Parallel Paths Patents (Class 285/124.1)
  • Patent number: 11806709
    Abstract: All interface component (40), suitable for cooperating with a microfluidic device (1), the interface component comprising, one or more elements (41) which can be selectively connected to a pneumatic system (71 a,71 b) which can provide a positive and/or negative air flow to the one or more elements (41); wherein each of the one or more elements 141) comprises, an input port (42) which can be selectively fluidly connected to a pneumatic system (71 a,71 b); and a flow restrictor (43) according to a further aspect of the present invention; the flow restrictor (43) being arranged in fluid communication with the input port (42), wherein the flow restrictor (43) can restrict the flow of fluid through the element (41); and an aerosol filter (49) which is arranged to be in fluid communication with the flow restrictor (43); and wherein the interface component (40) further comprises one or more outlets (45), each of the one or more outlets (45) being in fluid communication with a respective element (41), so that fluid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel Schaffhauser
  • Patent number: 11739874
    Abstract: A black tank sewer flush adapter comprises a tubular body, a boss connector connected to or integrally formed to the tubular body, a flexible sealing washer, and a fastener. The fastener is for forming an attachment with the distal end of the boss connector while the water hose passes longitudinally through at least all the opening of the fastener, the opening of the flexible sealing washer, and the distal end opening of the boss connector. By allowing the water stream emitting end of the water hose to pass through the boss connector and the proximal end of the adapter and into a black tank, the water stream can be applied directly to the interior surfaces of the black tank and a net increase in dislodging adhered sludge from the interior surfaces of the black tank is observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffery Wright
  • Patent number: 11598460
    Abstract: A multi-lumen hose connector nipple and a multi-lumen hose equipped therewith. The multi-lumen hose connector nipple includes a nipple basic section through which a plurality of separate fluid conduits extend in each case between a first and a second nipple connector side, a plurality of hose lumen plug-in sockets integral with the nipple basic section, which sockets extend juxtaposed on the first nipple connector side with an intermediate hose lumen wall accommodation space left therebetween, wherein a socket interior space of each of the hose lumen plug-in sockets is assigned to a respective one of the fluid conduits and opens out axially, and a socket strutting structure within the socket interior space of at least one of the hose lumen plug-in sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Klaus Echtle, Günter Glunk, Uwe Herzog, Thomas Pflaumer
  • Patent number: 11435018
    Abstract: A multi-coupling assembly includes a first female coupler and a second female coupler whereby the female couplers are independently operable. Rotation of a rotational lever moves one of the female couplers from the coupling position to the release position without affecting a connection state of the other of the female couplers. Such independent operation of the female couplers is achieved by rotating cams that are configured such that when one of the cams rotates to interact against its respective female coupler, the other of the cams does not act on its respective female coupler. Pressure relief valves are operated such that internal pressure within a female coupler is released prior to the female coupler reaching the release position during a disconnection operation of the male coupler, and prior to the female coupler reaching the coupling position during a connection operation of a male coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Foner
  • Patent number: 11123784
    Abstract: A coil unit is inserted into a tube member, an electromagnetic-forming coil part is arranged at a tube member forming position, a coil-side terminal is connected to a power-supply-side terminal of an end part of a high-voltage power supply cable, the electromagnetic-forming coil part is energized by a power supply part to electromagnetically form the tube member, the coil-side terminal and the power-supply-side terminal are separated, and the coil unit is removed from the tube member. Thus, the tube member can be separated from the high-voltage power supply cable during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignees: KOBE STEEL, LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihaya Imamura, Takayoshi Sugisaki, Chieko Imai
  • Patent number: 11079053
    Abstract: A multi-coupling system includes first and second multi-coupling components that can be connected and disconnected. When connected, opposing fluid couplers on the components are connected. The second multi-coupling component has a handle assembly including a hook retainer, and the first coupling component has a roller, and the handle assembly is rotatable to connect and disconnect the components. As the handle assembly rotates for connection, the hook retainer interacts as a single cam with the roller to pull the components together. A locking pin assembly has a locking pin that is moveable between extended and retracted positions, and when extended locks in a housing of the second component to prevent rotation of the handle assembly. A user manipulates the locking pin assembly to retract the locking pin, which is automatically retained in the retracted position. The locking pin automatically resets when the handle assembly is rotated to disconnect the multi-coupling components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Luke Wolf, Paul Lemay, Brian Foner
  • Patent number: 11041584
    Abstract: A multi-coupling system includes a first multi-coupling component including a plurality of individual first fluid couplers, and a second multi-coupling component including a plurality of individual second fluid couplers. The second multi-coupling component includes a locking pin assembly that is attached to a handle assembly, the locking pin assembly including a locking pin that is moveable in an axial direction between an extended position and a retracted position; a housing that houses the plurality of individual second fluid couplers, the housing further including a locking pin hole; and an operating lever configured to manipulate the locking pin assembly. In a connected and locked state, the locking pin is in the extended position in which a shaft end of the locking pin is located in the locking pin hole, thereby preventing rotation of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Foner
