Patents Examined by Dave W. Arola
  • Patent number: 6467813
    Abstract: A reinforcement fitting provides shrinkage and expansion capabilities while maintaining sealability at the connection between existing pipes. The reinforcement fitting includes an externally fitting portion with an inside diameter that can fit over the existing pipes, a contact member installed in a recessed portion formed on the inside of the externally fitted portion having a tapered contact surface and a contact portion to contact with an outer surface of one of the existing pipes wherein contact resistance with one of the existing pipes increases when an external force is exerted in the direction to separate the existing pipes, an engagement portion which is able to engage with a flange portion of the other existing pipe when the external force is exerted in the direction to separate the existing pipes, and a cut out portion formed at an outer side of the reinforcement fitting for establishing a clearance for a protruded portion used in connecting the existing pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Waterworks Technology Development Organization Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Takemura, Kikuo Saito, Kohtaro Morikawa
  • Patent number: 6305722
    Abstract: The invention concerns a telescopic tube (10), in particular for sprinkler systems, comprising an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14) which is movable relative to the latter and has an inner end piece (36) which extends inside the outer tube and has an outer diameter which is larger than the inner tube in their adjoining regions. The telescopic tube (10) further comprises a securing element (26) which surrounds the inner tube and is provided for the outer tube, the outer end (22) of the latter extending in said securing element (26). According to the invention, in order to provide a precise connection between the inner and outer tubes using precision screw machine parts in particular, the outer end (22) of the outer tube is widened and extends inside an annular mounting (24) of the securing element which in turn comprises an outer edge (34) which extends externally along the outer tube and is deformed in the direction of the outer end of the outer tube when the latter has been fitted in the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Uwe Vieregge
  • Patent number: 6250688
    Abstract: A ramp-lock quick-connect fitting is adapted to be placed between conventional type fittings on pipes and tubes, such as quartz pipes and synthetic resin tubes used in chemical processing systems for semiconductor device fabrication. The quick-connect fitting includes a first coupling member having a pipe receiving section adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a pipe, and a ramp support section with a pair of spiral ramps formed therearound. The quick-connect fitting also includes a second coupling member that sealingly engages the first coupling member. An extension portion of the second coupling member is adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a tube. A locking collar is movably engaged with the second coupling member and has a pair of lock members disposed on an interior surface of the collar that slidably engage with the spiral ramps when the collar is rotated around the ramp support section of the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle K. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6231084
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for systems involving pressurized media, where the coupling consists of two connector parts, a housing part (2) and a connector part (4). The connector part (4) can be inserted into a receiving opening (8) of the housing part (2), while it is being sealed, and when it is in a plugged-in condition, it can be locked in place and prevented from being released by means of a locking device (10). The locking device (10) includes a retaining element (12), which is supported on one side of one of the coupling parts, and which retaining element engages—while in the assembled state—a retaining groove (16) of the other coupling part by means of a form-fit or a form- and friction-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hilmar Hester, Bettina Schröer
  • Patent number: 6231085
    Abstract: An improved tubing adapter or coupling apparatus, and combination of same with other fittings, is characterized by an adapter member having a first end including at least one exterior barb for engagement with tubing and a sleeve member operatively positioned around the adapter. In some systems, the tubing or hose may include a fitting at its other extremity, such as a hose end, an ell, or another coupling. The sleeve member of the coupling apparatus preferably includes one or more view ports. The ports can enable the user to visually confirm the tubing has been properly and completely assembled onto the adapter member, and, following initial assembly, to visually ascertain the position of the tubing on the adapter. The apparatus also preferably includes corresponding engagement detents on the adapter and sleeve member, for initial engagement of the retaining member with the adapter member prior to assembly with tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Irrigation Development Company
    Inventor: Donald O. Olson
  • Patent number: 6231087
    Abstract: An anchor support is provided for a double-containment piping assembly having at least one outer piping component defining a first diameter, and at least one inner piping component received within the at least one outer piping component and defining a second diameter less than the first diameter and forming an approximately annular space between the inner and outer piping components. The anchor support has a cylindrical outer-component support section defining a first approximately annular support surface having a first diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the at least one outer piping component for contacting and supporting the outer piping component. An approximately cylindrical inner-component support section of the anchor support is spaced laterally relative to, and located approximately at an opposite end of the anchor support relative to the outer-component support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher G. Ziu
