Patents by Inventor Joseph A. Echols

Joseph A. Echols 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: 5480193
    Abstract: An improved axially split clamp for preventing rupture of the O-ring seal of Ford Spring-Lok fittings even when the outside diameter of the Spring-Lok fitting is oversized. Each mirror-image half of the axially split clamp includes a semi-annular surface sized to fit snugly over the cage of the Spring-Lok pipe and also a semi-circular surface positioned to encircle that portion of the Spring-Lok push-on fitting over the coupling's O-ring seal. A flat-sided groove is cut in each semi-circular surface and a ribbon-like strip of rubber or other resilient material is inserted into the groove. The strip's thickness is about twice the depth of the groove so that when the two halves of the clamp are screwed together, the resilient material will firmly grip the outer diameter of the push-on fitting and thereby prevent back and forth transverse movement of the Spring-Lok fitting, prevent wear and failure of the O-ring seal and prevent the escape of fluid from the Spring-Lok coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph A. Echols, Jean D. Kimbrel, Sandra L. Montz