Valves Actuate Each Other Patents (Class 137/614.04)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6655498
    Abstract: This invention provides a pipe coupling used for changing oil in an engine oil pan with an oil drain port. A drain plug has a drain plug main body having one end to be attached to the oil drain port of the engine oil pan, a recess formed in its outer surface of the other end projecting outward from the oil pan, and an axial oil flow path extending in an axial direction, a valve holder to be arranged in the plug main body, and a valve body held by the valve holder and capable of closing the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeya Sasa, Yoshikazu Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6655656
    Abstract: A quick disconnect female coupler comprises, inter alia, a wiper seal retained in a radially opening annular groove and including at its rear side an annular recess that allows rearward rolling of the wiper seal in the annular groove when the wiper seal is subjected to a surge of high pressure fluid from the main cavity to the back side of the piston, whereby the wiper seal moves out of the way of the high pressure fluid surge to avoid being forced out of the annular groove; a tubular spacer in the female housing bore the forms therewith an outer flow passage and which serves as a guide for an axially movable valve body, the spacer having an annular land and a rear end post press-fitted in the housing bore and a housing counterbore, respectively, for retaining and aligning the spacer in the housing; a poppet valve provided with orifices in an angled shoulder thereof for avoiding interference with flow previously caused by coil springs used to bias the poppet valve; and an annular protection shield which perfo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Parker Hannifan Corporation
    Inventor: Ojars Maldavs
  • Patent number: 6644367
    Abstract: A two-part connector structure (22, 32) includes a male connector part (32) and a female connector part (22) which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between the connector parts (22, 32). For example, the connector parts (22, 32) may be used to establish fluid communication between a container (12) and a conduit (14). The connector 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 and the conduit. The male connector part (32) includes a mounting structure (32a) for supporting on the female connector part (22), and also includes a guide structure (44) effective to guide a male portion (36) of the male connector part (32) into engagement with the female connector part (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Mark Anderson, Silvia Sandvoss
  • Patent number: 6637725
    Abstract: A single service package coupling and valve includes a fitment having a spout and a sliding tubular valve member mounted therein for receiving a cooperating dispensing connector of a liquid distributing and dispensing system, and an external adapter ring designed to cooperate with the mounting mechanisms of a plurality of conventional commercially available dispensing connectors. An internal adapter sleeve is mounted with in the sliding tubular valve member to provide a tight seal with any of the conventional dispensing connectors. The external adapter ring is provided with a pair of radially extending flanges adapted to accept and position different dispensing connectors. At least one of the radially extending flanges is provided with at least two wings to engage a threaded mounting collar of a service line connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel N. Davis, James W. Johnson, Kevin Bergenthun, Timothy Frasier
  • Patent number: 6637459
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member includes an external port guard that covers radial or angled flow ports of the probe when the coupling member is disengaged. The port guard is biased to the extended position over the flow ports, and may be moved to a retracted position where hydraulic fluid may flow between the flow ports and the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6626207
    Abstract: Interlocking poppet valve actuators for undersea hydraulic coupling members are disclosed. The actuators extend from the poppet valves of each coupling member, and interlock to resist bending and/or other lateral displacement caused by hydraulic fluid flow and turbulence in the coupling member bores and at the junction between the coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20030172976
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Scheffel
  • Patent number: 6607105
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preserving and dispensing wine or champagne. The apparatus provides a housing having a container support for holding wine or champagne bottles, a plurality of removable stoppers for insertion in the bottles, a nitrogen generator for generating a nitrogen rich gas from air, a nitrogen storage tank for storing the generated nitrogen rich gas, a cooling system for cooling certain bottles and dispensers for providing wine or champagne from the bottles to a user. The nitrogen generator draws in ambient air, adsorbs the oxygen from the air and stores nitrogen rich gas in the nitrogen storage tank. The nitrogen storage tank supplies the nitrogen rich gas to the bottles for preserving the wine or champagne. The stoppers include a nitrogen line and a supply line. The nitrogen line communicates nitrogen rich gas into the bottles and the supply line communicates wine or champagne from the bottles to the dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Vin Valet, Inc.
