With Coupling Patents (Class 137/798)
  • Publication number: 20120003855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling arrangement (6) for releaseably connecting a first line segment (26) provided on a first unit (2) to a second line segment (28) provided on a second unit (4), comprising connecting means that can be applied to the first unit (2) complementary connecting means that can be applied to the second unit (4) and that can be fixed to the connecting means, and a control device (32) that can be positioned between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) and that can be switched between a blocking position, in which the connection between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) is blocked, and a flow position, in which the connection between the first line segment (26) and the second line segment (28) is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: H&B Electronic GmBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Bayerbach, Jochen Heimsch, Dieter Hoelzle, Willfried Weber
  • Publication number: 20110290227
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus including a tank for pneumatic gun comprising a fluid outlet, including an adapter that includes a first end attached to the tank, a second end comprising a fitting, wherein the fitting is capable of receiving a fluid hose, wherein the fluid hose is connected to a source of compressed fluid. The apparatus allows the gun to be fired from the source of compressed fluid. Other embodiments include a method of connecting the apparatus to a pneumatic gun, attaching the fluid hose to the fitting, and firing the gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Williford
  • Publication number: 20110262301
    Abstract: A cassette for steam sterilizing of instruments comprises a lid and a tray, the tray having an inlet and an outlet for the cassette for communication with a sterilization apparatus, and the lid having a seal configured to interface with the tray to maintain either pressure or vacuum conditions for an interior of the cassette. The seal is configured to allow the lid to move between a vacuum position and a pressurized position without exposing the cassette interior to an outside environment. The inlet and outlets have two sets of valves and seals that ensure that the cassette interior remains sterile after the sterilization process is complete and during cassette storage. One set of valves also allows access to the cassette interior for the steam sterilization cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SCICAN, A DIVISION OF LUX AND ZWINGENBERGER LTD.
    Inventors: Eduardo C. Ghelman, Neil McPhail, Adam Szczurowski, Xiang Dong Yin, Edward Kitaura
  • Publication number: 20110219803
    Abstract: An air conditioning device is provided that includes an outdoor unit and a distribution unit. In the air conditioning device, a length of pipes that connect a plurality of indoor units to the outdoor unit is minimized to improve aesthetic appeal and efficiency, and pipes are arranged in the distribution unit for interconnecting the indoor units and the outdoor unit efficiently so as to minimize the volume of the distribution unit. The distribution unit may have a modular structure such that single or multiple distribution units may be added or removed as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Hee PARK, In Kwon Hwang, Eun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20110203677
    Abstract: A tube-socket assembly and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The tube-socket assembly includes: a tube in which first and second beads are formed; and a socket fastened to the tube and including a penetration opening portion in which a penetration opening is formed by a predetermined length and a guide portion separated by a predetermined distance from the tube, wherein a first taper portion having an inclined surface is formed at one side of the first bead and forms a beadlock by line-contacting with an inner vertical end portion of the penetration opening portion positioned within the socket. Thereby, by reinforcing seal between the socket and the inner bead of the tube, coupling between the tube and the socket can be more securely performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Park, Hyoung Seok Kim, Jae Hyeok Choi, Sung Ryong Hur
  • Publication number: 20110193004
    Abstract: A valve (1) includes a housing (2) which is provided with a valve body (3) which is rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing and valve body are both of a tube-shaped design and provided with openings (9, 14) which can be brought in line with one another by rotation, enabling a flow. The valve body can only be rotated by an operating element (4). This operating element is to be coupled to the housing and the embodiment has been designed in such a manner that the operating element can only be received in the housing when the valve body is in the closed position and that the operating element cannot be removed from the housing during/after rotation of the valve body in the housing. Removal is only possible after the operating element has brought the valve body back to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: TREBUCHET B.V.