  • Patent number: 6227579
    Abstract: A hose female fitting comprising a female hose connector, an elongated swivel nipple interfitted with the female hose connector, the female hose connector having a washer-support shoulder, inner threads for attachment to a male connector, a seal-receiving annular groove and a flange-receiving annular groove in an inner peripheral wall, the nipple having hose-engageable protrusion, a first annular flange extending into the flange-receiving groove of the female hose connector, and a second annular flange abutting the axial outer end of the female hose connector second portion, and an annular seal in the seal-receiving annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Lakeshore Automatic Products Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 6224117
    Abstract: In order to minimize opportunities for dirt, grime, moisture and adverse atmospheric conditions to enter a fitting for coupling a flexible plastic tubes in a quick connect-type coupling, a collet used within the coupling has a constant diameter boss at one end and slots splitting the collet into spring fingers, which slots do not extend into the boss. The collet is received within a bore in an annular body, wherein the bore includes a cylindrical surface that is substantially completely engaged by an outer cylindrical surface of the boss, with the end of the boss projecting from the body a substantial distance beyond the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Olson, Jerios Elchaer
  • Patent number: 6220635
    Abstract: A device 7 for the assembly of a straight spigot 1 and a flange 3 of two pipe elements 2, 4, containing an axial compression sealing elastomer gasket 8. The gasket has a support body 15 bearing against a counter flange 11 to apply pressure to the gasket. To the front of the body 15, and interdependent of it, is a support heel 16 for bearing against the flange. A radial exterior surface 22 of the body is designed to rest on a reaction surface 27, 27a of the counter flange, a radial interior surface 18 of the body is designed to rest on the radial exterior surface 20 of the straight spigot, and a forward surface 31 of the heel is designed to press against the flange to insure the waterproofness of the assembly. The body has at least one recess 26 for the expansion of the elastomer of the pressurized gasket, and the device is fitted with a ring 9 to limit the radial expansion of the heel toward the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pont-a-Mousson SA
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vitel, Noel Favier, Andre Schneider, Didier Lescot, Rene Bourgin
  • Patent number: 6217083
    Abstract: A swivel fitting is provided for use on a riser line associated with the underground storage tank of gasoline service stations. The swivel fitting includes an adapter sleeve that attaches to the riser line and a swivel sleeve with a quick release fitting for use in removably attaching a product transfer hose as is typically used to transfer product to the underground storage tank from a tanker truck. The adapter and swivel sleeves are rotatably coupled by a plurality of ball bearings to permit smooth rotation of the quick release fitting with respect to the riser line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Sergio M. Bravo
  • Patent number: 6217084
    Abstract: A device on a conduit end for joining the conduit (1) to a coupling (4) or some other receiver of the end of the conduit, which is made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy. Two external annular beads (2, 2′) are pressed out from the conduit wall on the conduit end and accommodate between themselves an O ring (3). In an arrangement for joining, the receiver (4) has a conical inlet and means, which together with the rear annular bead (2) form engaging means for a tightening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Dresser Wayne Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Bengt I. Larsson, Viveca Svensson
  • Patent number: 6213522
    Abstract: A device and system for securing adjacent segments of duct work formed from fibrous glass duct board insulation and the like is disclosed. The device comprises a corner member having two legs disposed at approximately right angles, each of said legs having oppositely facing and substantially parallel adjacent channels disposed therein to accommodate portions of opposed edges of adjacent segments of duct work. The system includes a plurality of corner members each having two legs disposed at approximately right angles, said legs having substantially parallel and oppositely facing adjacent channels disposed therein to accommodate at least a portion of the opposed edges of adjacent segments of duct work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Jacobson, Murray S. Toas, Thomas A. Cuthbertson, Robert W. Storey, Kurt O. Mankell
  • Patent number: 6213521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick release mount for a suction cup and a locking member for releasably locking the suction cup within a housing. The suction cup mount includes a bayonet coupling which is attached to the suction cup. The bayonet coupling is received within a space located within the housing. The housing further includes a pair of semi-circular flanges for securing the bayonet coupling within the space. The locking member selectively engages the bayonet coupling when the bayonet coupling is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. The housing also includes a button coupled to the locking member that can release the locking member from engagement with the bayonet coupling and permit unlocking of the bayonet coupling from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Van't Land, Alfred P. Herbermann