    Inventors: Johne Phelps, Daniel N. O'Connor, Justin R. Lydon
  • Publication number: 20030140971
    Abstract: A service coupling for use with either a push-type or a screw-type port valve of a charge port is provided that includes a body portion and an axially moveable valve housing. Axial movement of an actuator permits both the selective axial movement of the valve housing from a rearward position toward a forward position and the selective disengagement of the port valve to open a flow path. In one embodiment the actuator has a nose portion that engages a threaded port valve, or axially moves a push-pin valve, to open a flow path. The operation is the same with either type of type of valve such that the user in not required to know which type of valve is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory A. Haunhorst
  • Publication number: 20030140972
    Abstract: A coupling system is disclosed for coupling fluid lines, which has no exposed moveable parts. The coupling system is resistant to accidental uncoupling due to vibration, impact or other physical hazards, resistant to dirt, debris, spills and other environmental hazards, can be coupled and uncoupled quickly and easily, and is resistant to accidental uncoupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Donald A. Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 6582415
    Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for establishing fluid communication between a diluent container having sidewalls and a drug vial. The connector has a piercing member having a first end and a second end and a central fluid pathway. The piercing member is mounted to the liquid container and has fluid accessing portions hermetically sealed from an outside environment. A vial receiving chamber is associated with the piercing member and is dimensioned to connect to the vial. The vial may be selectively attached to the device without piercing the closure of the vial and without breaching the hermetic seal of the fluid accessing portions of the piercing member. Means are provided for connecting the vial receiving chamber to the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Robert J. Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20030106610
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for dispensing liquid from a flexible container (124) is disclosed. It includes a container dispenser body (106) connected to a flexible container (124) for containing a liquid and a first biasing means (168) adapted to bias a first closing member (110) to close off a first passage (107) in the container dispenser body (106); and a valve body (118) with a second biasing means (120) adapted to bias a second closing member (116, 118) to close off a second passage (119) defined in the valve body (118); and a dispensing member (122) operatively connected to the valve body (118); and operating means (114, 198, 136) which moves the two bodies (118, 106) into an operative position, against the two biasing means (168, 120) to open the two passages (107, 119) allowing liquid to flow from the flexible container (124) along the first passage (107) and out of the second passage (119).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Francois Roos, David William Connelly
  • Patent number: 6571835
    Abstract: Pressurized gas containers 36 are refilled from a source of high pressure gas using a valve assembly 1,3 that comprise a first 1 and second 3 gas flow control unit, the control units having a first valve 6 and a second valve 42 respectively, in which assembly further comprises actuators 22, 56 for cooperatively opening the valves when the control units are provided in compressed engagement, preferably using a lever action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Trevor Reading, Andrew Peter Webb, John Irven, Lieve Anna De Paepe
  • Patent number: 6546947
    Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising a fluid conduit having first and second ends, a first valve seat in a housing disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second valve seat in a housing disposed at the second end of the flexible fluid conduit. The first and second valve seats are positioned a first predetermined distance from each other. A first valve body is pivotally attached to the first housing at the first end of the flexible fluid conduit and a second valve body is pivotally attached to the second housing at the second end of the fluid conduit. The first and second valve seats are disposed between the first and second plurality of valve bodies, with the first and second valve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from the first and second valve seats, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Smart-Hose Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Abrams
  • Patent number: 6539988
    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 an interior volume 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. A reciprocatable core depressor is disposed inside the housing. When dispensing end is attached to the service port, the core depressor is moved toward the receiving end of the housing, and the proximal end of the core depressor engages a stem of the first valve and opens the first valve. The housing may be angled or straight, and the core depressor may have a piercing pin to open puncture valve containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Interdynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Cowan, Jochen Schapers, Saul Trachtenberg, Nikolay V. Nikolayev
  • Patent number: 6516831