  • Patent number: 10941627
    Abstract: A technique facilitates enhanced sealing capability in a space saving format when utilizing a plurality of uniquely constructed seals. As a result, the seals are useful in swivels and other types of structures to provide secure sealing between seal surfaces while reducing the overall seal area. Each seal comprises a body having a seal base combined with lips which may be activated when the activation fluid is supplied under pressure. In swivel applications, the seals may be constructed in a vertical orientation as axial face seals. The vertical orientation of the seals enables construction of the swivel with a reduced cross-section and thus a reduced hydraulic loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventor: Jens R. Oedegaard
  • Patent number: 10859423
    Abstract: A liquid sensor is configured to detect presence or absence of a liquid in a tube having a light-transmitting property. The liquid sensor includes a main body case including an elastic piece configured to hold the tube such that the tube is allowed to be inserted therein and extracted therefrom in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the tube, a light projecting unit configured to irradiate the tube with detection light, and a light receiving unit configured to receive the detection light that has passed through the tube. A holding member configured to cover the tube in an insertion and extraction direction of the tube is attachable to and detachable from the main body case only in a direction that is not identical with the insertion and extraction direction of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INDUSTRIAL DEVICES SUNX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Hayashi, Takumi Terazawa, Hironao Kitanaka
  • Patent number: 10767346
    Abstract: A work machine includes a hydraulic actuator configured to be driven via hydraulic oil. A control valve has a first pilot port and is connected to the hydraulic actuator to control the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is configured to move in a first mode when a first pilot pressure is applied to the first pilot port. A first pilot valve is connected to the first pilot port of the control valve via the first pilot oil supply pipe to control applying the first pilot pressure to the first pilot port. The hydraulic oil is configured to be drained via a drain pipe. The drain pipe and the first pilot oil supply pipe are provided in a heat exchanger to exchange heat between the hydraulic oil in the drain pipe and the hydraulic oil in the first pilot oil supply pipe via the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keigo Honda, Yuji Fukuda, Takahiro Usami, Hiroshi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10655741
    Abstract: A rotary joint includes a tubular case body, an outer cylinder body provided to be relatively rotatable inside the case body, an inner shaft body provided to be relatively rotatable inside the outer cylinder body, a first mechanical seal for forming flow passages that connect a first flow passage of the case body and a second flow passage of the outer cylinder body to each other by dividing a first annular space formed between the case body and the outer cylinder body, and a second mechanical seal for forming flow passages that connect a third flow passage of the outer cylinder body and a fourth flow passage of the inner shaft body to each other by dividing a second annular space formed between the outer cylinder body and the inner shaft body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Junya Okumura
  • Patent number: 10641047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a line element comprising a hooped tube provided at both ends thereof with two receptacles in which male and female end fittings made of high-strength steel are fastened. The invention also relates to a riser section comprising at least one auxiliary line element having such characteristics. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for upgrading a riser pipe by replacing an auxiliary line element with a line element having such characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventors: Emmanuel Persent, Daniel Averbuch
  • Patent number: 10590893
    Abstract: The present intake manifold consists of segments including an upper member, a lower member, and a middle member that is interposed between these members to demarcate and form intake passages so that the intake passages are arranged in a straight line, and has first welded portions at which the upper member and the middle member are welded together, and second welded portions at which the middle member and the lower member are welded together. The first welded portions are extended outward from the intake passage formed by the upper member and the middle member, and the second welded portions are extended outward from the intake passage formed by the middle member and the lower member. The middle member is provided with ribs holding the first welded portions and the second welded portions in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takuma Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10571055
    Abstract: A block fitting for connecting components in a vehicular refrigeration system includes male and female blocks defining aligned bores that provide fluid communication between the assembled blocks. A primary seal member is disposed between the blocks in fluid tight relation. A separate secondary seal member spaced from the primary seal member is provided between the blocks. The seal members are pre-assembled onto one of the blocks to form a pre-assembled sub-assembly. In one form, the primary seal member is retained on the block by a polymeric guide ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Thrift, Jeffrey Hoste, Cassandra Billock
  • Patent number: 10253912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-coupling device (1) for the multiple quick connection of multiple hydraulic, electrical and/or pneumatic lines, with the possibility of individual manual couplings. The multi-coupling device (1) comprises a first plate (2) connectable to a vehicle or apparatus and supporting a plurality of couplings (3), each of said couplings being connectable to a hydraulic line and being adapted to being connected to corresponding couplings (41) of a second multi-coupling plate (40) for the connection of said hydraulic lines with a point of use, said device (1) being characterised in that at least one of said couplings (3) of said first plate (2) comprises connecting means (32, 33, 34, 35) for connecting and firmly retaining a single coupling (80) and disconnecting means (50) that can be manually operated by the user and are adapted to interact with said connecting means (32, 33, 34, 35) to allow the release of the individual coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: FASTER S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Danelli, Roberto Sorbi
