Patents Examined by David E. Bochna
  • Patent number: 9631756
    Abstract: A connector comprising a body (1) having a throughway (5) which is open at one end (4). A shoulder (8) in the throughway faces the open end and supports an O-ring (9). A collet (3) in the open end of the throughway has a plurality of legs (18) extending away from the open end, each engaging with the body and having an inwardly facing tooth to grip, in use, a tube in the throughway. The body has a plurality of fingers (11) extending to the open end. The connector further comprises a cap (2) fitting over the open end of the body and extending from the open end towards the opposite end. The cap has a plurality of recesses (23) in a wall at the open end into each of which a finger is retained by a snap fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Steven Guest
  • Patent number: 9631749
    Abstract: A quick release connector is provided, including: a female connector, including an inner sleeve member, an outer sleeve member slidably sleeved on the inner sleeve member, a first elastic member abutting against between the inner and outer sleeve members, an blocking member disposed on and partially protrudable into the inner sleeve member and a first elastic abutting assembly disposed in the female connector; a male connector, including a connecting protrusion, the connecting protrusion being movable between a stuck position and a releasing position relative to the inner sleeve member, the connecting protrusion elastically abutted by the first elastic abutting assembly to be in the stuck position normally. Wherein, when the connecting protrusion is in the stuck position, the male connector is non-withdrawable from the female connector; and when the connecting protrusion is in the releasing position, the male connector is withdrawable from the female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Yuan-Hung Wen
  • Patent number: 9630490
    Abstract: A filler pipe mounting structure that suppresses permeation of the fuel constituents and that provides ease of mounting. The filler pipe mounting structure includes a resin fuel tank including a projecting cylindrical neck; a fastening member including an embedded section and a joining section, the embedded section being embedded in the neck along a circumferential direction thereof, the joining section formed on the embedded section and exposed from an inner wall of the neck; a mounting member disposed on an end portion of a filler tube and attached to an inner side of the fastening member, the filler tube being in communication with the fuel tank; and a seal member placed between the inner wall of the neck and the outer wall of the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9631754
    Abstract: A clamp can be used to further secure the connection between a flexible tube and a tubing connector and to eliminate or diminish fluid stasis near the connection interface. The clamp can include a hollow member having a passageway extending through the hollow member, an internal thread in the passageway, and a clamping surface in the passageway. The passageway is configured to receive the flexible tube. The internal thread is configured to engage the flexible tube and has a first diameter. The clamping surface has a second diameter less than the first diameter. A hub may be used as an adapter between the clamp and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Thoratec Corporation
    Inventors: J. Scott Richardson, Barry N. Gellman
  • Patent number: 9625071
    Abstract: A flexible hose assembly, in particular a garden hose, having an end fitting including a protective, strain reducing sleeve fixedly secured at the male end segment of a fluid conveying tube. The sleeve is flexible and provides strain relief to the portion of the tube surrounded by the sleeve and reduces the ability of the tube to kink in the area adjacent to the end fitting. The prevention of kinks at the male end of the tube reduces stresses in this area of the tube and greatly extends the working life of the sleeve and tube assembly. The sleeve additionally serves as a gripping surface for one or more of facilitating the attachment of the hose assembly to another device such as a flow control device and holding the end of the hose during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TEKNOR APEX COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Melo, Timothy L. Chapman
  • Patent number: 9623385
    Abstract: A chemical metering system for providing efficient access and replacement of chemical metering devices. The chemical metering system generally includes a chemical injector, a first tube fluidly connected to the chemical injector, a second tube adapted to be fluidly connected to a chemical supply, a releasable tube coupling removably and fluidly connected to the first tube and the second tube, and a metering device is adapted for controlling a flowrate of liquid chemical into the chemical injector from the chemical supply. The metering device is accessible for repair or replacement by removing the releasable tube coupling from either the first tube or the second tube for efficient access and replacement of the metering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Krause, Kenneth R. Smith, Vladimir Chernin
  • Patent number: 9611963
