Contact Only, Or Friction, Joint Patents (Class 251/149.7)
  • Patent number: 11939823
    Abstract: One illustrative production/annulus bore stab disclosed herein includes a one-piece body that comprises a first cylindrical outer surface and a second cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of individual fluid flow paths defined entirely within the one-piece body. In this illustrative example, each of the individual fluid flow paths is fluidly isolated from one another and each of the fluid flow paths comprise a first inlet/outlet at a first end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the first cylindrical outer surface and a second inlet/outlet at a second end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the second cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Patent number: 11719371
    Abstract: A latch coupling includes male and female connector assemblies releasably secured together. The male connector assembly includes two parallel male connectors and first latches. The female connector assembly includes two parallel female connectors and second latches. A sleeve is releasably connected to an end of the female connector. Force is exerted on the second latches to hook the first latches so as to connect the female and male connector assemblies together. The parallel female connectors can be disconnected from the parallel male connectors or connected together at the same time. After the female connectors have disengaged from the male connectors, leakproof arrangements in the female connector assembly act to prevent water in the female connector assembly from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventor: Hung-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11686164
    Abstract: One illustrative production/annulus bore stab disclosed herein includes a one-piece body that comprises a first cylindrical outer surface and a second cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of individual fluid flow paths defined entirely within the one-piece body. In this illustrative example, each of the individual fluid flow paths is fluidly isolated from one another and each of the fluid flow paths comprise a first inlet/outlet at a first end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the first cylindrical outer surface and a second inlet/outlet at a second end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the second cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Patent number: 11486207
    Abstract: One illustrative production/annulus bore stab disclosed herein includes a one-piece body that comprises a first cylindrical outer surface and a second cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of individual fluid flow paths defined entirely within the one-piece body. In this illustrative example, each of the individual fluid flow paths is fluidly isolated from one another and each of the fluid flow paths comprise a first inlet/outlet at a first end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the first cylindrical outer surface and a second inlet/outlet at a second end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the second cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Patent number: 11441365
    Abstract: One illustrative production/annulus bore stab disclosed herein includes a one-piece body that comprises a first cylindrical outer surface and a second cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of individual fluid flow paths defined entirely within the one-piece body. In this illustrative example, each of the individual fluid flow paths is fluidly isolated from one another and each of the fluid flow paths comprise a first inlet/outlet at a first end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the first cylindrical outer surface and a second inlet/outlet at a second end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the second cylindrical outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Patent number: 10982773
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically controlling the flow of oxygen from a gas source is provided and includes the step of installing a gas concentrator device on an outlet port associated with the gas source. The gas concentrator device is configured to sealingly mate with a conduit connector for delivering a gas from the gas source to a conduit that is associated with the conduit connector. The method also includes the step of automatically providing gas flow from the gas source to the conduit by sealingly coupling the conduit connector to the gas concentrator device and whereupon removal of the conduit connector from the gas concentrator device causes the gas flow to automatically cease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Peter Wojtach, Greg Marler
  • Patent number: 10925807
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting a first medical device component to a second medical device component is disclosed. The connection system of the present disclosure provides for quick and intuitive coupling and decoupling of two opposing medical device components through the use of a connection path and a disconnection path, the connection path being distinct from the disconnection path. Furthermore, the connection system of the present disclosure provides audible and tactile connection feedback through the use of elastically deformable connection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Milan Ivosevic, Paul Paia Marici
