Valves Actuate Each Other Patents (Class 137/614.04)
  • Publication number: 20080217573
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, there is described herein a two-piece poppet and piston assembly coupled by a floating coupler for use with a poppet cartridge assembly. The two-piece poppet assembly and floating coupler provide axial and radial tolerance that helps to ensure an effective seal (face contact between poppet and liner/seat) and has self aligning properties that help to ensure even wear on dynamic seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy George Pulcini, Mickey Clay Heestand
  • Patent number: 7415987
    Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit having: a hose; a first housing connected to the hose with an internal cavity having a first connection point and a first check ball opening cavity; a second housing connected to the hose with an internal cavity having a second connection point and a second check ball opening cavity; a perforated retention tube positioned longitudinally within the hose and in communication with the first connection point and the second connection point; a first check device contained within the first check ball opening cavity and interposed between the perforated retention tube and the first check ball opening cavity; and optionally a second check device contained within the second check ball opening cavity and interposed between the perforated retention tube and the second check ball opening cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Richard C. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7360976
    Abstract: A machining center including a machining head, a tool changer, an air driven tool and an air valve system. The air driven tool is connectable to the machine head by action of the tool changer. The air valve system has a first portion associated with the machining head and a second portion associated with the air driven tool. The first portion and the second portion include a connection therebetween having an airflow across the connection before the connection seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Steve M. Bryan
  • Patent number: 7343931
    Abstract: A quick-dis/connect coupler including two coupler modules, male and female. Each includes a housing. At least one includes a stopcock valve. The housing bodies are configured such that, as they are engaged/disengaged, each automatically opens/closes the other's stopcock valve. The complete coupler may include seven or fewer components, with five or fewer skus among them. The coupler provides a straight-through, laminar fluid flow path with no dead zones and essentially zero occlusion, and has no springs or other such components inside the fluid flow. The coupler uses inexpensive injection molding and snap-fit components which are dual-latched. The valve-closing springs also provide positive eject force upon disengagement of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Trent Packham
  • Publication number: 20080035222
    Abstract: A disposable breakaway hose connector for a fuel line prevents untimely decoupling, and avoids unnecessary leakage. The breakaway connector includes a pair of fittings, for connecting to the fuel line, an inner sleeve provided for limited sliding movement upon one of the fittings, with each fitting incorporating a poppet valve, to provide for closure when decoupling occurs, or other unseating, from within the respect fittings, during normal aggregate and usage. Detents are provided within one of the fittings for interconnecting to normally retain the connector as assembled, but various O-rings arranged within an inner sleeve and upon one of the fittings, provide for limited movement when tensioning force is exerted and clearance for disconnection. A fluid chamber is provided intermediate of the O-rings, to equalize and counterbalance fluid pressures that occasionally spike within the connector and hose line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Craig J. Fraser
  • Patent number: 7303194
    Abstract: An improved seal retainer for an undersea hydraulic coupling member, which utilizes pressure energized metal seals to maintain fluid integrity. One or more metal seals designed to have a press or interference fit are utilized in such a way that pressurized fluid trying to escape past the seal actually helps to pressure energize the seal to ensure a better seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7278440
    Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit having: a hose; a first housing connected to the hose with an internal cavity having a first connection point and a first check ball opening cavity; a second housing connected to the hose with an internal cavity having a second connection point and a second check ball opening cavity; a perforated retention tube positioned longitudinally within the hose and in communication with the first connection point and the second connection point; a first check device contained within the first check ball opening cavity and interposed between the perforated retention tube and the first check ball opening cavity; and a second check device contained within the second check ball opening cavity and interposed between the perforated retention tube and the second check ball opening cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Richard C. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7275563
    Abstract: A connection for flow of a fluid, comprising first and second bodies, female and male connection elements that are respectively pivoted on the first and second bodies and hollow and complementary such that the male connection element may be seated within the female connection element, and wherein an angle of pivoting of each of the male and female elements is limited relative to a median position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux
  • Patent number: 7264014
    Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit having: a hose; a first and second housing connected to the hose, each housing having a first and second opening and an internal cavity having a first cavity and a first recess; a perforated retention tube positioned longitudinally within hose; a first valve seat disposed in the first housing and a second valve seat disposed in second housing; a first valve body pivotally attached to the first housing at a first pivot point and having a first tab protrusion protruding through the perforated retention tube and a second valve body pivotally attached to the second housing at a second pivot point and having a second tab protrusion protruding through the perforated retention tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Richard C. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7261125
    Abstract: A valve assembly for liquid containers includes a base fixed on the water bottle and a connector unit which is connected to the base by a locking member. Each of the base and the connector unit includes a valve piece which is biased by a spring to seal the base and the connector unit respectively. When the connector unit is connected to the base, the two valve pieces push against to each other to compress the two respective springs so as to release the sealing status of both of the base and the connector unit. The connector unit includes a connection portion and a hose can be connected to the connection portion. The user can have the water in the bottle via the hose while the connection portion can be rotated 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Taiwan Vertex Production Corp.