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling is disclosed having a male member with at least two radial seals around the outer circumference of the probe. The seals on the probe engage the receiving chamber and seal retainer of the female coupling member. When the seals retained in the female coupling member are worn or damaged, the seals on the male coupling member provide the primary sealing mechanism in the coupling. The coupling includes a normally closed poppet valve within each of the male female coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20020179875
    Abstract: A single-service package coupling and valve includes a fitment having a spout and a sliding tubular valve member mounted therein for receiving a cooperating dispensing connector of a liquid distributing and dispensing system, and an external adapter ring designed to cooperate with the mounting mechanisms of a plurality of conventional commercially available dispensing connectors. An internal adapter sleeve is mounted with in the sliding tubular valve member to provide a tight seal with any of the conventional dispensing connectors. The external adapter ring is provided with a pair of radially extending flanges adapted to accept and position different dispensing connectors. At least one of the radially extending flanges is provided with at lest two wings to engage a threaded mounting collar of a service line connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel N. Davis, James W. Johnson, Kevin Bergenthun, Timothy Frasier
  • Patent number: 6488059
    Abstract: A canister assembly includes a canister, a plug enclosure, a vent mechanism, a delivery valve mechanism, and a protective handle. The plug enclosure may be attached to the canister at an opening and forms a pressurized seal of the interior cavity of the canister. The vent mechanism automatically reduces pressure when pressure inside the canister exceeds a preset level. The delivery valve mechanism can be automatically and remotely activated subject to a user's control to provide gaseous flow from the canister. The protective handle is fastened to the canister and includes the handle docking element. A docking assembly includes a canister assembly, a manifold assembly, a docking station, and a docking mechanism. The docking mechanism includes a handle docking element and a port docking element. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and at least one port attached to the manifold. The docking station includes a canister bay, protective housing, and the port docking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Coleman Powermate, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Frank, James Morrow
  • Patent number: 6463957
    Abstract: A connector 20 comprises a plug 21 fitted to an opening 2 formed in a container 1, and a socket 22 which is connected to the plug 21. The plug 21 comprises a bracket section 3 which is fitted into the opening 2 of the container 1, and a plug section 23 which is screwed into a threaded aperture 4 formed in the bracket section 3. An annular locking ring 63 formed with lugs 66 on the outer periphery is integrally but removably fitted to the plug section 23 which is threadedly attached to the threaded aperture 4. A plurality of engaging ribs 67 are formed on the inner peripheral face of the bracket section 3 for preventing rotation of the plug section 23 by engaging with the lugs 66 of the locking ring 63 which is fitted to the plug section 23. As a result, loosening from the threaded aperture 4 of the reusable plug section 23 which is removable by threading into the threaded aperture 4 of the bracket section 3, is prevented so that leaking of the liquid inside the container 1 from a loosened part is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6453945
    Abstract: A coupling for several hydraulic pipes has a number of single couplings which have a first coupling member (2) and a second coupling member (4). The first coupling member (2) includes a first valve (8) and a first cylindrical face (16). The cylindrical face starts from the first front face (7). An actuating element moves the first valve (8) into an open position. A sealing sleeve (17) is adjustable on the first cylindrical face (16) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (x). The sleeve (17) is displaceable by the actuating element from a retracted position, beyond the first front face (7), into a partly projected position. A second coupling member (4) has a second valve (27) and a second cylindrical face (31). The second cylindrical face (31) is at least partly covered by the sealing sleeve (17) in the projected position. The first coupling member (2) is attached to a first block housing (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Gustav Schumacher, Friedrich-Wilhelm Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6405815
    Abstract: The hydraulic coupler is used for connecting a valve to a tool used with a vehicle having a hydraulic pump and fluid communication with the valve through hydraulic plumbing. The hydraulic coupler comprises a coupler body having a base portion, a neck portion and a connector portion. The coupler body is two connector chambers in the connector portion which arc in fluid communication with two apertures, which when the hydraulic coupler is mounted on the valve, are in fluid communication with the valve. A connector assembly, typically of the quick-connect type, is mounted in each connector chamber and is configured to receive hydraulic plumbing to connect the valve to the tool. One embodiment provides that the coupler body is narrower than the valve on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corp.