    Inventor: René Louis Jean Lahaye
  • Publication number: 20110162743
    Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Alfred Charles Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110132411
    Abstract: Adapter for coupling a dosing system to a water supply line, comprising a water inlet and a water outlet, which may be coupled to a water supply line, such that water can flow through the adapter and means for fixing a dosing device on or in the adapter, wherein the dosing device comprises a controller, a sensor unit, at least one actuator, connected to a power source and the controller such that a control signal from the controller brings about a movement of the actuator whereupon a product release is carried out or stopped. The means for foxing the dosing device on or in the adapter and the dosing device are designed such that in the coupled state a fluid-tight connection is formed between the adapter and the dosing device which prevents inflow of water into the adapter and an outflow of flowing water from the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Arnd Kessler, Salvatore Fileccia, Dieter Eichholz, Gerold Jans
  • Patent number: 7950412
    Abstract: A toilet refill restrictor apparatus includes an adapter interposed between a fill valve and a refill hose. The adapter is non-removably coupled to the fill valve and is configured with a larger proximal pathway, and a smaller distal metering pathway for restricting the refill flow rate. The adapter may be coupled to a shortened horizontal outlet formed at a top portion of the fill valve. The horizontal outlet is shortened to a length such that the refill hose cannot be connected directly to the outlet. The adapter may also be coupled to a fill valve without a horizontal outlet where an exit port is defined in the vertical conduit of the fill valve. The adapter includes a securing mechanism to prevent removal from the fill valve without excessive force or breaking the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Nguyen, Christopher Coppock
  • Publication number: 20110079306
    Abstract: This female quick-connect coupling element is for releasably joining together pipes for pressurized fluid. This female element, which is suitable for receiving, along a longitudinal axis, an end-piece of a male element in interfitting manner, is equipped with at least one locking member for locking a male element in the interfitted configuration, a fluid flow duct and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the flow duct, which valve includes an element mounted to move relative to a seat. It is also equipped with a discharge circuit for discharging the fluid contained in an internal volume portion forming the flow duct downstream from the seat of the valve, and a hollow end-piece defining the flow duct in part and suitable for coming to bear against a seal carried by a male element fitted into the female element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe TIBERGHIEN, Olivier PASTORE
  • Publication number: 20110041933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized gas receiving device, particularly for a gas consumer such as an engine or a fuel cell, including a connection interface comprising at least one coupling member intended for selectively coupling with a coupling member combined with a gas dispenser, said receiving device including a movable gas intake shaft defining a gas flow duct, said duct having at least one downstream end to be connected to a consumer and one upstream end to be connected to a gas dispenser, the intake shaft being selectively movable relative to the coupling part between at least two stable positions: a first downstream reference position and a second upstream protruding position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Philippe Pisot, Alessandro Moretti, Renaud Ligonesche, Antonie Frenal
  • Publication number: 20110011475
    Abstract: Recock handle assemblies for bottom loading couplers and bottom loading couplers comprising the same are disclosed. The recock handle assemblies for bottom loading couplers may include a lever portion comprising a first lever arm, a second lever arm and a lever bar oriented in a substantially u-shaped configuration. A handle portion may be joined to the lever portion with a first pivot block and a second pivot block, the handle portion comprising a first connecting leg, a second connecting leg, and a bail. The first connecting leg and the second connecting leg may be positioned in a first plane and the bail is non-coplanar with the first plane. A first base plate may be pivotally coupled to the first pivot block. The first base plate may include a first body guide member and a first sleeve guide member. A second base plate may be pivotally coupled to the second pivot block, the second base plate comprising a second body guide member and a second sleeve guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: OPW ENGINEERED SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Mark J. Tausch, Jeffrey W. Reichert
  • Patent number: 7857360
