Patents by Inventor Howard C. B. Kuhns

Howard C. B. Kuhns has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10100955
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes a body having a cylindrical interior wall that extends through the ferrule from a front end to a back end, a circumferential recess in the cylindrical interior wall so that the cylindrical interior wall has a first cylindrical portion that is axially forward of the recess and a second cylindrical portion that is axially rearward of the recess. The body includes a nose portion with a tapered outer surface and a flange. The body also includes an outer wall having a first outer wall portion that extends from the tapered outer surface of the nose portion. The first outer wall portion extending rearward to a tapered outer wall portion, the tapered outer wall portion extending from the first outer wall portion to the flange, the diameter of the first cylindrical portion being less than the diameter of the second cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 10011358
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 9988801
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improved removability and ease of maintenance for one or more components of the vacuum toilet system. They can be particularly useful on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Specific embodiments relate to a rinse valve bracket and connection system, a rinse ring tie down, and various improved connection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Arnaud Namer, David A. Beach, Joerg Stachowski, Howard C. B. Kuhns, Jorge Alfonso Bautista Hernandez, Oscar Mathews, Razmik B. Boodaghians
  • Publication number: 20170145675
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improved removability and ease of maintenance for one or more components of the vacuum toilet system. They can be particularly useful on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Specific embodiments relate to a rinse valve bracket and connection system, a rinse ring tie down, and various improved connection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Arnaud Namer, David A. Beach, Joerg Stachowski, Howard C. B. Kuhns, Jorge Alfonso Bautista Hernandez, Oscar Mathews, Razmik B. Boodaghians
  • Patent number: 9657473
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improved removability and ease of maintenance for one or more components of the vacuum toilet system. They can be particularly useful on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Specific embodiments relate to a rinse valve bracket and connection system, a rinse ring tie down, and various improved connection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Arnaud Namer, David A. Beach, Joerg Stachowski, Howard C. B. Kuhns, Jorge Alfonso Bautista Hernandez, Oscar Mathews, Razmik B. Boodaghians
  • Publication number: 20160289944
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improved removability and ease of maintenance for one or more components of the vacuum toilet system. They can be particularly useful on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Specific embodiments relate to a rinse valve bracket and connection system, a rinse ring tie down, and various improved connection systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Arnaud Namer, David A. Beach, Joerg Stachowski, Howard C. B. Kuhns, Jorge Alfonso Bautista Hernandez, Oscar Mathews, Razmik B. Boodaghians
  • Patent number: 9383048
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns, David A. McMillan
  • Patent number: 9371135
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further embodiments relate to improved shroud components for toilets that help reduce splash. Further embodiments also relate to flushing systems for use with vacuum toilets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Kevin Huang, Christoph Goeschel, Timothy Birbeck, Howard C. B. Kuhns, Nguyen Tram, Gil Fitzpatrick Lenhard, Angela M. Hsueh
  • Patent number: 9371136
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Beach, Robert G. Ratliff, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 8777276
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes an annular body having a generally cylindrical radially interior wall extending through the center of the ferrule. An outer radial wall extends from the ferrule front end to a rearward flange portion of the annular body. The outer radial wall has: a first tapered portion extending from the ferrule front end with an increasing radial dimension towards the rearward flange portion, the first tapered portion extending to a crown portion, the crown portion including a convex surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the rearward flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns, David A. McMillan
  • Patent number: 8480135
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes an annular body having a generally cylindrical radially interior wall extending through the center of the ferrule. An outer radial wall extends from the ferrule front end to a rearward flange portion of the annular body. The outer radial wall has: a first tapered portion extending from the ferrule front end with an increasing radial dimension towards the rearward flange portion, the first tapered portion extending to a crown portion, the crown portion including a convex surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the rearward flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns, David A. McMillan
  • Publication number: 20110278840
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes an annular body having a generally cylindrical radially interior wall extending through the center of the ferrule. An outer radial wall extends from the ferrule front end to a rearward flange portion of the annular body. The outer radial wall has: a first tapered portion extending from the ferrule front end with an increasing radial dimension towards the rearward flange portion, the first tapered portion extending to a crown portion, the crown portion including a convex surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the rearward flange portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, David A. McMillan, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7922217
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes an annular body having a generally cylindrical radially interior wall extending through the center of the ferrule. An outer radial wall extends from the ferrule front end to a rearward flange portion of the annular body. The outer radial wall has: a first tapered portion extending from the ferrule front end with an increasing radial dimension towards the rearward flange portion, the first tapered portion extending to a crown portion, the crown portion including a convex surface that tapers radially inwardly towards the rearward flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7699358
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7614668
    Abstract: A ferrule for a metal tube fitting includes a body that is case hardened over substantially its entire surface. The ferrule also has an interior wall comprising first and second cylindrical portions, the first cylindrical portion being axially adjacent a front edge of the ferrule and having the smallest interior wall diameter of the ferrule, the second cylindrical portion having a larger diameter than said first cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7367595
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7240929
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: 7100949
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Publication number: 20040119286
    Abstract: High localized loading, galling, and high torque forces have been generally eliminated or greatly reduced in a two ferrule tube fitting assembly through suitable modification of the rear ferrule so as to redirect the reaction forces acting between the front ferrule and the drive nut. The rear ferrule has a cylindrical interior wall that closely surrounds the tube end and is provided on the interior cylindrical wall with a circumferentially continuous radial recess that is located between the nose and rear wall of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule also has a radially external wall that is substantially conical and additionally shaped to extend radially outward toward the enlarged diameter portion or flange of the rear ferrule. The rear ferrule further includes a contoured face on the rear driven surface of the ferrule that engages the drive surface of the drive nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns
  • Patent number: D884130
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Howard C. B. Kuhns