    Inventors: Guy T. Stoever, Jimmie Clifford, Gerard Restaino, III
  • Patent number: 6394131
    Abstract: A volume compensator has a body with an axial chamber containing a piston assembly that is biased to one side by a spring. The compensator is coaxially mounted with a female coupler to a protective cover for a hydraulic interface plate. The female coupler has an axial bore containing a poppet assembly with an axial bleed port that extends into a receptacle on the end of the female coupler. The receptacle receives a male coupler on the interface plate. The male coupler contains a poppet assembly with a solid poppet that seals in high pressure hydraulic fluid. When the cover is secured to the interface plate, the male coupler is inserted into the receptacle and a small amount of sea water is trapped in between. The trapped sea water is forced through the bleed port and female coupler, and into the compensator where it displaces the piston and spring in the compensator. When the tips of poppets engage, high pressure hydraulic fluid is released into the female coupler and compensator where it is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Offshore Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Fross, Richard K. O. Barratt
  • Patent number: 6390126
    Abstract: A coupling device, having a simple structure, prevents leakage of fluid from an auxiliary valve in a female coupler. The coupling device seals fluid containing air in the female coupler, even in the pressure of the fluid remains or is as low as the ambient pressure level when the male coupler is separated from the female coupler. An annular seal, having integrally formed first and second annular seal elements, is provided in the female coupler. The first annular seal seals between a protruded cylindrical member of the male coupler and a mating cylindrical member of the female coupler. The second annular seal forms a valve body portion of the cylindrical member of the female coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Pascal Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiji Kimura
  • Patent number: 6382251
    Abstract: A coupling half comprising: a body; a principal valve seating against the body and unseating therefrom; a relief valve seating against the principal valve and unseating therefrom; and, a flush face sliding sleeve valve seating against the body and unseating therefrom is disclosed. When the flush face sliding sleeve valve unseats from the body it travels toward the relief valve and engages the relief valve unseating the relief valve from the principal valve permitting flow by the relief valve and enabling the principal valve to unseat from the body. The relief valve and the principal valve define an annulus therebetween. The principal valve includes a passageway for relieving pressure by the relief valve. As the relief valve unseats from the principal valve, flow is permitted to the annulus defined by the relief valve and the principal valve and through the passageway in the principal valve and to a reservoir generally defined by the principal valve and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-Tite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas F. Hopson
  • Publication number: 20020050296
    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 for fluid pipe connector comprises: a plug portion 61; a fixed plate portion 87 which is formed on a fluid pipe 60; a fixing portion 78 for sandwiching the fixed plate portion 87 between the fixing portion 78 and the end portion of the plug portion 61 to fix and support the fixed plate portion 87; a cylindrical supporting portion 80 which is integrally provided on the fixing portion 78 for gently supporting thereon the fluid 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 cylindrical supporting portion 80, the engaged surface 79 for a lock lever 52 is provided. On the tip end of the plug portion 61, a valve 62 is provided for pushing a valve 20 of a member, which is to be connected to the plug 13, to establish a fluid communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Applicant: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6375153
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a stepped internal bore dimensioned to increase the flow rate through the coupling is disclosed. The coupling allows an increased flow rate without increasing the size or weight of the coupling, by positioning the poppet valve in the body section, rather than in the probe section, of the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6371443
    Abstract: To provide a socket for a liquid material or the like transferring connector, easy to manufacture, capable of reliably preventing liquid material or the like from a bellows portion constituting a valve system from leaking out over a long term, and comparatively easily performing operations of attaching or detaching a socket to or from a plug. A socket to be joined to a plug disposed on a container to transfer liquid material or the like within the container elsewhere, in which the socket includes a sleeve, an inner cylinder to be inserted into the sleeve, and a valve system to be disposed within the inner cylinder, and wherein the valve system has a sliding cylinder having a cylindrical bellows integrally molded with another portion at its intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imai
  • Patent number: 6354564