    Abstract: A coupler that can be configured for easy insertion and removal from an unthreaded cavity within a manifold or other part. The coupler includes an axially movable lock member that also carries a valve member for sealing against a valve seat of a main coupler body. The coupler also has a plurality of radially flexible fingers spaced apart by slots, and a lock member has one or more stop portions that engage the fingers to prevent radial collapse of the fingers for retention of the coupler in the cavity in the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd D. Lambert, Shawn D. Ellis, Brian K. Foner
  • Publication number: 20100284831
    Abstract: A pump assembly is configured to fit to a predefined pipe layout defined by supply and discharge interfaces that are positioned in a predefined relation to supply and discharged centerlines, respectively. The pump assembly includes a multistage pump having a plurality of pumping stages mounted along a pump shaft rotating along a rotation axis. The multistage pump has an inlet port and a discharge port, and the multistage pump is aligned horizontally such that the rotation axis is oriented parallel to the supply centerline. The pump assembly also includes an adaptor having a pump interface and a pipe interface, wherein the adaptor has an internal fluid channel extending along a non-linear passageway between the pump and pipe interfaces. The pump interface is coupled to one of the inlet and discharge ports of the multistage pump, and the pipe interface is located proximate one of the supply and discharge interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS PUMPS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Greg Towsley, Ryan Haack, Joshua Talley, Svend Amdisen
  • Publication number: 20100260633
    Abstract: A tube pump includes tubes, hooks, tube receivers, three or more fingers, and a drive mechanism. The tubes each include intermediate tubes, connectors, and end tubes. The tubes are attached by engaging the connectors with the hooks provided on upper and lower sides. The intermediate tubes are provided along the tube receivers. Tube press portions of the fingers are provided between the intermediate tubes. The fingers are driven by the drive mechanism so that the tube press portions are reciprocated between a position where one of the intermediate tubes is squeezed and a position where the other of the intermediate tubes is squeezed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: NEUBERG COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Kenji Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20100258658
    Abstract: A coupler is provided for an irrigation system wherein the coupler is mounted in the bottom of the water supply pipe rather than at the top of the water supply pipe with the upper end of the coupler projecting sufficiently upwardly within the water supply pipe to prevent debris from entering the interior thereof. A modified form of the invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Dale Christensen, John Kastl, Ricky D. McGee, Dennis R. Theilen
  • Publication number: 20100206414
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a control panel that is movable between a rest position and an exposed position. A reservoir, which is adapted for holding a fluid, has a filling opening and is positioned behind the control panel in an interior of the household appliance when the reservoir is in an operating position. The control panel is configured to impede access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is in the rest position and the reservoir is in the operating position. The control panel is further configured to allow access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is moved to the exposed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Juergen Adamczak, Uwe Berger, Ruediger Hoehn, Franz Thorman, Wolfgang Wieneke
  • Publication number: 20100170586
    Abstract: A passage block coupling apparatus is provided with a bolt insertion hole 13 and a pin insertion hole 14 formed in an upper-stage passage block 3, a screw hole 15 and a non-screw hole 16 that are formed in a lower-stage passage block 4, a bolt 11 that is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 13, and threaded with the screw hole 15, and a positioning pin 12 that is inserted to the pin insertion hole 14, with its lower end portion being fitted to the non-screw hole 16. A cut-out section 17 is formed near the lower end portion of the positioning pin 12, and a protruding portion 18 to be fitted to the cut-out section 17 is formed on the opening portion of the non-screw hole 16. A tightening force exerted by the bolt 11 and a force exerted by the lower end portion of the positioning pin 12 to press the protruding portion 18 of the non-screw hole 16 upward are balanced with each other so that an evenly fastened state is achieved so that the passage blocks 3 and 4 are coupled with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Akira Yamada
    Inventor: Akira Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100089475
