Patents Examined by Aaron M Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 11473708
    Abstract: A releasable plug connection with a tubular plug-in part, and with a sleeve-shaped receiving part which has an insertion opening through which the plug-in part is insertable into a sleeve interior of the receiving part. At least one annular groove is provided on the inner circumference of the receiving part, in which an annular seal is arranged which provides sealing in the annular gap between the inner circumference of the receiving part and the outer circumference of the plug-in part. The insertion opening opens out in a first interior portion of the sleeve interior that is configured as a cross-sectional widening in relation to an adjacent second interior portion and is delimited by an annular shoulder, and an insertion sleeve is insertable in the first interior portion of the sleeve interior, its peripheral edge directed towards the annular shoulder being spaced apart from the annular shoulder to form the annular groove between the peripheral edge of the insertion sleeve and the annular shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Oechsle, Holger Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 11460135
    Abstract: The application relates to a coupling element for connecting a first fluid-conducting line to a second fluid-conducting line. Here it is provided that an indicator device is mounted on a latching device and has a retaining element which can be elastically deflected in the radial direction relative to a guide element of the indicator device and which in a latched position engages in the latch receiving area and secures the indicator device in the axial direction by interacting with a main part and in a non-latched position lies outside the latch receiving area and releases the indicator device to move in the axial direction. The invention additionally relates to a coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: AFT AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Christoph Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 11460133
    Abstract: A tube connector has a main body, a restricting element, and a sealing ring. The main body has a mounting segment extending outwardly and transversely to form an inner annular space to accommodate the restricting element and the sealing ring. When the tube body is inserted, the tube body will be engaged and positioned by teeth of the restricting element. The sealing ring and the restricting element abut each other to maintain the sealing from the sealing ring. The changes of the pressure from the fluid transporting in the tube body will move the tube body and the main body relatively to and fro, and thus the abutting force against the sealing ring will increase or decrease accordingly, which maintains the elasticity of the sealing ring to maintain the sealing after a long time of use, thereby avoiding elastic fatigue and prolonging the lifespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Hsin Cheng Kuo, Hung Cheng Kuo
  • Patent number: 11454339
    Abstract: The invention provides a quick-locking union connector. A sealing groove is arranged on the outside peripheral surface of a male inner sleeve to retain an o-ring seal. Close contact of the o-ring seal with the inside peripheral surface of a female outer sleeve leads to a robust sealing effect. The female outer sleeve is provided with a bore slot that penetrates through the inside peripheral surface, in an outside-to-inside manner. A locking unit rotates within the bore slot to quickly lock and unlock the engaged interior male unit and exterior female unit. Locked connection of pipes via obstructing protrusion of the locking unit into an annular locking groove can be readily and quickly executed, facilitating accelerated deployment of pipe networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TOP GREAT PNEUMATIC MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chieh-Yao Ting, Shang-Chieh Ting
  • Patent number: 11441709
    Abstract: A restraint system configured to stabilize catalyst loading tubes. The restraint system includes a first restraint that has a first collar portion and a second collar portion. The restraint system further includes a first fastener configured to attach the first collar portion to a first tube segment and a second fastener configured to attach the second collar portion to the first tube segment. The restraint system also includes a first linkage having a first end and a second end, and a second linkage having a first end and a second end. The restraint system includes a second restraint having a third collar portion and a fourth collar portion. The restraint system further includes a third fastener and a fourth fastener. The first ends of the first and second linkage couple to the first restraint and the second ends of the first and second linkage couple to the second restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Albert E. Butterfield, IV, Christopher Robert Oliver, Anthony Colgan Mullek, Gregory Alexander Mullek
  • Patent number: 11441810
    Abstract: A modular fire-rated conduit or duct assembly suitable for applications such as ventilation systems in a multi-floor or multi-room building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: William Christopher Duffy
  • Patent number: 11435020
    Abstract: A bend pipe for supplying a fluid to a fluid machine or discharging the fluid from the fluid machine, wherein, provided that: a line including a pipe axial center line of an inlet pipe portion and an extension line thereof is defined as a line L; a line including a pipe axial line of an outlet pipe portion and an extension line thereof is defined as a line M; and a direction parallel to an intersection line formed by a plane orthogonal to the line M and a plane orthogonal to the line M is defined as a direction I, and when, as seen from the direction I, a side of the line M on which the inlet pipe portion exists is defined as a front side and a side of the line M on which the inlet pipe portion does not exist is defined as a back side, a side surface on an outer side with respect to a bend direction of a bend pipe portion includes an outer inclined surface on the back side of the line M, the outer inclined surface being inclined so that a distance from the line M decreases toward a downstream side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichiro Iwakiri
  • Patent number: 11434699
    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 in order to transfer high torsional loads include: dog-clutch teeth, shear pins, keys, splines and interlocked thread systems, 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 they torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Krzysztof Jan Wajnikonis
  • Patent number: 11428352
    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: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Felberg, Wolfgang Habitzl
  • Patent number: 11421804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an installation ready housing type pipe coupling for creating a sealed connection between coaxial groove ended pipes, a hold open clip for the coupling, and other modifications and improvements thereof. The coupling comprises a first and second housing segments creating a cavity, a gasket provided within the cavity, a first and second bolts and nuts connecting the hosing segments at opposite ends, and a hold open clip. The first nut is affixed to the first bolt. The second nut can be adjusted along the second bolt. The hold open clip helps to attach the two housing segments in the preassembled state while keeping the coupling open. The hold open clip may also indicate a proper installation of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Aalberts integrated piping systems APAC, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Duncan, Daniel Foster, Jorden Hardzinski, Julie Howell, Matthew Williams, Phillip Yontz