    Abstract: A device at pipes for the connection of pipes is provided. The device has an outer ring with first and second free ends, and a tensioning device for converging and interconnection of the first and second free ends of the outer ring. An inner ring is arranged on the inside of the outer ring, wherein the inner ring includes a first and a second part, and at least one of the first and second parts having a progressively increasing profile height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: OETIKER SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Stigefelt, Hans Wienholt
  • Patent number: 9605784
    Abstract: A pipe joint is disclosed that includes a housing wherein the housing defines a longitudinal axis and an inside surface, and includes a gripping assembly comprising a first gripping member comprising a first protruberance extending radially inward from an inner surface of the first gripping member, a second gripping member comprising a second protruberance extending radially inward from an inner surface of the second gripping member, and an interconnecting body comprising a resilient material. The interconnecting body connects the first gripping member to the second gripping member, and a clearance is defined between the interconnecting body and the inside surface of the housing. The joint can also include an annular seal positioned axially adjacent to the interconnecting body inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Gifford
  • Patent number: 9598181
    Abstract: A fastening device (10) is disclosed for attaching a fluid transport circuit to an element of a structure of an aircraft, with the fluid transport circuit containing two portions (23, 42), each of which is made up of an external tube (22, 44) positioned around an internal tube (21, 43). The fastening device (10) is positioned at a connection (40) between the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit, and contains a body (26) with a plate (27) to attach the fastening device (10) to an element (61) of the structure of the aircraft. The body (26) provides at least one sealed connection between the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) and a support system provides a constant radial clearance between the internal tubes (21, 43) and the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Robert Rossato, Alexis Courpet
  • Patent number: 9597475
    Abstract: A medical device that is fundamentally a releasable connection system for connecting two sections of tubing together or tubing to a medical device. It includes a male fitting further comprising a male shaft or couple and a female fitting called a socket, both structures having features to permit and provide hygienic connects with the fast or quick retention. The present invention is directed to tubing connection and disconnection apparatus. The device is used for the transport of both gaseous and liquid fluids such as oxygen, air, medicine (liquid or gas) and waste and drainage lines. It provides the medical field speed for a quick reaction to patient needs and the lower cost of the manpower/labor by medical personnel which provides savings opportunities. All this continues to provide reliable, clean and hygienic connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jack C McPhearson
  • Patent number: 9599079
    Abstract: A motor vehicle assembly unit having a connector, in particular a quick connector, and having a motor vehicle fluid line, wherein the connector includes an insertion end for inserting the fluid line, wherein there is a securing spike on the insertion end, which is encompassed by an outer sleeve. An annular insertion space for the fluid line or a fluid line end of the fluid line is disposed between the securing spike and the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is connected to the securing spike by means of at least one break-away element, that breaks when the fluid line is inserted in the annular insertion space, such that the outer sleeve can be slid onto the securing spike, or further slid onto the securing spike from, or with, the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TI Automotive (Fuldabrück) GmbH
    Inventors: Iris Barthel, Alexander Bol, Hans Jensen
  • Patent number: 9593518
    Abstract: A hinge coupling assembly includes a first coupling incorporated within a first hinge section coupled to a door, including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a first coupling passage formed within the first coupling, and a second coupling incorporated within a second hinge section separate from the first hinge section and coupled to a door frame, the second coupling including a first end and an opposite second end connecting a second coupling passage formed within the second coupling. Connection and disconnection of the first coupling to the second coupling to create a single sealed continuous passage formed by the first coupling passage and second coupling passage is simultaneous upon installation and removal of the door to the door frame. The sealed continuous passage is maintained upon radial and axial displacement of the first coupling with respect to the second coupling upon opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Dennis Daniel Downs, Jaime Richard Erickson
  • Patent number: 9593789
    Abstract: A pipe-fitting adaptor assembly connectable to the coupling end of a pipe fitting is provided for reconfiguring existing pipe fittings with alternate pipe coupling ends. The fitting adaptor assembly has a tubular receptacle member configured to fit over and seal against an insert member of the fitting. A sliding retention ring carried along a ramped section of the fitting insert member interlocks with an opening formed in the sidewall of the receptacle member of the fitting adaptor assembly, such that decoupling forces tend to expand the locking ring further into the sidewall opening of the fitting adaptor assembly. The fitting adaptor assembly has a coupling end configured differently than the insert member for connection to otherwise incompatible alternative pipe sizes and/or pipe coupling configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas A. King, Duane K. Smith