    Abstract: A medium connector including a passage configured to allow for the flow of medium, and a multi-portion engagement surface positioned about the passage. The multi-portion engagement surface includes a first surface portion, and a second surface portion. The first surface portion is configured to provide an interference fit with a corresponding sealing surface of a mating connector. The second surface portion is configured to provide a clearance fit with the corresponding sealing surface of the mating connector. The ratio of the first surface portion and the second surface portion is selected to regulate an engagement force between the medium connector and the mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: BRIAN D. TRACEY
  • Publication number: 20100051129
    Abstract: A female coupling member having a valve member which provides a secure closing effect is provided. The coupling member includes an outer annular sealing member (56) which is sandwiched between an outer peripheral surface (54) of the valve member and an outer valve seat portion (38) for sealing therebetween when a valve member (44) is at a closed position, and an inner annular sealing member (60) fixedly attached to the valve member (44) on the radially outer side with respect to an inner valve seat portion (42). The inner annular sealing member extends radially inward beyond an annular surface defining a valve opening (40) of the inner valve seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20100024894
    Abstract: A fluid circuit breaker includes a plurality of petals and a bias system attached to the plurality of petals to maintain the plurality of petals at a closed unobstructed flow condition below a predetermined flow velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, Joshua Boek
  • Publication number: 20100018590
    Abstract: A drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle may include first, second and third modular components. The first modular component may be adapted to coupling to the vehicle and may define a first male connection. The second modular component may include a waste transfer portion extending between a first end and a second end. The first end may define a first female connection and the second end may define a second male connection. The third modular component may include an angled central portion, a first end and a second end. The first end may define a second female connection. The second end may define a waste discharge end. The drain system may further include a fourth modular component defining a first end having an opening for receiving the waste discharge end of the third modular component and a second end for interfacing with a tubular intake of the discharge location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: THETFORD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Suzanne Damaske, Carrie Ellen Hall, Dan Delaney, Kenneth J. Hall, Andy Bialorucki, George Grech
  • Publication number: 20090320953
    Abstract: An interstitially insulated pipeline for flowing a hydrocarbon. In an embodiment, the pipeline comprises a first interstitially insulated pipe and a second interstitially insulated pipe. Each interstitially insulated pipe comprises an inner pipe, an outer pipe mounted coaxially around the inner pipe, an insulating interstice radially positioned between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, and a layer of screen mesh having a mesh size 10 or less disposed in the insulating interstice. In addition, the pipeline comprises a joint coupling the first interstitially insulated tubular and the second interstitially insulated tubular end-to-end. The joint includes a connection that couples the outer pipe of the first interstitially insulated pipe to the outer pipe of the second interstitially insulated pipe, and an annular seal member disposed between the inner pipe of the first interstitially insulated pipe and the inner pipe of the second interstitially insulated pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: Leroy S. Fletcher, Egidio E. Marotta, Charles A. Bollfrass
  • Publication number: 20090293975
    Abstract: The device comes within the field of irrigation devices. A fluid flow shut-off or control valve or device (1) wherein at least one end (2A, 2B) of said valve (1) is shaped so as to allow coupling of the body (2) with a rotatable ring nut (7) provided with a female thread adapted to be screwed onto a corresponding male thread of a component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: TECO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Cosimo IACOPETTA
  • Publication number: 20090293974
    Abstract: Piping unit for transporting a fuel is constructed by connecting a resin tube and a connector for connecting the resin tube to a mating pipe. The connector has a connector body including a retainer holding portion and a retainer for engaging with the mating pipe. The resin tube has a multilayered construction including an inner fuel barrier layer and an outer layer covered with a protective layer. The outer layer has a small outer diameter (od) up to 6 mm, the fuel barrier layer and the outer layer have a wall-thickness (t), and a ratio of the outer diameter (od)/the wall thickness (t) is in a range of 4 to 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki Inoue, Masayuki Sasagawa
  • Publication number: 20090283165