    Inventor: Chien Ping Lien
  • Patent number: 7252112
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male valve body interfitting with a female valve body for defining a fuel passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially movable spring biased poppet valve members. The valve bodies are connected by a permanent magnetic coupling system which provides for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. In one embodiment, the coupling system includes an annular strike member surrounding the fuel passage and a mating annular magnet member supporting a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of rare earth materials. In another embodiment, the valve bodies define a vapor return passage with a poppet valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel passage. The magnetic coupling system also simplifies reconnecting the valve bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Imler, Paul D. Carmack, Robert M. Csortos
  • Patent number: 7191798
    Abstract: A fluid circuit connector system includes a quick-release connector for connecting a set of tubes to an object. The quick-release connector includes a release button, a lock arm, a lock tab and a cavity configured to receive the tubes and a set of coupler housings. The connector system includes an object fitting having lock recess may be configured to receive the lock tab. The object fitting includes a cavity. The system further includes a set of male coupler housings each including a first unitary valve and a set of female coupler housings each including a second unitary valve. Each female housing is configured to receive and engage one of the male coupler housings. The system includes a set of seals configured to seal each male coupler housing and each female coupler housing when the quick-release connector is connected to the object fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Vital Wear, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Edelman, Howard R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7182098
    Abstract: Provided herein are couplings useful in the transfer of liquid fuels from a remote storage reservoir to an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is adapted to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle's fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The invention also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Basil B Tilling, Robert L. Schultz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7174914
    Abstract: A female coupler comprises a valve support accommodated in a hole portion of the injection port and comprising a projecting portion having a axial hole, a cylindrical coupler main body placed around the projecting portion and comprising a locking projecting portion on an inner peripheral surface, a part of the main body being embedded in the injection port so as to have its position fixed, a base valve accommodated in the main body and having an fitting insertion portion inserted into the axial hole and a valve seat portion placed on the projecting portion, the fitting insertion portion and the valve seat portion being connected together, a bar-like portion projected from the valve seat portion and having valve grooves formed on a peripheral surface, and an deformable packing member placed on the valve seat portion and accommodating the bar-like portion, the packing member being fixedly retained in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasushi Ooishi, Kazuhiro Teraguchi
  • Patent number: 7168449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-connect coupling for hydraulic fluid conduits. The inventive coupling consists of a male element and a female element comprising an outer tubular part and a mobile coupling part. In addition, joints are provided between the tubular parts and define chambers. According to the invention, during the coupling phase, one hydraulically-pressurised chamber can be communicated with an atmospheric pressure chamber, using at least one longitudinal groove or similar element which is disposed in the tubular coupling part or in the outer tubular part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin SA
    Inventors: Sylvain Giagnoli, Richard Rolli
  • Patent number: 7165576
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male tubular valve body interfitting with or female tubular valve body and defining a fuel supply passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially moveable spring biased valve members. The valve bodies are connected by releasable connecting means which provide for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. The valve bodies have cooperating peripherally extending and opposing cam surfaces effective to move the valve bodies from the connected position to the disconnected position in response to relative rotation of the valve bodies and cam surfaces. The valve bodies may also define a vapor return passage with an axially movable valve member and disposed either radially outboard or inboard of the fuel supply passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron D. Carmack, David L. Imler
  • Patent number: 7159616
    Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member is disclosed which comprises a first flow port; a second flow port; a third flow port in fluid communication with both the first flow port and the second flow port; a first poppet valve for opening and closing the first flow port; and a second poppet valve for opening and closing the second flow port, the second poppet valve being connected to the first poppet valve such that the second poppet valve moves to the closed position when the first poppet valve is open and moves to the open position when the first poppet valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Watson, Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7147003
    Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler apparatus fluidly connecting coaxially aligned first and second couplings (50, 130), wherein the both couplings (50, 130) have an inner high pressure passage (26) and a coaxial outer lower pressure passage (53). Initially the first coupling inner high pressure passage (26) is fluidly connected with the first outer lower pressure passage (53) while isolating the second coupling inner high pressure passage (166) and the coaxial outer lower pressure passage (151). Then the first coupling inner high pressure passage (26) and one of the second coupling inner and outer passages (166, 151) is fluidly connected with the first coupling coaxial outer lower pressure passage (53) while isolating the other of the second coupling inner and outer passages (166, 151).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin
    Inventor: Ojars Maldavs
  • Patent number: 7118089
    Abstract: A fluid coupler has a female coupler member and a male coupler member which can be connected to the female coupler member by simply being inserted into the female coupler member. The female coupler member includes a first locking ball, a second locking ball and a locking ball confining ring. The confining ring has a first slanted inner surface engaging the first locking ball to partly project the first locking ball into a male coupler member receiving hole of the female coupler. The confining ring further has a second slanted inner surface and a locking ball pressing surface extending in parallel with an axis of the male coupler member receiving hole. In an insertion operation, the male coupler member first engages the first locking ball to press it against the first slanted surface, thereby axially moving the confining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Toru Kohda
  • Patent number: 7117891
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a pressure bleed device for a hydraulic coupling which includes a male component that comprises a body, a flow passage which extends generally axially through the body, a valve seat which is formed proximate one end of the flow passage, and a valve element which is biased into sealing engagement with the valve seat to thereby close the flow passage. The pressure bleed device includes a bleed passage which extends through the body and communicates with the flow passage, and a valve for selectively opening the bleed passage when an internal pressure within the flow passage is greater than an external pressure outside the body. Thus, when the flow passage is closed, excess internal pressure within the flow passage is vented outside the body through the bleed passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventors: Heyn Halfdan Magnus, Petter Støvset
  • Patent number: 7117892
    Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with fluid system components. In one example, A quick disconnect valve assembly includes first and second valve elements configured to releasably engage each other. Each valve element includes a housing that defines a valve seat and a fluid passageway. A plunger is disposed within each housing and arranged for selective engagement with a corresponding valve seat. Each plunger is biased into a sealing engagement with the valve seat by a resilient element disposed within the housing. Consequently, the fluid passageway of each valve element is closed off when the first and second valve elements are separated from each other. When the valve elements are engaged, the respective biases associated with the plungers counteract each other to the extent that each plunger is lifted off the corresponding valve seat and fluid communication is established between the respective fluid passageways of the first and second valve elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hiltap Fittings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Patent number: 7070164
    Abstract: A coupling member comprises a spherical rotatable valve member installed in a fluid passage thereof, in which the fluid passage is maintained open when a through hole of the valve member is aligned with the fluid passage, while the fluid passage is maintained closed when the through hole of the valve member not aligned with the fluid passage. An annular sealing convex portion is arranged on the outer surface of the valve member, which has larger radii relative to a pivotal axis A than the outer surface, so that the sealing convex portion is fully engaged with an end-opening peripheral edge of the fluid passage only when the valve member is placed in the closing rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kohda
  • Patent number: 7063328
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member has a seal retainer that holds and secures a plurality of annular seals that may be removed from the coupling member together with the seal retainer. At least one of the seals is a pressure energized hollow metal seal. The seal retainer includes a shell that engages the coupling member and a seal carrier that holds the annular seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7044155
    Abstract: Joint-type coaxial connection (10) to connect/disconnect to/from each other two elements (A, B) defining coaxial tubular pipes inside which a respective fluid flows. The connection (10) defines two respective coaxial paths for the passage of the fluid, one internal and one external, able to be selectively opened/closed substantially simultaneously so as to connect pairs (11a, 11b; 12a, 12b) of tubular pipes, respectively inner and outer. In the connection step the two elements (A, B), located coaxial and with the front faces in contact, have a reciprocal approaching travel with the sealing means (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52) which close every passage between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, and between the outer pipe and the part of the joint outside the outer pipe, before achieving the reciprocal fluid-dynamic continuity of the two coaxial pipes of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: DE'Longhi SpA