  • Patent number: 10835728
    Abstract: An access port, wherein the access port may include a body having an exterior surface and a chamber defined therein, a bore defined in the body providing fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior surface, a needle in fluid communication with the chamber, a passage defined in the body providing communication between the chamber and the exterior surface, a seal secured within the passage, and an actuator in communication with the needle, configured to move the needle relative to the passage or move the passage relative to the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Versago Vascular Access, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Tallarida, Kenneth Arden Eliasen
  • Patent number: 10767799
    Abstract: A fluid system coupler includes a coupler body having an open end for receiving an adaptor therein. A seal assembly is movably disposed within the coupler body for selective sealing engagement with an adaptor. Lever cams pivot into or out of slots in the coupler body between locked and unlocked positions to fasten or unfasten the adaptor to the coupler. A handle is movably connected to the coupler body. Movement of the handle moves the seal assembly within the coupler body. Movement of the handle also results in movement of the lever cams between the locked and unlocked positions. A poppet assembly is mounted to the seal assembly. The poppet assembly can selectively open or close a fluid passageway through the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: OPW-ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Hudson, Shiang Taing, David Morrow
  • Patent number: 10578019
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system comprising: a lubrication applicator device that includes: a base having a cavity that is configured to store a lubricant, and a plunger that is configured to seat a head of a bolt in a counterbore of the base, where the plunger is axially movable in the cavity and is configured to be at least partially recessed in the cavity to cause a side of the bolt to be immersed in the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Valva, David Barger, Sean P. McGee
  • Patent number: 10322276
    Abstract: A needleless connector has a body having an internal cavity with a sealing ridge, a port, an output flow channel, and a fluid flow path between the port and output flow channel. The connector also has a collapsible valve disposed within the cavity. The valve includes a cylindrical wall having a center axis, an internal surface, and a shoulder configured to sealingly contact the ridge of the body, thereby blocking the fluid flow path. The valve also includes a head fixedly attached to the wall. The head has a smiley cut at a first angular position about the center axis and a continuous top surface that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The valve also includes a dimple formed in the internal surface of the cylindrical wall. The dimple extends around the internal surface over an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Quach, Christopher J. Zollinger, Jonathan Yeh, George Michel Mansour
  • Patent number: 10039914
    Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid, the connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be fluidly coupled together at an internal chamber with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the second port. The connector can have ribs extending along the internal chamber to provide a fluid path around the valve element and between the first port and the internal chamber. The valve element can separate the internal chamber into an air chamber and a liquid chamber, and the third port can be continuously coupled to the liquid chamber regardless of a position of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Tim L. Truitt, Alex Truman Mazza, Cliff Colwell
  • Patent number: 9907926
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator is configured to provide oxygen at either lower pressures or higher pressures. When providing low pressure oxygen, the disclosed oxygen concentrator may be used with a conventional, low pressure oxygen delivery device, such as an oxygen cannula or mask, that is configured to deliver oxygen at approximate source pressures of 5 psig to 8 psig. When providing high pressure oxygen, the disclosed oxygen concentrator may be used with a high pressure oxygen delivery device, such as a low profile nasal cannula, that is configured to deliver oxygen at higher pressures. The disclosed oxygen concentrator is configured to automatically select whether low pressure oxygen or high pressure oxygen should be output to the user based on the type of connector used to couple a delivery device thereto, or based on characteristics of the delivery device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SILVERBOW DEVELOPMENT, LLC.