    Abstract: A fluid supply valve attachment device that includes: a fixing member formed with a recessed fitting section; and a fluid supply valve provided with a protruded insertion section that is inserted and fixed in the recessed fitting section. Clearance between a reference inner peripheral surface of the recessed fitting section and a reference outer peripheral surface of the protruded insertion section is set smaller than clearance between an internal thread of the recessed fitting section and an external thread of the protruded insertion section in a state that the protruded insertion section is inserted and fixed in the recessed fitting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoshi NAKATA, Motoyasu YAMAMORI, Toshikatsu KUBO
  • Publication number: 20090236001
    Abstract: A drain system for transporting waste from a vehicle to a discharge location located spaced from the vehicle may include first, second and third modular components. The first modular component may be adapted to coupling to the vehicle and may define a first male connection. The second modular component may include a waste transfer portion extending between a first end and a second end. The first end may define a first female connection and the second end may define a second male connection. The third modular component may include an angled central portion, a first end and a second end. The first end may define a second female connection. The second end may define a waste discharge end. The drain system may further include a fourth modular component defining a first end having an opening for receiving the waste discharge end of the third modular component and a second end for interfacing with a tubular intake of the discharge location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Suzanne DAMASKE, Carrie Ellen HALL, Dan DELANEY, Kenneth J. HALL, Andy BIALORUCKI, George GRECH
  • Publication number: 20090188575
    Abstract: An example coupling device includes a main body with a fluid passage therethrough, a first end with an opening. A receptacle member is positioned within the main body about the fluid passage, the receptacle member being sized to receive a portion of a mating coupling device that is inserted through the opening in the first end. A deformable seal member is positioned within the receptacle member, the seal member including a primary sealing surface and a secondary sealing surface to provide fluid tight seals with the mating coupling device, the primary sealing surface being positioned to engage an end of the mating coupling device, and the secondary sealing surface being positioned in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the primary sealing surface to engage a side surface of the mating coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: COLDER PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Randall Scott Williams, Patrick Thomas Gerst, Grant Armin Wilhelm, James Mark Hanson
  • Publication number: 20090183792
    Abstract: A fluid control device that can be miniaturized without reducing a bolt diameter and a path diameter is provided. A fluid controller 31 having an inlet port 31a and an outlet port 31b aligned in a line direction and a line-to-line connection port 31c positioned in the middle of the above ports in the line direction is supported by a pair of joint members 7, a stepped part 7a is formed at each upper surface of opposed parts of the joint members 7, and line-to-line connection path forming members 9 and 10 having line-to-line paths 13 and 18 each communicating with the line-to-line connection port 31c of the fluid controller 31, respectively and constituting line-to-line connecting means 8 are supported by the stepped parts 7a of the joint members 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Ichiro Tokuda, Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Kenji Tsubota
  • Publication number: 20090165866
    Abstract: A valve is disclosed that has a control ball. The control ball has a passageway within which a sensor is disposed. The sensor measures a characteristic of the fluid passing through the control ball. The control ball can be controlled either manually or with an electronic actuator. A method is disclosed of retrofitting an existing fluid distribution system by replacing a valve that lacks sensing capabilities with a new valve having a sensor. The sensor measures the flow, temperature, or pressure of the fluid, and provides a signal that can be remotely monitored and corresponds to the measured characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Giovanni Fima
  • Publication number: 20090124983
    Abstract: A biomedical line union device for administering pharmacological substances, comprising a union body with: at least one main duct thereinside, provided with at least one outlet associated with a conveyance line or with a closed container, and at least one branch duct, provided with at least one branching port associated with a line for administering a pharmacological substance and connected to the main duct by at least one connecting port. The device comprises at least one valve element, arranged proximate to the connecting port and movable between a closed configuration, in which it interrupts the connection between the branch duct and the main duct, and an open configuration, in which it provides the connection between the branch duct and the main duct due to an overpressure within the branch duct with respect to the pressure within the main duct, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Luca Ferrari