    Inventors: Sergio Zanolin, Giuseppe Fin
  • Patent number: 7040599
    Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient and highly reliable joint device which contains a small number of components by simplifying the coupling structure, which is small-sized and can be manufactured at low cost, which is leak-proof under a wide range of conditions, regardless of the degree of internal pressure, and which does not contaminate the liquid inside the joint device. Concerning the liquid sending and receiving joint device of this invention for connecting a liquid reservoir 1, which contains the liquid, with a liquid acceptor 4 which receives the liquid from the liquid reservoir 1, an elastic member 3a or 3b having at least a hole 6 and a valve 11 with a flow path is provided at a joint part of either the liquid reservoir or the liquid acceptor, or both of them, wherein the valve 11 fits in or engages with the hole 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Nix, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuo Katsuura, Toru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7029581
    Abstract: A removable particle collector for an apparatus which separates metal particles from lubricating oil. A valve assembly has a bore that provides a passage into the reservoir from outside. A valve element is normally biased against a valve seat to close the bore. A plug has a stem which when inserted into the valve assembly bore forces the valve element away from the valve seat. A portion of the stem is magnetized to attract ferromagnetic particles in the reservoir. A plurality of balls rotatably project from a surface on either the valve assembly or the plug and are received in a plurality of locking grooves in the other of the valve assembly and the plug to secure those components together. The balls are lubricated by fluid from the reservoir and can rotate to reduce wear which could loosen the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James L. Horan
  • Patent number: 7021345
    Abstract: A hose breakaway fitting for a fuel hose and fuel dispenser that comprises of an inner ball-shaped valve section and an outer socket-shaped breakaway section. The valve section is connected to the dispenser's fuel outlet and the breakaway section is connected to one end of the fuel hose. In the event that a vehicle drives away with the fuel hose nozzle still lodged inside its fuel tank, the breakaway section swivels and separates from the valve section that automatically shuts off the flow of fuel to prevent a hazardous situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6997181
    Abstract: A personal hydration device providing fluid delivery to an external mouthpiece and a gas mask mouthpiece is disclosed. The personal hydration device includes a container having an exit port and an exit valve, a diverter valve, an external mouthpiece, a gas mask with a gas mask mouthpiece, and three hoses connecting these elements together. The diverter valve has a body, including one inlet and two outlets, and a spool moveably mounted within the body. The spool is moveable between a first position and a second position, and normally biased toward the first position. When in the first position, the first outlet is in an open position and fluid is delivered to the external mouthpiece. When in the second position, the first outlet is in a closed position and fluid is delivered to the gas mask mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6962321
    Abstract: A two-part coupling structure (22, 32) includes a male coupling part (32) and a female coupling part (22) which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between the coupling parts (22, 32). For example, the coupling parts (22, 32) may be used to establish fluid communication between a container (12) and a conduit (14). The coupling parts (22, 32) are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between them, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the container (12) and the conduit (14). The male coupling part (32) includes a mounting structure (44a-44e) for supporting on the female coupling part (32), and also includes a guide structure (44) effective to guide a male probe portion (36) of the male coupling part (32) into engagement with the female coupling part (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Mark Anderson, Silvio Sandvoss
  • Patent number: 6962347
    Abstract: A backup metal O-ring seal is retained around the outer diameter of a seal retainer of an undersea hydraulic coupling member to seal a leak path around the seal retainer. The metal O-ring seal may be seated on a shoulder on the seal retainer. The backup metal seal is effective for high temperature and high pressure applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6929246
    Abstract: A fluid expansion valve with a main body and a method of its use. The main body has an internal fluid passage and an outlet connector. The outlet connector is suitable for delivering the expanded fluid and for connecting with a socket. The internal profile of the socket is suited for connection with the external profile of the outlet connect. The outlet connect has three connention sections of varying external diameters. The valve may be used to introduce a pressurized gas to a liquid or a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Marco Arzenton, Etienne Gounot
  • Patent number: 6899131