    Inventor: Todd Allum
  • Patent number: 9409007
    Abstract: A base portion for a needleless valve system comprising a body, and a valve coupling feature disposed on the body. The valve coupling feature is configured for coupling to a base coupling feature of a valve of a first type and a base coupling feature of a valve of a second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Yeh
  • Patent number: 9263752
    Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
  • Patent number: 9144672
    Abstract: Needleless connectors are described. An example needleless connector includes a housing and a compressible valve. The housing may define an internal cavity and may include a body section having a first port and one or more internal contact tabs and a base section having a valve mount and a second port. The compressible valve may be disposed within at least a portion of the internal cavity and be movably retained within the housing. The compressible valve may include a flange portion for securing the compressible valve within the housing. A central longitudinal axis of the housing may be defined by a coaxial arrangement of the first and second port. The one or more internal contact tabs may be arranged to contact an outer side surface of the flange portion such that a radial force substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis is provided for securement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: George Michel Mansour, Christopher J. Zollinger, Matthew Quach, Jonathan Yeh
  • Patent number: 8689828
    Abstract: A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Publication number: 20140023297
    Abstract: A valve for opening and closing a liquid vessel or pouch, which includes a valve body having a central axis, top and bottom sides arranged transversely with respect to the central axis, and a passage opening that extends through the valve body coaxially from the top side to the bottom side. A closure element can be pressed into the passage opening by a spring element coaxially with respect to the central axis from the underside such that the passage opening can be closed in a liquid-tight manner. The closure element includes a first sealing lip which can be pressed into the passage opening with an interference fit P1 and, axially behind said first sealing lip, a second sealing lip, which can be pressed into the passage opening with an interference fit P2, wherein P2 is a stronger interference fit than P1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: CWS-BOCO SUPPLY AG
    Inventors: Marco Zund, Felix Scheiwiller, Markus Erb
  • Patent number: 8500088
    Abstract: An anesthetic container includes a receptacle for holding the anesthetic and having a wall defining an interior space and a passage in fluid communication with the interior space. The container also includes a valve assembly that is attachable or is attached to the receptacle to control flow of anesthetic through the passage in the receptacle to a vaporizer. The valve assembly has a closed configuration when the flow of anesthetic from the receptacle is limited and an open configuration when the flow of anesthetic is enabled. The valve assembly is constructed so that at least the surface of any component of the assembly that will come into contact with the anesthetic on its storage or passage from the receptacle to the vaporizer is made of a metal or low-density polyethylene, and provides a fluid-tight seal to prevent the escape of the anesthetic without the use of a gasket in the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventor: Simon Freed
  • Patent number: 8313105
    Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member has an elastomer probe seal molded to or abutting a ring-shaped metal base which is adapted to exert a compressive force on the probe seal when exposed to hydraulic fluid pressure. The compressive force causes the seal to expand in a radial direction thereby increasing its sealing effectiveness. A retainer nut for holding the seal in the receiving chamber may have a angled surface which acts to urge the seal in an inward, radial direction when an axial, compressive force is applied to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 8272411
    Abstract: A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20120138178
    Abstract: Known fluid dispensers can suffer from the disadvantage of inadvertent disconnection of a connector causing potentially hazardous spillage of fluid. The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing assembly comprising a tap and a connector body. The tap comprises a first valve, movable between an open and closed position to allow fluid flow through; and a first portion of an interlocking coupling, configured for rotational engagement with a second complementary interlocking coupling portion of the connector body by rotation about a first fluid dispensing assembly axis. The connector body also comprises a second valve, movable between an open and closed position to allow fluid flow through. By this configuration, the first and second interlocking coupling portions remain interlocked preventing disconnection of the connector body from the tap unless the first and second valves are both in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Yeong-Heng Koo, Andrew Nicholson Wrigley
  • Patent number: 8132780
    Abstract: A subsea female coupler has a body defining a socket for the reception of a probe of a male coupler. The socket includes an annular shoulder and, outwardly of the shoulder, a part-conical seat which tapers towards the interior of the socket. An annular seal is disposed to provide radial sealing between the socket and the probe and is positioned in the annular shoulder. A metal retainer in the form of a securing ring, which has a bevelled rim for abutment with the seat, provides sealing between the region of the seal and the exterior of the body of the coupler. The retainer has a screw-threaded periphery for engagement with a complementary thread on the interior of the socket. An inner ring liner fits within the retainer and has a flange for abutting the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Matthew H Tibbitts