  • Publication number: 20090056388
    Abstract: A fabric treatment appliance comprising a receptacle defining a fabric treatment chamber for receiving laundry; a steam generator having an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for supplying steam to the fabric treatment chamber; a water supply conduit with an outlet located below the steam generator inlet; and a reservoir coupling the water supply conduit outlet with the steam generator inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Markus Beck, Robert J. Pinkowski, Alvaro Vallejo Noriega
  • Publication number: 20090038698
    Abstract: A passage block coupling apparatus is provided with a bolt insertion hole 13 and a pin insertion hole 14 formed in an upper-stage passage block 3, a screw hole 15 and a non-screw hole 16 that are formed in a lower-stage passage block 4, a bolt 11 that is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 13, and threaded with the screw hole 15, and a positioning pin 12 that is inserted to the pin insertion hole 14, with its lower end portion being fitted to the non-screw hole 16. A cut-out section 17 is formed near the lower end portion of the positioning pin 12, and a protruding portion 18 to be fitted to the cut-out section 17 is formed on the opening portion of the non-screw hole 16. A tightening force exerted by the bolt 11 and a force exerted by the lower end portion of the positioning pin 12 to press the protruding portion 18 of the non-screw hole 16 upward are balanced with each other so that an evenly fastened state is achieved so that the passage blocks 3 and 4 are coupled with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Akira Yamada
    Inventor: Akira Yamada
  • Patent number: 7484916
    Abstract: A machining center having a draw bar extending through a spindle with coolant positioned inside the draw bar for cooling a tool comprises a piston rod movable between an operating position and an extended position, a drive post rotatable about an axis of rotation, operatively connected to the draw bar, a coolant union comprising a non-rotatable portion and rotatable portion, wherein the drive post is attached to the rotatable portion such that the rotatable portion is rotatable with the drive post about the axis of rotation, and a bridge, wherein the drive post extends through the bridge to attach to the coolant union and the bridge permits rotation of the drive post but resists dislocation of the drive post from the axis of rotation. Movement of the piston rod from the operating position to the extended position moves the drive post and coolant union to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Tanis Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard K. Tanis
  • Publication number: 20090000550
    Abstract: Embodiments of a manifold assembly are provided herein. In some embodiments, a manifold assembly includes a first manifold having a first inlet, for coupling to a high temperature fluid source, and a first outlet; a second manifold having a second inlet and a second outlet; and a connector portion coupling the first outlet of the first manifold to the second inlet of the second manifold, the connector portion includes a polymer block; and a thermal isolator disposed between the polymer block and the first manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Toan Q. Tran, Dimitry Lubormirsky, Lun Tsuei
  • Publication number: 20080302430
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector (10) for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine having a backflow outlet (18) for taking away the un-injected fuel from the fuel injector (10). A backflow connector (20) is attached to the backflow outlet (18) using a connection component (24), where the connection component (24) is designed so that it can be attached to the backflow nipple (20) in two assembly positions. In the first assembly position the connection component (24) can be pre-assembled on the backflow nipple (20). By moving the connection component (24) into the second assembly position, the backflow nipple (20) can be attached to the fuel injector (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Marion Braun, Rainer Venus
  • Publication number: 20080283136
    Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic and/or fluidic module, a method of producing a pneumatic and/or fluidic module and the use of a pneumatic and/or fluidic module, the pneumatic and/or fluidic module comprising at least one pneumatic and/or fluidic conduit provided to form at least a part of a pneumatic and/or fluidic circuit, said at least one pneumatic and/or fluidic conduit comprising a first part along said conduit and a second part along said conduit, wherein said conduit is provided essentially leak-proof along the interface of the first and the second part by means of the first part comprising a first material at the interface of the first and the second part and by means of the second part comprising a second material at the interface of the first and the second part and wherein the first material is more compressible than the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.