    Abstract: A ball detent fluid coupling for liquid and gas applications has a ball-retaining sleeve on the socket that is retractable by hand for joining and for separating the socket and plug and is characterized by a pressure-actuated check valve mounted on a valve guide within the flow path to preclude backflow into the supply side of the coupling. The valve also operates to shut off the flow when the mating parts of the coupling are disconnected or when flow through the coupling is shut off. A conventional valve can be mounted in the fluid flow passageway opposite the pressure-actuated check valve to urge the mating plug and socket to decouple when the sleeve releases the ball detents from engagement with the plug and to stop flow in the discharge line. The coupling will typically be used at pressures of from about 5 to 130 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Perfecting Coupling Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Van Scyoc, Michael J. Suggs, Phillip G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6347785
    Abstract: A single-service package coupling and valve includes a fitment having a spout and a sliding tubular valve member mounted therein for receiving a cooperating dispensing connector of a liquid distributing and dispensing system, and an external adapter ring designed to cooperate with the mounting mechanisms of a plurality of conventional commercially available dispensing connectors. An internal adapter sleeve is mounted with in the sliding tubular valve member to provide a tight seal with any of the conventional dispensing connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Donald G. Copp, Samuel N. Davis, James W. Johnson, M. Stephen Tschanen
  • Publication number: 20010052366
    Abstract: A connector 20 comprises a plug 21 fitted to an opening 2 formed in a container 1, and a socket 22 which is connected to the plug 21. The plug 21 comprises a bracket section 3 which is fitted into the opening 2 of the container 1, and a plug section 23 which is screwed into a threaded aperture 4 formed in the bracket section 3. An annular locking ring 63 formed with lugs 66 on the outer periphery is integrally but removably fitted to the plug section 23 which is threadedly attached to the threaded aperture 4. A plurality of engaging ribs 67 are formed on the inner peripheral face of the bracket section 3 for preventing rotation of the plug section 23 by engaging with the lugs 66 of the locking ring 63 which is fitted to the plug section 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6330890
    Abstract: A nipple (1) is connectable or connected to a system (2) of pressurizable fluid (16). The first rapid-coupling part operates with a dual function in which, in a first function, the first rapid-coupling part can be coupled together with a second rapid-coupling part and in the coupling position of the parts fluid can be drained off to a first apparatus receiving the drained-off fluid and, in a second function, the first rapid-coupling part receives a probe-shaped unit, which is insertable in the first rapid-coupling part, for draining off the fluid to a quality-detecting apparatus or container apparatus; connected to the probe-shaped unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Dart Engineering AG
    Inventor: Thure Ekman
  • Patent number: 6325099
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a coupling for a liquid product packaged and dispensing assembly in which liquid is pumped from a container via the coupling through a tube to the point of use. The coupling has a first interconnectable member with a hollow post and a biased sleeve closing openings in the hollow post and a second interconnectable member with a hollow sheath and a biased piston closing an opening at the end of the sheath. The parts are configured so that, upon connection, the post unseats the piston while the sheath displaces the sleeve, thereby allowing liquid flow. The piston and the post are configured such that, upon connection, any fluid residing between them is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrit Klaas Bunschoten, Brian David Haworth, Lambertus Gerardus van der Heijden
  • Patent number: 6325100
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a coupling for a liquid product packaging and dispensing assembly in which liquid is pumped from a container via the coupling through a tube to the point of use. The coupling has a first interconnectable member with a hollow post and a biased sleeve closing openings in the hollow post and a second interconnectable member with a hollow sheath and a biased piston closing an opening at the end of the sheath. The parts are configured so that, upon connection, the post unseats the piston while the sheath displaces the sleeve, thereby allowing liquid flow. An elastic ring is present between the sheath and the sleeve which ring is compressed in the axial direction and expanded in the radial direction toward the post so as to establish a close fit around the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrit Klaas Bunschoten, Brian David Haworth, Lambertus Gerardus van der Heijden
  • Patent number: 6302147
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful fluid conduit coupling apparatus which allows quick connection and disconnection with substantially no introduction of ambient fluids or air into the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph Lorney Rose, Anthony Joseph Francis Corriveau, Kirk Alan Dobbs