  • Publication number: 20110309279
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are designed to interface between a package, either rigid or flexible and an apparatus to push a seal valve from the housing. Once the container is inserted into the “nest” with valve, opened fluid flow is achieved. Once the container with the valve is removed from the “nest” the valve will self close, with no operator interaction to stop flow of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: David S. Smith America, Inc. DBA Worldwide Dispensers
    Inventors: James L. Richards, Loren J. Brelje, Dean A. Ruzicka
  • Patent number: 8074964
    Abstract: A connector is described which includes a valve housing comprising a valve housing base and a valve cap, the valve housing defining an inlet port, and an outlet port, the valve housing further including a fluid path from the inlet port to the outlet port, the fluid path including a channel formed in an inner wall of the valve housing. A valve insert in the valve housing defines a bowl sealed by a diaphragm, such that the sealed bowl forms an inner volume in the valve housing. A valve plug operable seals the inlet port when the connector is in an unactuated state thereby closing the fluid path through the connector. Upon actuation of the connector the valve plug deforms the diaphragm into the inner volume thereby unsealing the inlet port and opening the fluid path through the connector. Because of the arrangement of the valve plug, valve insert and diaphragm, the connector has a low priming volume and has positive fluid displacement characteristics upon actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: George Michel Mansour, Tim L. Truitt
  • Patent number: 8038123
    Abstract: A fluid handling device, such as a needlefree access device, includes a housing having an inlet and an inlet channel; and a flow control member comprising a combination outlet, biasing and piston member. The flow control member includes a piston section moveable between a closed position in which the piston section is in the inlet channel and an open position in which the piston section is inside the housing below the inlet channel but allows fluid to flow through the inlet channel; a biasing section connected to the piston section that normally biases the piston section into the inlet channel; and an outlet section connected to the biasing section having an outlet fitting in fluid communication with the inside of the housing. The piston section, biasing section and outlet section are connected together such that they can be handled as one piece when assembled with the housing to make the needlefree access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Filtertek Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky R. Ruschke, Edward Kandel, Michael G. Leonhard, Mark A. Kinsley, John A. Leahey, Jan W. M. Mijers, Ronald J. Kay
  • Publication number: 20110114862
    Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
  • Patent number: 7931253
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for joining two fluid conduits together, consisting of a female component and a male component. Female component integrally construction of resilient material has a portion for snugly mating with a male component on one end, another portion for attaching a conduit on the opposing end, and internal valve means. Male component, that snugly press fits into the female component, has a mating portion with internal valve means and a conduit attachment portion. Valve means of assembly permits fluid flow when both components are fully engaged and terminates fluid flow when they are disengaged. Both components can be effortlessly couple together with a relatively low compressive force and automatically separate with a relatively low tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Checkwater LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Robert Paczonay
  • Patent number: 7891637
    Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Zimmermann, Jeremy Schrooten
  • Patent number: 7841581
    Abstract: A needleless connector for controllably permitting fluid communication between a cannula and a port usually associated with a patient catheter or line. The connector is made from three parts, two of which form an elongated housing for a valve part. The valve part comprises a domed slit valve which is in a closed state before a cannula is inserted into the housing. Insertion of the cannula inverts the dome valve to open a slit permitting fluid communication there through. Insertion of the cannula also displaces the valve part about and along a post internally disposed in the housing. Assembled, the valve part is initially disposed about the post in a compressive sealed relationship to form a secure pathway therebetween. The post is shaped to store greater energy by stretching portions of the valve part as the valve part is displaced therealong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Thorne Consulting & Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Gale Harrison Thorne, Jr., Gale Harrison Thorne
  • Patent number: 7810785
    Abstract: A female undersea hydraulic coupling member is equipped with a pressure-energized seal configured to seal between the body of the female member and the probe of a corresponding male hydraulic coupling member in response to ambient hydrostatic pressure. In one particular preferred embodiment, the pressure-energized seal is a metal J seal retained within a removable seal cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7762525
    Abstract: A pressure-balanced hydraulic coupling suitable for undersea use comprises a male member having one or more flow ports on the side of its probe section and a poppet valve actuator extending from the end of the probe section which has a fluid-tight seal around the actuator. The female member has a removable annular flow piece for fluid communication with the flow ports in the probe of the male member. In certain embodiments the annular flow piece has integral probe seals. In other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises a seal retainer. In yet other embodiments, the removable annular flow piece comprises the inner part of a two-part seal cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7731155
