Patents Examined by Zachary Dragicevich
  • Patent number: 9822911
    Abstract: A method for replacing an outer annular ring of a fluid swivel includes a swivel comprising an inner annular ring and an outer annular ring, the rings being located with their adjacent cylindrical surfaces in close proximity for defining a chamber, for receiving a fluid, between peripheral opposing faces of the inner annular ring and the outer annular ring, wherein the inner annular ring is adapted to be connected to an end of a fluid line and wherein the outer annular ring is adapted to be connected to a product piping on the vessel, wherein the method comprises the steps of: removing the outer annular ring, replacing the outer annular ring by means of a first semi-circular element and a second semi-circular element, and fixing the first semi-circular element to the second semi-circular element, by means of a fixing means, to form a replacement outer annular ring of the swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Cyril Evrard, Christian Randrianarivony
  • Patent number: 9816655
    Abstract: A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows for rotation locking as between a fitting and an inserted pipe or tubing element. In various embodiments, the arrangement comprises one or more sealing members, a fastening ring with one or more prolated ear members, a tube support member and a push release member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9816656
    Abstract: A locking pipe joint assembly, device and method can employ a center body connector, one or more sealing elements, such as a wiper seal and a sealing ring, a sealing ring retainer and a retaining cap. In various embodiments, primary and secondary fastening rings are employed along with a retaining cap sleeve. In embodiments, the retaining cap includes an internal or external thread that mates with an external or internal thread on one side of the center body connector, which allows the retaining cap to tighten the packing arrangement components around an inserted piping or tubing element, and in secure engagement with the interior of the center body connector. In embodiments, a bolt element is provided for further securing of the retaining cap to the center body connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9810358
    Abstract: A pipe for connecting to a similar adjacent pipe. The pipe has a male end with a plurality of rigid fingers extending from within and out of at least one exterior circumferential groove disposed on its exterior surface. On the female end is at least one interior circumferential groove sized and positioned to receive the plurality of rigid fingers from a corresponding exterior circumferential groove on the male end of an adjacent pipe. The number of exterior circumferential grooves on the male end typically corresponds to the number of interior circumferential grooves on the female end. When the male end of the pipe inserts into the female end of a similar adjacent pipe, the plurality of rigid fingers is received within a corresponding interior circumferential groove on the female end, thereby preventing the male end of the pipe from being withdrawn from the female end of the similar adjacent pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Aqseptence Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Hennemann, Garth H. Saul
  • Patent number: 9810361
    Abstract: A pour spout adapter comprises a housing, a collar and a threaded engagement. The housing has a sealed bore for receiving a tube. The collar has an internal bore coupled to the housing at a rotatable connection so as to permit a tube to extend from the sealed bore through the collar. The threaded engagement is disposed on the internal bore to receive a threaded pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Tix, Christopher J. Pellin, Mark T. Weinberger, Andrew M. Spiess
  • Patent number: 9797531
    Abstract: A screwed end connector assembly includes a threaded connector having a conical end portion for the reception of a mating hose fitting. The connector has a flange which includes at least one arcuate, circumferentially extending slot. A nut for threaded engagement with the connector, for securing a hose end fitting to the conical portion of the connector, has a polygonal exterior. A member has an aperture for fitment over and irrotational engagement with the exterior of the nut and includes at least one hole positionable in axial register with the said slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Adrian N Svensson
  • Patent number: 9777873
    Abstract: A locking pipe joint device employs a center body connector, one or more sealing elements, such as a wiper seal and a sealing ring, a sealing ring retainer, an indicator ring and a retaining cap. In various embodiments, the retaining cap and the center body connector include mating block members that permit sliding bolted connection along an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the center body connector, which allows the retaining cap to tighten the packing arrangement components around an inserted piping or tubing element, and in secure engagement with the interior of the center body connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias, Herbert J. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 9777876
    Abstract: The connector comprises a housing having a connection hole where a pipe with a flange is inserted, a retainer having a latching portion that retains the pipe by being arranged at a location facing the connection hole and engaged with the flange, and a checker that is supported by the housing at the retaining position and is movable from the retaining position to the connection confirmation position when the pipe is inserted into the connection hole up to the normal connection position. The checker is configured to release the engagement between the latching portion and the flange, when at the connection confirmation position, by having the retainer that is engaged with the flange of the pipe at the normal connection position pushed to expand the distance of the retainer so that the pipe can be pulled out from the connection hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignees: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kaneko, Naoki Mori, Kenta Kuwayama, Yoshikazu Kaneyasu, Masaru Tomimatsu, Shoji Uhara
  • Patent number: 9772056
    Abstract: A tube connector comprising a male portion having a male portion thread on an outer surface, a first tube having a first tube surface disposed at a seat angle (?) of approximately 37° to a tube connector centerline, the male portion having a clearance engagement with the first tube, a nut having a clearance engagement with a second tube, the nut engagable with the male portion thread, the second tube having a second tube surface disposed at a seat angle (??) in the range of (??)=(?+x)°, were x=+0° up to 1°, and the first tube surface compressed by the nut and the male portion against the second tube surface for a sealing engagement between the first tube surface and the second tube surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Clark Swift, Kurtis M. Horwath, Shahram Totonchian
  • Patent number: 9765912
    Abstract: A telescoping pipe coupling comprising a hollow body, a hollow tubular insert slidably disposed within the body, two gasket wells, two end connectors, one end connector coupled to each end of the telescoping pipe coupling, two gripper washer wells, a gasket for sealing the tubular insert with the body, two gaskets for sealing one or more pipe sections to the telescoping pipe coupling, two gasket retaining rings each comprising a shoulder, two gripper washers retained within the two gripper washer wells each comprising an outer periphery, wherein the shoulder of each gasket retaining ring is adjacent to the outer periphery of a gripper washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SPEARS MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Wayne Spears, Robert Wayne Spears, II, Alan Lunt