    Inventors: Thomas KUEHNEL, Erwin MUELLER, Torsten BRIEM
  • Publication number: 20080277002
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a coupler which comprises an actuator housing and a plunger housing each formed with a passageway for transmitting fluid entering an indwelling catheter to a collection bag. As the housings are connected together, a plunger located in the passageway of the plunger housing is moved from a closed position to an open position by an actuator mounted in the actuator housing in such a way that a seal is continuously maintained in the plunger housing to prevent the escape of fluids from its passageway. A quick-release locking mechanism maintains the two housings in a locked position when the plunger is in the open position, and may be easily activated to permit separation of the housings from one another when it is desired to empty or replace the collection bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Hendrixson
  • Patent number: 7237566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used for cleaning and/or disinfecting a keg coupler (10) which has a collar-like lower section (14) with segment-like projections (18). The lower section (14) is provided on its periphery with a cylindrical external peripheral surface (16) and is provided on the inside with a recess which is formed by an axially recessed radial bearing surface (19), a cylindrical internal peripheral surface (20), a lower radial surface (21), and a peripheral surface (22) divided into segments. An adapter (30) can be fitted onto the keg coupler (10). The adapter (30) comprises an applying unit adapted to apply a cleaning liquid to a surface of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sparkasse Buehl
    Inventor: Rudolf Till
  • Patent number: 7191790
    Abstract: A quick pressure reducer and cylinder valve for use with an SCBA includes a cylinder valve that connects to a pressure vessel, a pressure reduction assembly for reducing the pressure of breathing air provided by the pressure vessel, a probe, and an inlet/latch assembly. The probe includes a notch and a threadless probe tip, and the inlet/latch includes a corresponding receptacle and one or more latches adapted to fit into the notch to retain the probe in the receptacle. A pushbutton switch in the receptacle is triggered by insertion of the probe tip therein, thereby providing an electrical signal. Probes of different lengths may be used to correspond to different pressure capacities, and the inlet/latch assembly may be arranged either to permit the insertion of only probe size or may be arranged to accept both sizes but to function differently based on the size of the probe. The latches are inoperable except at or below a nominal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Mele
  • Patent number: 7182858
    Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith E. Brown, Paul Peterson, Stuart Park, Ron Kindel, Eric Sklar, John Miller, Ken Weight
  • Patent number: 7165571
    Abstract: A dual pneumatic quick-disconnect coupler preferably includes a valve body, a sealing ball and two pipe tap sleeves. The valve body includes a ball cavity that retains the sealing ball. A pipe tap nipple extends from one side of the ball cavity and two threaded holes are formed through the other side thereof. A quick-disconnect plug is threaded into one end of the pipe tap sleeve and a ball seat is formed in the other end to receive the sealing ball. An air hose with a quick-disconnect coupler is attached to one of the quick-disconnect plugs. Air traveling through the air hose will force the sealing ball to seal the unused quick-disconnect plug. A second embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a spring loaded piston. A third embodiment seals each quick-disconnect coupler with a flapper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Mirko Buzdum
  • Patent number: 6969462
    Abstract: A pipe mounting apparatus for a water filter includes a first half body with a top, a first pipe assembly, a second half body with a top, a second pipe assembly and a mounting bracket. The first pipe assembly is formed on the top of the first half body and has a pump inlet and a pump outlet. The second half body is attached to the first half body. Likewise, the second pipe assembly is formed on the top of the second half body and communicates with the first pipe assembly to form a water filtering loop. The mounting bracket is mounted over the two half bodies to support a booster pump. Consequently, the booster pump will be quickly and easily connected to the pump inlet and the pump outlet with fittings or pipes to pump the water into the water filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Po-Chi Liang
  • Patent number: 6955669
    Abstract: A transfer set in particular for delivering a mixture of liquids for medical purposes, from a so-called flexible main bag containing a first liquid and from at least a so-called auxiliary bag containing a second liquid, connectable to the main bag through a pair of Luer-Lock connectors respectively male and female. Each of the two connectors has, at one end, a frangible section engaged in the end of a tubing connected to one of the bags and, at the other end, elements for being coupled to the other connector, provided with elements for locking the connectors in coupled position. The invention is useful for delivering liquids for medical purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Technoflex