  • Patent number: 6302148
    Abstract: There is provided a plug 2 provided with a valve hole (main flow passage) and sub flow passages 17 and a socket 1, which is provided with a valve hole (main flow passage) and sub flow passages 46, and which is able to be fitted together with the plug 2 at an arbitrary angle of torsion, and which forms an annular flow passage 60 with the plug 2 when fitted together with the plug 2. When the plug 2 and socket 1 are fitted together, these valve holes communicate with each other, and the sub flow passages 17 and the sub flow passages 46 communicate with each other via the annular flow passage 60. Namely, an improvement in work efficiency is achieved by the easy coupling of different types of liquid flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Imai
  • Patent number: 6298876
    Abstract: A quick disconnect coupling is provided which is designed to minimize or eliminate flow obstruction when the coupling members are connected. Each coupling member includes a swing valve which is movable from a closed, sealed position to an open position which is out of flow-obstructing relation with the flow passageway. An actuator mechanism is provided for moving the swing valves from the closed position to the open position while simultaneously locking the coupling members in tightly sealed relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ozone Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Charles Bogdonoff, Arthur Paul Kathe
  • Publication number: 20010025659
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a stepped internal bore dimensioned to increase the flow rate through the coupling is disclosed. The coupling allows an increased flow rate without increasing the size or weight of the coupling, by positioning the poppet valve in the body section, rather than in the probe section, of the male coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: NATIONAL COUPLING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith
  • Patent number: 6293293
    Abstract: The present invention is capable of engagement with a fluid port and capable of being open to create a fluid path, where the valve assembly includes a valve head for closing a fluid path to a port associated with a valve assembly, and a housing, and at least one engagement element formed integrally with the housing, wherein the valve assembly is characterized in that to open the valve assembly the valve head is driven into an engagement element deforming the valve head and creating the fluid path through the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: ITW New Zealand Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Nicholson Wrigley, Tomislav Govorko
  • Patent number: 6283444
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member is disclosed having a valve actuator extending through the probe section and the leading face, and having angled flow ports in the probe section which help keep the hydraulic system clear of debris when the coupling members are disconnected subsea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6283151
    Abstract: A coupling includes a male half and a female half, where the female half has a fitting rigidly fixed to a stationary member such as an agricultural tractor. The male half can be coupled within the female half. When the male and female halves are coupled together, a valve assembly in the female half allows fluid flow through the coupling. When the male half is pulled out of the female half, the male half automatically disconnects from the female half. When the male half is removed, the valve assembly closes to prevent fluid flow through the coupling. The male half also automatically disconnects when the fluid pressure in the fluid system increases above a predetermined amount. In either case, a coupler body within the fitting moves against a centering spring to allow the male half to be removed from the female half. The selection of an appropriate centering spring determines the breakaway and overpressure release force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin E. Countryman, Nicholas R. Hiser, Ruel D. Magnuson
  • Patent number: 6269837
    Abstract: A rechargeable dispensing system for dispensing a liquid product has a recharge container, a platform base, a locking mechanism, and a pump. The recharge container has a primary finish and a valve. The base has a receptacle for receiving the primary finish of the recharge container and a fluid connector located within the base and attached to the receptacle. The locking mechanism secures the recharge container to the base, wherein the valve is in a closed position when the locking mechanism is engaged and in an open position when the locking mechanism is disengaged. The pump is attached to the base in open communication with the recharge container along the fluid connector for dispensing the liquid product from the recharge container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Lee Mathew Arent, Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Reuben Earl Oder, Robert Edward Stahley
  • Patent number: 6270055
    Abstract: In a hose coupling with a coupling sleeve and a coupling nipple and a valve insert (9) provided therein, the valve spring, the holding element and the valve seat of the valve insert are designed as a one-piece component, and the valve spring (11) has a cavity (21) which is closeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Andreas Szeteli, Werner Büttner, Martin Benzinger