  • Patent number: 9759364
    Abstract: A hose assembly is provided having a bendable inner hose, a bendable outer hose, and a ferrule, wherein both the inner and outer hose are connected to the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Straham Valves, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Gregory Stednitz
  • Patent number: 9752706
    Abstract: A pipe and fitting coupling system includes a first pipe, a second pipe, and a joint. A receiving end of the second pipe includes a first flange, a second flange, a groove, and a sealant. The second flange extends further than the first flange. The groove is disposed at the pipe diameter and between the first flange and the second flange. The first flange has an inwardly angled face to meet the groove and the second flange has an outwardly angled face to meet the groove. The sealant is disposed in the groove to seal the plain end of the first pipe in the receiving end. The joint is formed by the cooperative alignment of the plain end being inserted into the receiving end and being sealed by the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: FAMOUS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jan Bauerdick, Don Smith, Thomas J. Moses, Jeffrey A. Koller
  • Patent number: 9746114
    Abstract: A quick coupling device of the cartridge type, the device comprising a tubular body defining a channel, a retaining washer for retaining the tube in the device, a tubular disconnection pusher that is slidably mounted in the channel, and an anchor for anchoring the coupling device in the socket. The body has one end provided with a retractable ring that projects axially from the end in order to carry internally a sealing member of the coupling device and in order to be suitable for being returned against the body in order to release the sealing member in the socket. The retaining washer is arranged in the retractable ring between the body and the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: PARKER HANNIFIN MANUFACTURING FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Le Quere
  • Patent number: 9739405
    Abstract: A safety coupling assembly can be used to connect segments of a conduit, such as a hose or a flexible pipe. The safety coupling assembly comprises a female member and a male member, which are held together by spring operated toggle latches. The force required for connecting the female member with the male member of the safety coupling assembly can be selected independent from the force required for disconnecting the male member form the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Plymovent Exhaust Extraction B.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Berghuijs
  • Patent number: 9732890
    Abstract: An articulated conduit device may include at least two arms pivotally connected at proximal ends of the arms by a joint, a tiltable adapter at a distal end of each of the arms, capable of tilting up to a predetermined angle, and a locking mechanism operable by a single action to concurrently lock or unlock the arms and adapters in a user-defined orientation and direction. A continuous cavity is defined within the device between external openings in the adapters and through the arms and joint so as to allow fluid to flow between the external openings of the adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Noga Engineering & Technology (2008) Ltd.
    Inventor: Eitan Yehud
  • Patent number: 9732897
    Abstract: A sealing device is provided suitable for making at least partially fluid-tight a connection between a first pipe and a smaller second pipe, a part of the second pipe being able to be engaged in the first pipe while leaving an inter-pipes space between the two pipes in the radial direction. The sealing device is mounted on a supporting pipe and is adapted to spread out in the inter-pipes space from a guard position to a sealing position. It comprises at least one sealing set including substantially rigid movable sealing members which extend each along a predetermined angular sector in a circumferential direction and are individually guided in displacement between the guard position and the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventor: Christophe Legendre
  • Patent number: 9726308
    Abstract: Formation of a sterile connection includes inserting a first aseptic coupling device into a second aseptic coupling device while a locking ring of the first aseptic device is in an indexed initial position, rotating the locking ring to a secured position in which a compressive force is created and in which a first membrane from the first aseptic coupling device and a second membrane from the second aseptic coupling device can removed thereby resulting in a first a first sealing member of the first aseptic coupling device sealing with a second sealing member of the second aseptic coupling device to form a sterile fluid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Randy Williams, Blair Plackner, Todd Andrews, Jeremy Nichols
  • Patent number: 9722403
    Abstract: A low point raceway fitting for draining accumulated condensation from electrical raceway systems installed in industrial, commercial and residential facilities. The drain fitting is a tubular member having a throughbore for pulling wire, connecting ends for installation in a raceway system, and an enlarged section between the ends profiled for engagement by a tool for installation. A drain passage is formed radially through the tool engaging section and is positioned at the underside of the horizontal fitting for gravity drainage. A screen insert can be placed in the drain passage to keep dirt and insects out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Denny Mansell
  • Patent number: 9714734
    Abstract: An expansion joint spring clip can eliminate flutter, pulsations and reverse bending on non-metallic fabric flue duct expansion joints. The expansion joint spring clip can hold the expansion joint in a fixed arch such that it can still perform its function with regard to accommodating the ducting system movements. The expansion joint spring clip allows the entire width of the non-metallic expansion joint to retain its position during start-ups, downloading and during full or partial boiler, kiln, furnace loads and the like. The expansion joint spring clip can be installed in the existing geometry of an expansion joint by producing an arch while not damaging the expansion joint after being installed. The expansion joint can still accommodate axial and limited lateral movements, allowing the expansion joint to perform its function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Frenzelit Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Puchtler
  • Patent number: 9714733
    Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting an auxiliary device to a fluid circulating system. The connector comprises a body with inlet and outlet ports for connection to the fluid circulating system, and an auxiliary port for connection to the auxiliary device. The auxiliary port diverts fluid from the inlet to the auxiliary device and returns fluid to the outlet port. A collar surrounds the auxiliary port, secured by two spring clips. When the spring clips are both locked, movement between the connector and auxiliary device is prevented. When the first clip is released and the second clip is locked, rotation between the connector and the auxiliary device about the central axis and a predetermined amount of movement along the axis is permitted. The connector can be fitted in a variety of orientations relative to the auxiliary device and angular adjustment is possible while the two remain connected and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Wall