    Abstract: A male luer connector to prevent generation of bacteria and waste of medicinal liquid. The male luer connector comprises a basal end and a tip end rotatable relative to the basal end; the male luer part is tapered and rotatable within the tip end. The outer peripheral surface of the tip end is decreased from the rear side to the front side; and a stick-like male luer occluding portion is provided within the male luer part which can tightly occlude liquid from the tip end opening of the male luer part. An internal thread portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the basal end and an external thread, helically engaged with the internal thread, is provided to the rear end portion of the male lure, whereby the tip end opening can be opened or closed by rotating the tip end relative to the basal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Shigeaki Funamura, Yosuke Sakai, Ichiro Kitani
  • Publication number: 20090273181
    Abstract: A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more pressure-energized seals for sealing between the probe seal and the body of the coupling member which retains the probe seal. The generally ring-shaped probe seal has one or more annular fluid chambers in the wall of the seal's body. Each annular fluid chamber is open to the outer circumference of the probe seal. Hydraulic fluid under pressure may enter an annular fluid chamber through its opening an exert a generally radial force as a result of a pressure differential. This radial force can act to increase the sealing effectiveness of the probe seal both to the body of the coupling member retaining the probe seal and to the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber of the female member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL COUPLING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: ROBERT E. SMITH, III
  • Patent number: 7578312
    Abstract: A female hydraulic coupling member is equipped with an internal displaced water compensation system comprising a spring-biased piston in a generally axial cylinder bored into the coupling body and that is offset from the central axial bore. The cylinder is in fluid communication with an interior portion of the receiving chamber such that seawater within the receiving chamber that is displaced by the probe of a male coupling member inserted in the receiving chamber may move into the cylinder of the displaced water compensation system. During coupling separation, the process is reversed and seawater retained in the displaced water compensation system moves into the receiving chamber under the influence of the spring-biased piston thereby preventing a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 7568509
    Abstract: A vial has a body defining a chamber for receiving a substance therein; and a valve assembly coupled in fluid communication with the chamber and defining (i) an open position permitting at least one of (a) passage of the substance through the valve assembly and into the chamber for storing the substance in the chamber, and (b) passage of the substance out of the chamber for dispensing the substance therefrom; and (ii) a closed position forming a fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the container. A filling member is connectable in fluid communication with the valve assembly to fill the chamber therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7520489
    Abstract: A fluid handling device, such as a needlefree access device, includes a housing having an inlet and an inlet channel; and a flow control member comprising a combination outlet, biasing and piston member. The flow control member includes a piston section moveable between a closed position in which the piston section is inside the housing below the inlet channel but allows fluid to flow through the inlet channel; a biasing section connected to the piston section that normally biases the piston section into the inlet channel; and an outlet section connected to the biasing section having an outlet fitting in fluid communication with the inside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Filtertek Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky R. Ruschke, Edward Kandel, Michael G. Leonhard, Mark A. Kinsley, John A. Leahey, Jan W. M. Mijers, Ronald J. Kay
  • Patent number: 7487796
    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: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Imler, Paul D. Carmack, Robert M. Csortos
  • Patent number: 7476368
    Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating items. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial decontamination fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms a part of the circulation system. A container for holding items to be deactivated is provided. The container has a sealable cavity in which the items to be deactivated may be placed, and at least one valve element that is movable between an open and a closed position to regulate fluid flow into the cavity. An actuator in the deactivation chamber is operable to move the valve element to an open position when the container is disposed within the deactivation chamber, wherein the cavity within the container is in fluid communication with the circulation system when the valve element is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Sargent, Christopher A. Jethrow, Jude A. Kral, Karl F. Ludwig, Victor Selig
  • Patent number: 7296782