    Abstract: A breakaway coupling for a fuel supply hose includes a male tubular valve body interfitting with or female tubular valve body and defining a fuel supply passage, and the valve bodies enclose axially moveable spring biased valve members. The valve bodies are connected by releasable connecting means which provide for moving the valve bodies from a connected position to a disconnected position in response to a substantial axial tension force on the valve bodies. The valve bodies have cooperating peripherally extending and opposing cam surfaces effective to move the valve bodies from the connected position to the disconnected position in response to relative rotation of the valve bodies and cam surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron D. Carmack, David L. Imler
  • Patent number: 6886803
    Abstract: A female coupler and a male coupler of a pipe coupling that are easy to assemble and have a minimized passage resistance are provided. The female coupler includes a cylindrical female coupler body adapted to receive the male coupler from a front end opening thereof. A pipe connection adapter has a cylindrical connecting portion that is inserted into the female coupler body from a rear end opening thereof, and is thus connected to the female coupler body. The pipe connection adapter has two support legs extending from the front end surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. A valve support ring is secured to the distal ends of the support legs. The valve support ring has an outer circumferential surface that has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical connecting portion, whereby a fluid passage is defined between the outer circumferential surface of the support ring and the wall surface of the through-hole of the female coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Jin Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6871837
    Abstract: A female or male coupler of a pipe coupling comprises a valve which is located in a fluid passage and is axially movable therein. The valve has a valve head which is provided with a sealing ring to be engaged with and disengaged from a valve seat formed on a wall surface defining the fluid passage of the coupler. The sealing ring is installed in an annular groove formed in the valve head. The bottom, or vicinity thereof, of the annular groove, which is isolated from the outside or the fluid passage by the sealing ring, is fluidly communicated with the exterior surface of the valve via a communication passage formed in the valve. As a result, even if a sudden large decrease in pressure is generated in the fluid passage, a pressure in the bottom, or the vicinity thereof, of the annular groove equalizes with the pressure in the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Koji Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20040244848
    Abstract: A method of fluidly connecting coaxially aligned first and second couplings (50, 130), wherein the both couplings (50, 130) have an inner high pressure passage (26) and a coaxial outer lower pressure passage (53). Initially the first coupling inner high pressure passage (26) is fluidly connected with the first outer lower pressure passage (53) while isolating the second coupling inner high pressure passage (166) and the coaxial outer lower pressure passage (151). Then the first coupling inner high pressure passage (26) and one of the second coupling inner and outer passages (166, 151) is fluidly connected with the first coupling coaxial outer lower pressure passage (53) while isolating the other of the second coupling inner and outer passages (166, 151).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Ojars Maldavs
    Inventor: Ojars Maldavs
  • Publication number: 20040238048
    Abstract: A female coupler and a male coupler of a pipe coupling that are easy to assemble and have a minimized passage resistance are provided. The female coupler includes a cylindrical female coupler body adapted to receive the male coupler from a front end opening thereof. A pipe connection adapter has a cylindrical connecting portion that is inserted into the female coupler body from a rear end opening thereof, and is thus connected to the female coupler body. The pipe connection adapter has two support legs extending from the front end surface of the cylindrical connecting portion. A valve support ring is secured to the distal ends of the support legs. The valve support ring has an outer circumferential surface that has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical connecting portion, whereby a fluid passage is defined between the outer circumferential surface of the support ring and the wall surface of the through-hole of the female coupler body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Jin Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20040211474
    Abstract: A female or male coupler of a pipe coupling comprises a valve which is located in a fluid passage and is axially movable therein. The valve has a valve head which is provided with a sealing ring to be engaged with and disengaged from a valve seat formed on a wall surface defining the fluid passage of the coupler. The sealing ring is installed in an annular groove formed in the valve head. The bottom, or vicinity thereof, of the annular groove, which is isolated from the outside or the fluid passage by the sealing ring, is fluidly communicated with the exterior surface of the valve via a communication passage formed in the valve. As a result, even if a sudden large decrease in pressure is generated in the fluid passage, a pressure in the bottom, or the vicinity thereof, of the annular groove equalizes with the pressure in the fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Koji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6799747