  • Patent number: 9587729
    Abstract: A press connection which includes a carrier and at least one sleeve-shaped structural component of sheet metal seated at least with a press seat on the carrier. At least one indentation is formed on the surface of the carrier and the indentation is at least covered by at least one wall section of the sleeve-shaped structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Richard Baier, Andreas Ziegler, Otmar Weber
  • Patent number: 9587772
    Abstract: Sealed connection between an elastomeric or synthetic polymer flexible pipe or hose and a metallic coupling member. The coupling member surrounds an armor layer at a free end of the flexible pipe or hose. A sealing area is defined by a recessed portion of the pipe coupling into which a sealing material is introduced. An inner liner layer thereof may extend into the sealing area where it is bonded to the sealing material. The sealing material and the inner liner layer may each include a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material. A reinforcement material may be provided in the inner liner layer. In one embodiment the sealing material is injected into the sealing area. In another embodiment the sealing material is provided in the form of meltable ring which fits into the sealing area before fitting of the coupling member, and is activated by an induction heater to effect the sealed connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MANTARAY INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Bruno Jaspaert
  • Patent number: 9579498
    Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Patent number: 9581276
    Abstract: A fluid system includes a loading arm connected to a swivel joint. A counterbalance mechanism is connected between the loading arm and the swivel joint. An adjustment mechanism adjusts the counterbalance force applied by the counterbalance mechanism to the loading arm. The adjustment mechanism includes a guide plate connected to the swivel joint and includes a guide slot and a straight bore guide. A bracket is movably connected to the guide plate and has one or more apertures and a threaded bore guide. Fasteners extend through the guide slot and the one or more apertures to selectively secure the bracket to the guide plate. A lead screw is disposed at least partially within the straight bore guide and the threaded bore guide. Rotation of the lead screw causes the bracket to move along a length of the lead screw and thereby adjust the counterbalance force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: OPW-ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Crum, Krzysztof Wejdman
  • Patent number: 9574691
    Abstract: A fitting body having an interior surface is provided with a tube stop extending radially inwardly thereof, and one or more nut connector assemblies provided as part of a packing arrangement comprising at least one sealing ring, a spacer gland and a fastening ring. The packing arrangement can further include a release pusher positioned on the radially inward side of the nut connector, wherein the release pusher is capable of axial insertion into the cavity of the head connector in order to lift teeth of the grip ring radially outwardly to permit insertion and removal of tubes to be connected via the center body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Quick FItting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9568132
    Abstract: A joint for an articulating faucet includes a first housing, a second housing, and a clutch assembly. The first housing defines a first inner cavity and the second housing defines a second inner cavity. The second housing is coupled to the first housing such that fluid may flow from the first inner cavity to the second inner cavity. The clutch assembly is coupled to at least one of the first housing and the second housing and is configured to apply a resistive torque that inhibits movement of the first and second housings relative to each other. The clutch assembly includes a clutch pin, an interface member, and an end cap. The end cap is coupled to a first end of the clutch pin and the interface member. Movement of the end cap varies the magnitude of the resistive torque applied by the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Perry D. Erickson, Steven T. Radder, Christopher M. Shay
  • Patent number: 9568120
    Abstract: A pipe has a tubular body with a male end and a female end. The male end has an external surface with a first engagement groove. The female end has an internal surface with a second engagement groove, and an aperture extending from an outer surface of the tubular body to the second engagement groove. The female end receives the male end of another pipe such that the first engagement groove of the male end axially aligns with the second engagement groove of the female end to establish a spline engagement groove having a groove length, LG. A flexible spline is located in the spline engagement groove to lock the pipes together and establish a pipe assembly. The flexible spline has a spline length, LS, and LS?LG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: John M. Coogan, John R. Stott, Steve B. Gross, Gary A. Leigh, Joshua Clapper