  • Patent number: 6260569
    Abstract: A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising a flexible fluid conduit having first and second ends, a first valve seat disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second valve seat disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are positioned a first predetermined distance from each other. A first plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the first end of the conduit and a second plurality of valve bodies are disposed at the second end of the conduit. The first and second valve seats are disposed between the first and second plurality of valve bodies, with the first and second plurality of valve bodies positioned a second predetermined distance from the first and second valve seats, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph H. Abrams
  • Patent number: 6253786
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is apparatus for installation on railroad cars and automatically connecting pneumatic and/or electric lines of two adjacent railroad cars. The principle of the product design is to apply pneumatic system's own pressure for automatically sealing the juncture area of the coupling and for sealing the hose end and maintaining air pressure at the compressor source when a train brake-in-two occurs. The preferred embodiment includes a substantially rectangular front-mating assembly attached to the front end of a rearwardly extending coupler shank and an installation portion for attaching said rectangular front-mating assembly to the undercarriage of a rail-car via said coupler shank. Said front-mating assembly includes a male and a female mating heads mounted on its front panel and a pair of alignment members installed at its two sides for guiding said mating heads to the appropriate coupling positions during the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Shalong Maa
  • Patent number: 6250348
    Abstract: An improved refueling system is provided for faster and safer pit stop refueling of a race car during a race. The refueling system is particularly designed for faster gravity drain flow of fuel from a pitside fuel tank to a fuel cell on the race car. The refueling system comprises an improved fuel nozzle adapted for quick and easy engagement with a mating receiver on the race car. In the course of engaging the fuel nozzle with the receiver, a poppet-type valve in the nozzle is moved to a full-open position defining a substantially unobstructed flow path for fuel flow through the nozzle at a substantially optimized flow rate to achieve refueling of the race car in the shortest possible time. The fuel nozzle is quickly and easily disengaged from the car receiver, and such disengagement is accompanied by automatic closure of the poppet-type valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: J. C. Carter Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Reinholdt
  • Patent number: 6237631
    Abstract: A female coupling member for a low-spill, quick-disconnect coupling where a male coupling member has a valve with a conical head projecting axially forward of a forward end of a body of the male coupling member. The female coupling member includes a body having an axially-extending internal cavity with a forward end dimensioned to receive the body of the male coupling member. An annular piston sleeve is spring-biased forwardly within the internal cavity of the female body. A radially-inward projecting annular valve seat in the female body separates a rear cavity portion of the internal cavity from a forward cavity portion. A valve stem assembly is slideably received within the internal cavity of the female body. The valve stem assembly includes i) a poppet valve dimensioned to be sealingly seated forwardly against the valve seat in the female body when the female coupling member is in an uncoupled condition; and ii) a valve stem portion connected to the poppet valve and extending forward of the poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis C. Giesler, Jason T. Dunn, Paul E. LeMay
  • Patent number: 6227245
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member is disclosed having angled flow ports to prevent ingress of debris into the hydraulic lines. A port guard attached to the valve actuator closes the flow ports unless the poppet valve is opened by mutual engagement with the opposing coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6206040
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling having a stepped internal bore dimensioned to increase the flow rate through the coupling is disclosed. The coupling allows an increased flow rate without increasing the size or weight of the coupling, by positioning the poppet valve in the body section, rather than in the probe section, of the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6202690
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling is pressure balanced to reduce forces tending to urge the coupling members apart during coupling or uncoupling. A seal retainer having an L-shaped fluid passage is used to provide fluid communication between the radial fluid passage in the male member and the longitudinal fluid passage in the female member of the coupling. The seal retainer holds one or more radial seals in the female member upon disengagement of the male coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III