arc-shaped first and linear-shaped second type ring portions that lie alternating around a center axis. The second type ring portions extend linear-shaped with straight inner and outer surfaces in a tangential direction. The first type ring portions have curved inner and outer surfaces of constant radii around the center axis. The ring further includes a plurality of third type ring portions that extend arc-shaped in between respective ones of the arc-shaped first and linear-shaped second type ring portions, and that each connect with its head ends to head ends of neighbouring ones of the first and second type ring portions. The arc-shaped first, the linear-shaped second, and the arc-shaped third type ring portions all have a same evenly large dimensioned cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Aalberts integrated piping systems B.V.
    Inventor: Andreas Hubertus Hullegien