    Abstract: A female coupler for a fueling structure includes a body, an oil seal with an annular wing, and a sealing member. A flange is formed on an inner periphery of the body and located adjacent to an open end of the body. An annular wall projects from a bottom wall of the sealing member. The oil seal is mounted inside the annular wall and includes an annular wing on a face thereof. The annular wing includes a top face and a bottom face. The top face and the bottom face of the oil seal are respectively pressed against by the annular wall of the sealing member and the flange of the body. A whole annular face of the open end of the body and the bottom wall of the sealing member are welded together by ultrasonic welding, providing dual leakage prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Plum Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry Lai
  • Patent number: 6799605
    Abstract: A quick-action multi-port fluid coupling having a socket member and a plug member each housing a plurality of coupling devices arranged in a non-linear array. A cam arrangement is provided for axially drawing the plug member into the socket member in a leveraged manner so that the coupling devices can be connected under fluid pressure with relatively little manual force required. The coupling can also include an alignment arrangement that ensures that no contact occurs between the cooperative coupling devices until the coupling members are in proper alignment relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Perfecting Coupling Company
    Inventors: Thomas William Van Scyoc, Thomas Anthony Davis
  • Publication number: 20040187935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid expansion valve (50) comprising a main body (30) with an internal fluid passage (32, 32a, 32b) and an outlet connector (1). Said outlet connector is used to deliver the expanded fluid and is provided with an external profile that is suitable for the connection of a user socket having an internal profile that is adapted and/or complementary to the external profile of the connector. The outlet connector (1) comprises at least three cylindrical connection sections (P1 to P3) which are arranged in succession from the outlet end (11) of said outlet connector (1) to the connection end (10) of the outlet connector (1) on the body (30) of the expansion valve. Said connection sections (P1 to P3) are provided with increasing external diameters (D1 to D3). The invention also relates to the use of one such expansion valve to deliver a pressurised gas that is intended to pressurise a food drink, particularly beer or soft drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Marco Arzenton, Etienne Gounot
  • Patent number: 6796340
    Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a pressurized fluid from a container into an automobile air conditioning system. A moveable plunger in an interior of a housing may engage an automobile air conditioning system valve and pressurized container valve to allow refrigerant and lubricant to flow from the pressurized container into the automobile air conditioning system. A quick-connect coupling may be used to couple the housing to the automobile air conditioning system after the housing has been snapped onto the pressurized container. In addition, the moveable plunger may be biased toward the automobile air conditioning system valve by a spring to ensure the automobile air conditioning system valve is opened when the housing is coupled to the automobile air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: E.F. Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ferris, William J. Quest
  • Patent number: 6776187
    Abstract: A female coupler for use as a fluid connector having an exterior portion, an interior portion, a poppet valve and a piston. The exterior portion has an internal bore with an open forward end adapted to receive a male coupler, a flow port for supplying pressurized fluid to the internal bore, an internal surface with at least one groove and at least one outlet passage through the exterior portion fluidly communicating with the at least one groove. The interior portion has a main cavity and an internal valve seat and is disposed within the housing bore and axially movable within the exterior portion from a first position, in which fluid is sealed within the female coupler, to a second position in which fluid can exit the female coupler. The poppet valve is slidably received within the interior portion and spring-biased forwardly against the valve seat to normally prevent fluid flow through the interior portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Tyler Marquis, Ojars Maldavs
  • Publication number: 20040099318
    Abstract: A fluid coupler has a female coupler member and a male coupler member which can be connected to the female coupler member by simply inserting into the female coupler member. The female coupler member includes a first locking ball, a second locking ball and a locking ball confining ring. The confining ring has a first slanted inner surface engaging the first locking ball to partly project the first locking ball into a male coupler member receiving hole of the female coupler. The confining ring further has a second slanted inner surface and a locking ball pressing surface extending in parallel with an axis of the male receiving hole. In an insertion operation, the male coupler member first engages the first locking ball to press it against the first slanted surface, thereby axially moving the confining ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Toru Kohda
  • Publication number: 20040074541