    Abstract: A valve comprising an inlet housing, an outlet housing, an elastomeric valve element having a generally dome-shaped configuration with a central integral stem positioned substantially concentrically therewith, the inlet housing and outlet housing being fastened together at a joint with the elastomeric valve element positioned therein and the valve element including a plurality of longitudinal ribs formed along an outer annular periphery of a lower end of the dome-shaped configuration that define flow channels that allow fluid flow from across an upper surface of the dome-shaped configuration through the flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventors: Jon R. Enerson, Gregory S. Jordan, Pavel T. Miller
  • Patent number: 7293758
    Abstract: A pipe connector includes a casing, a valve block mounted in the first end of the casing and movable between a close position and an open position and normally supported in the close position by a spring inside the casing, a locking block holder mounted in the second end of the casing and movable between a locking position and an unlocking position and normally supported in the locking position by a spring inside the casing, and locking blocks transversely mounted in the locking block holder and movable with the locking block holder along a tapered inside all portion of the casing to lock/unlock a pipe that is inserted into the locking block holder to move the valve block to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Lai Chang Hsueh-Feng
  • 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: 7182108
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for automatically venting a fluid from at least a portion of a pressurized system. An interconnection between two devices in the system contains an automatic bleed valve configured to automatically seal a vent hole when the two devices are coupled together and to automatically unseal the vent hole before the two devices are separated. In an embodiment, an adapter includes a ring that both screws a connector onto a device and seals a vent hole. A pin is pushed into the vent hole as the connector is screwed to the device. To remove the adapter from the device, the ring is turned to both unseal the vent hole and to unscrew the connector from the device. Turning the ring releases the pin before the connector is unscrewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Submersible Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry H. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7077176
    Abstract: A vial has a body defining a chamber for receiving a substance therein; and a valve assembly coupled in fluid communication with the chamber and defining (i) an open position permitting at least one of (a) passage of the substance through the valve assembly and into the chamber for storing the substance in the chamber, and (b) passage of the substance out of the chamber for dispensing the substance therefrom; and (ii) a closed position forming a fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the container. A filling member engages a flexible valve member of the valve assembly to move the valve member between the closed and open positions to fill and seal the vial, respectively. A syringe is connectable to the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 6981612
    Abstract: A pin valve assembly includes a spring biasing a piston against a seal to seal an opening of a gas cylinder. The spring compresses a length determined by a distance between the insert and the plunger. The insert is pressed into an opening opposite the plunger and held in place by at least one barb extending inward from an inner diameter of a body of the insert. The insert includes an opening to allow communication of gas pressure to a rear portion of the piston. The inner diameter of the pin valve assembly includes at least one barb to secure and prevent removal of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Gas Cylinder Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas S. Siimes, Timo Siimes
  • Patent number: 6923476
    Abstract: A floating seal for an undersea hydraulic coupling member is moveable radially to seal with the male coupling member even if there is some misalignment with the female coupling member. The floating seal is restricted from axial movement within the female coupling member receiving chamber. The floating seal may seal with the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6916007
    Abstract: A closure valve used in a fluid dispensing assembly. The closure valve contains a housing, poppet, sleeve, and a biasing member. The closure valve provides simplified sealing structures for preventing product leakage and spill. The sealing structures being integrally molded sealing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Charles Peter deCler, Blaine C. Sturm
  • 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: 6575430
    Abstract: An undersea hydraulic coupling member having a ring-shaped seal with multiple scaling surfaces extending radially inwardly therefrom is disclosed. The multiple sealing surfaces help guide the probe of the male coupling member into the female member without the risk of drag or galling of the receiving chamber or metal seal retained therein. The seal has an interfit with reverse inclined shoulders in the female member to restrain the seal from moving radially inwardly due to vacuum or low pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6543745
    Abstract: A valve that has at least one internal port on a valve core and at least one an internal slot in a valve body. The valve core is biased into a position wherein the port of the valve core is aligned with a sealing surface of the valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through the valve. The valve core is slidable such that the port of the valve core becomes aligned with the internal slot of the valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through the valve. Another valve includes a self-aligning valve seat carrier which is pivotably engaged with a valve core member. The self-aligning valve seat carrier engages a sealing surface in a valve body to prohibit fluid flow through the valve, but the valve core is slidable such that the self-aligning valve seat carrier disengages from the sealing surface in order to allow fluid flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Enerson