Patents by Inventor Keith W. Yoder

Keith W. Yoder 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: 10544888
    Abstract: A crimp connection fitting includes a socket with at least one annular recess axially spaced from an annular O-ring receiving groove. The recess includes a plurality of axially spaced crimping elements such that, when the socket is crimped, it grips a conduit positioned within the socket. The crimping elements preferably are split ring spring clips. In some embodiments, multiple spaced recesses support one or more crimping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Lawrence, David A. Bobo, Christopher W. Mason, Keith W. Yoder, Paul Frische-Mouri, Justin J. Carey
  • Publication number: 20190186660
    Abstract: A crimp connection fitting includes a socket with at least one annular recess axially spaced from an annular O-ring receiving groove. The recess includes a plurality of axially spaced crimping elements such that, when the socket is crimped, it grips a conduit positioned within the socket. The crimping elements preferably are split ring spring clips. In some embodiments, multiple spaced recesses support one or more crimping elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Lawrence, David A. Bobo, Christopher W. Mason, Keith W. Yoder, Paul Frische-Mouri, Justin J. Carey
  • Patent number: 10240698
    Abstract: A crimp connection fitting includes a socket with at least one annular recess axially spaced from an annular O-ring receiving groove. The recess includes a plurality of axially spaced crimping elements such that, when the socket is crimped, it grips a conduit positioned within the socket. The crimping elements preferably are split ring spring clips. In some embodiments, multiple spaced recesses support one or more crimping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NIBCO INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Lawrence, David A. Bobo, Christopher W. Mason, Keith W. Yoder, Paul Frische-Mouri, Justin J. Carey
  • Patent number: 10006575
    Abstract: A push-to-connect modular cartridge for a plumbing fitting includes a cylindrical cup having an annular surface at one end and a cylindrical shoulder at an opposite end. A circular seal is positioned against the annular surface, and a circular backing ring is positioned against the seal on a side opposite the annular surface. A grab ring including inwardly projecting tines is seated against the backing ring on a side opposite the seal, and a containment ring contacts the grab ring on a side opposite the backing ring. The containment ring is engaged by the shoulder of the cup to hold the containment ring, grab ring, backing ring, and seal together. This modular push-to-connect cartridge can be welded to a plumbing fitting which uses significantly less material, thereby greatly reducing the cost to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Bobo, Keith W. Yoder, James A. LaFortune
  • Publication number: 20170234464
    Abstract: A crimp connection fitting includes a socket with at least one annular recess axially spaced from an annular O-ring receiving groove. The recess includes a plurality of axially spaced crimping elements such that, when the socket is crimped, it grips a conduit positioned within the socket. The crimping elements preferably are split ring spring clips. In some embodiments, multiple spaced recesses support one or more crimping elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Lawrence, David A. Bobo, Christopher W. Mason, Keith W. Yoder, Paul Frische-Mouri, Justin J. Carey
  • Publication number: 20160273695
    Abstract: A push-to-connect modular cartridge for a plumbing fitting includes a cylindrical cup having an annular surface at one end and a cylindrical shoulder at an opposite end. A circular seal is positioned against the annular surface, and a circular backing ring is positioned against the seal on a side opposite the annular surface. A grab ring including inwardly projecting tines is seated against the backing ring on a side opposite the seal, and a containment ring contacts the grab ring on a side opposite the backing ring. The containment ring is engaged by the shoulder of the cup to hold the containment ring, grab ring, backing ring, and seal together. This modular push-to-connect cartridge can be welded to a plumbing fitting which uses significantly less material, thereby greatly reducing the cost to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: David A. Bobo, Keith W. Yoder, James A. LaFortune
  • Patent number: 9297477
    Abstract: A locking collar slideably fits over the control handle of a valve, such as a ball valve, and can be moved to locking and unlocking positions. The collar includes a pair of fork-like tines which are spaced apart to span a stop member on the valve body. One of the tines includes a tab with a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded adjustment screw. When tightened against the stop member, the screw secures the locking collar and, therefore, the valve handle in a fixed position, preventing inadvertent changing of the valve position. An aperture in the handle allows a lock to be inserted through the handle preventing movement of the locking collar to prevent changing of the valve position by unauthorized tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Yoder
  • Publication number: 20150101684
    Abstract: A locking collar slideably fits over the control handle of a valve, such as a ball valve, and can be moved to locking and unlocking positions. The collar includes a pair of fork-like tines which are spaced apart to span a stop member on the valve body. One of the tines includes a tab with a threaded aperture for receiving a threaded adjustment screw. When tightened against the stop member, the screw secures the locking collar and, therefore, the valve handle in a fixed position, preventing inadvertent changing of the valve position. An aperture in the handle allows a lock to be inserted through the handle preventing movement of the locking collar to prevent changing of the valve position by unauthorized tampering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Keith W. Yoder
  • Publication number: 20100171302
    Abstract: A push-in plumbing connector includes a ring seal, a backing member, a threaded seal compression member, and a locking ring insert which moves between a locked and unlocked position for the insertion and locking of a pipe within the connector. The connector cooperates with a threaded socket of a plumbing fitting having a tapered side wall for engaging the seal which surrounds a pipe inserted into the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventor: Keith W. Yoder