    Abstract: A flow connector comprises first and second flowpath components engageable in an engagement direction. The first and second components have respective ports defining a flow path therebetween. The connector further comprises a sealing member moveable in the engagement direction between a first position between said ports and in said flow path, in which flow between said ports is prevented, and a second position not between said ports and out of said flow path, in which flow between said ports is permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Sharpe
  • Patent number: 6722405
    Abstract: A safety kit 10 is provided for use with a flexible hose 2 for interconnecting a portable tank 14 with a another tank 12 to transmit fluids between the tanks. The safety kit includes a control housing 5 adapted for securing to one end of the hose, and a cable support housing 36 for securing to the opposing end of the hose. A valve member 20 is moveable relative to a seating surface for opening and closing flow through the control housing. A cable 18 is provided for positioning within the flexible hose 2. The cable may be in compression in one embodiment and in tension in other embodiments. If in compression, the cable support housing includes a cable loading mechanism 210, 250. When the cable is in tension, the trigger moves in response to movement of the cable to close off flow to the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Cessac, Frank Gonzales, Spence M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6719270
    Abstract: There is provided a plug 13 for a fluid pipe connector 11 for connecting fluid pipes to each other or for connecting a fluid pipe to a storage tank or a processing unit. The plug 13 includes a plug portion 6, a fixing portion 78 for sandwiching a flange 87 of a pipe between itself and the end face of the plug portion 61 to fix and support the flange 87, a cylindrical support 80 which is integrally formed with the fixing portion 78 for supporting the pipe 60, and a fixing nut for covering and fixing the plug portion 61 and the fixing portion 78. Between the fixing portion 78 and the remainder of the cylindrical support 80 is provided an engagement surface 79 for a lock lever 52. On the distal end of the plug portion 61, is provided a valve 62 for engaging a valve 20 of a member which is to be connected to the plug 13, to establish a fluid communication. On the outer peripheral surface of the fixing nut 64, a long groove 83 is provided for properly aligning the plug 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6708740
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method at tanking up or refilling fuel to motor driven equipment and vehicles via at least one tanking valve (1), consisting of at least one female part (2) and at least one male part (3). The refilling is performed in at least one step 2, at which at least one tightening surface (21) creates a closed room, including at least one equipment tank (6) and one refilling outfit (7) and said intermediate, open tanking valve (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kaj Wessberg
  • Patent number: 6698466
    Abstract: A dispensing adapter for connecting pressurized containers to other valved systems such as automobile air conditioners is provided. The housing has a dispensing end, a receiving end, and fluid flow channel communicating between the dispensing end and the receiving end. The receiving end sealingly engages a first valve of a pressurized container, and the dispensing end sealingly engages a second valve such as a service port of an automobile air conditioner. When the dispensing end is attached to the service port, the core depressor opens the service port. A button, when depressed, pushes down and thus opens the valve on the pressurized container. The housing may be angled or straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Cowan, Jochen Schapers, Saul Trachtenberg, Nikolay V. Nikolayev
  • Patent number: 6675841
    Abstract: A coupling device for fueling automobile gasoline tanks is disclosed and claimed. The coupling has two parts: a cap assembly (female half) and a nozzle assembly (male half). Little or no spillage occurs due to opposing flush faces of the female main valve and the plug of the male. The cap assembly is affixed to an existing gasoline tank (fuel storage tank) or alternatively can be supplied as original equipment on a new automobile. Fuel vapor is extracted from the automobile fuel tank with high efficiency and returned to the pumping station for storage and/or reprocessing. Vapors and/or liquid fuel are extracted through the portion of the gasoline tank cap assembly which resides within the tank. Apertures in the cap assembly communicate with an annular passageway which removes the vapors to ports which mate with peripheral apertures in a concentric nozzle having an outer sheath and an inner fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Snap-tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Burns
  • Patent number: 6669168
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling includes a male coupling component and a female coupling component that axially interfit in a locked and unlocked relationship with each other with the female coupling component having a hollow body, a tubular body extension that extends axially from a first end of the hollow body and a valve element that can translate along a longitudinal axis of the quick connect coupling. The male coupling component has a tubular stem portion that translates the valve element when the quick connect coupling is fully assembled to a locked position. A valve seat member disposed within the female coupling component has a tapered valve seat area that cooperates with a poppet valve. The valve seat member has a generally cylindrical body with a generally cylindrical inner surface adapted to receive a first end of said tubular stem portion, the valve seat member also having a generally cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Gary Scheffel