  • Patent number: 11415253
    Abstract: Devices and assemblies are provided for a quick connect device. In one example, a connector may include a first visual cue for coupling an outer portion to a middle portion and a second visual cue for coupling an inner portion to the middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Jeffrey Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 11415250
    Abstract: The device includes a sealing sleeve suitable for being disposed around the facing ends of two tubes and a clamping sleeve inside which the sealing sleeve extends. One of the elements constituted by the sealing sleeve and by the clamping sleeve has at least one retaining member suitable for co-operating in axial retention inside the clamping sleeve with a retaining surface of one of the tubes, which retaining surface is covered by the clamping sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Caillau
    Inventors: Nicolas Rigollet, Fabrice Prevot
  • Patent number: 11402045
    Abstract: A press fitting assembly is provided that includes: a piping component including a receiving device which includes an open end and a shoulder, the open end comprising a continuous stop; a grip ring positioned within the receiving device abutting the continuous stop and comprising a plurality of opposing teeth; a sealing element positioned within the receiving device and abutting the shoulder, wherein the sealing element comprises at least one lobe; and a separator ring positioned within the receiving device between the sealing element and the grip ring, the ring comprises a base portion and an angled portion. Further, the angled portion is angled toward the sealing element and the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D Paige, Willis Mitchell, David A Bobo
  • Patent number: 11402047
    Abstract: An illustrative port assembly includes a male port assembly including a male frame sub-assembly having first and second hinged male frame members rotatable about a first axis, the first and second hinged male frame members being sealable therebetween. A first transfer sleeve is attachable to the male port assembly and is configured to operably connect the male port assembly with a first volume. A female port assembly includes a female frame sub-assembly having first and second hinged female frame members rotatable about a second axis that is coaxially alignable with the first axis. The first and second hinged female frame members are sealable therebetween, and the female frame sub-assembly is sealable with the male frame sub-assembly. A second transfer sleeve is attachable to the female port assembly and is configured to operably connect the female port assembly with a second volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Closed Systems LLC
    Inventors: Lee Fuller, David M. Pray
  • Patent number: 11402041
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the manufacture and maintenance of flexible joint gimbal systems. The apparatus and method reduce metal corrugated bellows gimbal joint fatigue damage due to loose fitting parts by implementing a spherical washer to reduce clearance in the flexible joint of the gimbal within desired tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph C. Corll, Joel Rhode, Craig C. Brower
  • Patent number: 11402044
    Abstract: A quick pipe connector includes a connector body, a sealing ring, a compression ring, an engaging member, a fastening cover, and a connector socket. The sealing ring and the compression ring are disposed at fifth and fourth opening portions of the connector body respectively. The fastening cover is disposed at third and second opening portions of the connector body. The fastening cover is biased against a first shouldering surface. The compression ring is disposed at the fourth opening portion and is biased against a second shouldering surface to limit the sealing ring located between a third shouldering surface and the compression ring. A mounting portion of the engaging member is limited between the fastening cover and the compression ring. The connector socket is inserted into the fastening cover that a fifth shouldering surface of the connector socket is engaged with an annular protruding rim of the fastening cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Hewen Liang
  • Patent number: 11396965
    Abstract: A gland assembly for a piping element includes a gland comprising a joint restraint assembly comprising a restraint base, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket, the joint restraint assembly further comprising a gripper disposed within the restraint pocket, wherein the gripper is configured to rotate within the restraint pocket about and between a disengaged position in which the gripper is disengaged from the piping element and an engagement position in which the gripper is engaged with the piping element. The gland assembly also includes a cover removably attached to the restraint base, the cover comprising a bottom wall comprising a stop leg; a sidewall; a tab extending from the sidewall, the tab preventing the cover from being pushed onto the restraint base in a fully depressed configuration and preventing the stop leg from engaging the gripper into the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Mitchell, Anton A. Nasledov
  • Patent number: 11384873
    Abstract: A split coupler, and methods of making and using such a split coupler, whereby the split coupler includes a first semi-cylindrical member, a second semi-cylindrical member, and an interlocking assembly configured to interlock the first and second semi-cylindrical members to form a substantially cylindrical coupler having a coupler inner surface which defines a throughbore. Additionally, the split coupler can include spiral threads coupled to the coupler inner surface. Furthermore, the split coupler can include a flange inwardly extending from the coupler inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Mikeysquickcoupler LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Acosta, Timothy M. Acosta
  • Patent number: 11384880
    Abstract: A quick connector (QC) assembly comprises a housing defining a fluid passageway extending along an axis at an open end, a retainer ring disposed in the open end and defining a slot, a retainer clip secured to the housing and at least partially disposed within the fluid passageway at the open end, and a verification tab disposed within the slot. The tab is slideably displaceable along the slot between a negative position, where the tab is completely disposed within the housing, and a positive position, where a portion of the tab is visibly disposed above an exterior surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: A. RAYMOND ET CIE
    Inventors: Mitchell Wayne Hunt, Matthew David Lutzke
  • Patent number: 11384885
    Abstract: A flexible conduit for transporting fluids in a fluid system, such a fluid system on an aircraft, and methods of assembling the flexible conduit described. The flexible conduit can include a flexible inner hose for transporting a fluid. The flexible inner hose can be surrounded by a flexible outer wall which can contain any leakage of fluid from the flexible inner hose. The flexible inner hose and the flexible outer wall can be coupled on each end to ferrules. Swage rings can be swaged to secure the flexible inner hose and the flexible outer wall to the ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Munir D. Shamkhi