  • Patent number: 6209929
    Abstract: A connector for mounting a pipe member (P) having a spiral-shaped wall to a through hole (h) formed in a wall member (W), the connector comprises a bellmouth (1), a holder (2) and a waterproof packing member (3). The bellmouth (1) includes an engaging projection (13) which is formed on the outer periphery (12) of a cylindrical-shaped portion (11) thereof and is engageable with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member (P). The holder (2) includes a spiral-shaped projection (23) which is formed on the inner peripheral surface (22) of a cylindrical-shaped portion (21) thereof and fittingly engageable with the outer periphery spiral-shaped portion of the pipe member (P). The waterproof packing member (3) is disposed between the wall member (W) and the holder (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikegami, Yasuhiro Kikumori, Noboru Someda, Yoshiaki Tatsuta, Toshifumi Fujiwara, Toshio Morimatsu
  • Patent number: 6206434
    Abstract: A pipe coupling axially connects two pipes having a smooth outer surface. The pipe coupling includes a first split circular ring and a second split circular ring. The first and the second split circular rings are made from a metal strip. Each of the strips have a radially inner edge surrounding the ends of the pipes. A plurality of teeth are disposed at the radially inner edge of the strips. The teeth are disposed in the plane of the respective rings. A free end of the tooth penetrates into the pipe when the coupling is in the clamped position. The teeth extend at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pipes. A side of each of the teeth facing toward the pipe inserted in the coupling have, adjacent to the free end of the tooth, at least one indentation. The indentation displaces the material of the tooth on the side of the tooth in the direction toward the free end of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Schreiter
  • Patent number: 6206432
    Abstract: A quick connector of the ball-lock type includes a socket member, a plug member and a slidable sleeve which are specifically designed to permit manufacture by deep drawing of a sheet metal. The socket member and the plug member are each shaped in the form of a stepped tube and the plug member is inserted into the socket member in a telescoping fashion to form an annular chamber therebetween. An O-ring and a backup ring are mounted within the annular chamber by inserting them into the bore of the socket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiro Kamiyama
  • Patent number: 6206435
    Abstract: A coupling device has a female part secured to a rigid endpiece. A stepped bore is provided that presents a large diameter section beyond an axial latch that is movable between two positions. A banding ring is housed in a removable manner inside the large diameter section and fitted on its inside surface with at least one retaining projection. The projection is used to axially link the tube to the banding ring by biting into the outside surface of the tube. An axial latch has two positions: one opposing axial displacement of the banding ring away from the rigid endpiece, the other releasing the banding ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Legris, S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Le Clinche
  • Patent number: 6202284
    Abstract: A metal pipe fitting and a method of fitting pipes together, the metal fitting having at least one mouth opening for receiving a mating length of metal pipe. The pipe fitting comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve having an exterior surface, interior surface, and a proximate end and a distal end. The proximate end forms at least one mouth opening for the fitting. The sleeve has a circumferential groove formed within the interior surface between the proximate and distal ends thereof and a seal ring located within the circumferential groove. There is at least one inspection divet which penetrates the exterior surface of the sleeve to the interior thereof to reveal the exterior of the mating length of metal pipe for verifying the proper insertion of the metal pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Joblin
  • Patent number: 6203072
    Abstract: A rotary joint for a heat transfer drum using a stationary syphon pipe system. The syphon pipe is supported on a syphon tube adjustably mounted upon the rotary joint body whereby the distance between the syphon pipe intake and the drum shelf can be very accurately adjusted and maintained. Also, the syphon pipe is mounted upon the syphon tube in a pivotal manner to permit ready installation of the syphon system and employs a locking threaded sleeve arrangement assuring accurate location of the syphon pipe relative to the syphon tube upon the syphon pipe pivoting to its operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Johnson Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond R. Berghuis, Edmund Kozlowski, Jennifer J. Baker, Timothy N. L. Henry, James A. Medsker
  • Patent number: 6199915
    Abstract: A connector element is provided for tubing or hoses of elastically expandable material with a tubular part of inelastic material that can be inserted tightly sealed into a tubing or hose end and that features a so-called pine-cone or thorn profile. In order to simplify the handling and to improve the sealing effect, this connector element has an axially extending cylindrical area with an outer diameter matched to the inner diameter of the tubing or hose end at the front end of the tubular part. A circumferential groove, rectangular in cross section, into which an annular seal of noncircular cross section is arranged is formed in the cylindrical area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Hermann Becker