    Inventor: Jean Curutcharry
  • Patent number: 6722389
    Abstract: Liquid transfer apparatus transfers liquid between containers, and includes a liquid storage chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a passage connecting the storage chamber outlet to the pump chamber inlet; a suction pump mechanism for sucking air from the storage chamber via the pump chamber inlet; and a valve for selectively opening and closing the inlet of the liquid storage chamber, allowing liquid to flow into the storage chamber by a pump and opening of the inlet. A carry case stores the liquid transfer apparatus and three different adaptors, which can be connected to an aperture of a container for use with a liquid transfer apparatus. One adaptor has a radially adjustable thread engaging components to enable the adaptor to be connected to different sized apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Stevens Nominees (QLD) Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Alec Martin Stevens
  • Publication number: 20030183290
    Abstract: A coupler device for joining together two segments of a tunnel or shaft lining ring, the device being characterised by a double ended male dowel having an externally grooved cylindrical portion adjacent to both ends. This dowel engages in recesses cast into the segment. A reverse tapered sleeve is cast in the recesses retaining an expandable collar formed of a plurality of arcuate segments, these arctuate segments having complimentary grooves on their inner surface to mate with the grooves on the dowel and a tapered external circumferential portion to abut the reverse tapered sleeve. As the dowel is inserted the arcuate segments, being retained elastically within the reverse tapered sleeve, lock the male part of the device into the recess preventing the device from pulling out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher R. Smith, Peter F. Robertshaw
  • Publication number: 20030178355
    Abstract: A tank for use in connection with a reverse osmosis water purification system includes a first portion of quick connect/disconnect fitting, preferably of the type known as John Guest. A complimentary second portion of the quick connect/disconnect fitting mates with the fitting first portion to permit quick flow connection and disconnection to the tank with, and through, the fitting. The tank-mounted first portion of the quick connect/disconnect fitting is preferably a simple upstanding tube having a circumferential channel; making that the complimentary second portion of the quick connect/disconnect fitting mates with this first portion by selectively compressibly grasping the circumferential channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dale Beach
  • Patent number: 6524472
    Abstract: Monolithically-molded subassemblies (1, 2, 3) are used to retrofit existing reverse osmosis systems into zero waste RO systems. The subassemblies reduce the number of connections necessary such that the retrofitting may be accomplished by unskilled labor. The subassemblies may be integrally packaged together on a backboard 45 and are placed in-line in the inlet to the RO unit and in each of the outlets from the RO unit. For example, the first subassembly 1 (FIG. 9) includes an input port 10 for connecting to source of water to be purified, an first portal 103 communicating with a pressure switch, a second portal 102 communicating with a pressure gauge and an output port 12 communicating with the RO unit inlet. Using the subassemblies, the retrofit most typically requires only six connections thereby simplifying system installation, improving system reliability, and extending system longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventor: Jerry Monroe
  • Patent number: 6394032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simulating static load of a connection to a ventilated rack of animal cages when at least one of the racks are not connected to a central ventilation system. Accordingly, the device assures that the ventilation system is balanced when one or more of the ventilated racks are removed from their respective air supply or exhaust drops of the central ventilation system. The device includes a pair of spring biased legs which automatically close when a rack is removed from the central air system. The legs have an outwardly curved shape at one end forming an opening between the first and second leg. In the closed position, ends of the legs are adjacent to one another such that the distance between the legs is reduced, thereby creating a partial obstruction to air flow in the connection which is identical to the static load created by the ventilated rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Allentown Caging Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Coiro, Sr., Frank J. Herdt, Brian M. Bilecki
  • Patent number: 6264246
    Abstract: A purge system has a purge gas piping system for substituting inert gas for process gas when a device connected in a process gas piping system is detached therefrom. In the purge system, a purge joint for connecting two pipes in the purge gas piping system is provided with an opening formed in alignment with the position where the two pipes are connected in the purge joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Goshima, Yoshihisa Sudo