  • Patent number: 10240703
    Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Langenfeld, Matthew N. Westendorf, Neal W. Westendorf, James Curtis Stender, Mitch Gibler
  • Patent number: 9861982
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a removable pneumatic connector, comprises a body having a plurality of bores passing through, each bore surrounded by a sealing member on an inner surface of the body. A plurality of gas lines may be placed within a corresponding bore. A vacuum port is disposed on the inner surface of the body, and an outer seal on the inner surface of the body surrounds the sealing members and the vacuum port. A vacuum line may be placed within the vacuum port, and configured to deliver negative pressure to the vacuum port. A vacuum holding area is created in the volume between the outer seal and each of the sealing members when the inner surface of the body is placed against a substrate. When the vacuum line is activated, a vacuum is created within the vacuum holding area, creating a positive seal between the body and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Gaige, Andrew Zayac, Paul Sydlowski, Philip Lee
  • Patent number: 9827549
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to reactors and a reactor system that include multiple microstructures each having a first edge and a second edge and an entrance side (18) and including an entrance port (22) and one or more other ports through the entrance side with all of the ports through the entrance side (32a, 32b) arranged in a standard pattern and closer to the first edge than the second edge. Desirably, the entrance port (22) and an exit port (24) are concentric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Sylvain Maxime F Gremetz, Aurelie Guichard, Roland Guidat, Olivier Lobet, Stephane Poissy, Pierre Woehl
  • Patent number: 9700827
    Abstract: A drain adaptor comprising a stem and drain body. The stem comprises a breather opening defined by a surface of the stem and a drain opening defined by a surface of the stem. The drain body comprises another breather opening defined by a surface of the drain body and another drain opening defined by a surface of the drain body, wherein the stem extends from the drain body, and wherein a breather passageway extends from the breather opening of the stem to the other breather opening of the drain body, and wherein a drain passageway extends from the drain opening of the stem to the other drain opening of the drain body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9649629
    Abstract: A microfluidic assembly includes a planar microfluidic separation device and a support body configured to receive the planar microfluidic separation device therein. The support body is configured to apply a substantially distributed compressive preload to a substrate of the planar microfluidic separation device. The compressive preload applied to the planar microfluidic separation device may increase the achievable operating pressure of the planar microfluidic separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary W. Bertone
  • Patent number: 9470341
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a container with a fluid preparation device for preparing a fluid, in particular a container with a concentrate for the preparation of dialysis fluid, as well as the combination of the connector, the corresponding container and the fluid preparation device. In order to simplify the handling during both the manufacturing process of such containers and the connection of such containers to the fluid preparation devices, the connector connects a first and second fluid line of the container with a third and fourth fluid line of the fluid preparation device with two laterally spaced-apart mounting elements which each incorporate one of two orifices terminating the first and second fluid lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Winfried Brehm, Thierry Dupin, Ilona Eggert, Thomas Faulhaber, Thomas Graf, Phillippe Laffay
  • Publication number: 20150115598
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid conduit connector includes male and female connector components that releasably snap into engagement with each other to fluidically connect two fluid conduits. The male connector component includes opposing latch arms that extend along a majority of the length of the female connector component when these connector components are engaged with each other. As a result, the engagement of latch catches on the latch arms and latching shoulders on the female connector component occurs near a rear proximal end of the female connector component. This enables a maximum amount of deflection of the latch arms for a given force applied by the user to pivot the latch arms, and the manufacturing of the male and female connector components may be reliably performed by conventional molding processes. Therefore, the fluid conduit connector provides reliable and advantageous operation, especially in high pressure fluid contexts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis J. Lombardi, III
  • Patent number: 8850805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising a housing from which a plurality of inlet pipes emanate, which, in the built-in state, lead to cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and comprising a flange, which is welded to the inlet pipes and which, in the built-in state, is screwed to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine by means of a screw connection. The fatigue strength of the exhaust manifold can be improved by subdividing the flange into at least two partial flanges in a longitudinal direction of the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: J. Eberspaecher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Riekers, Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 8827317
    Abstract: A medical device adaptor includes a housing defining a mounting port and a circumscribing outer wall, a fluid passage extending substantially through the adaptor to the mounting port, and a pair of mounting shoulders spaced circumferentially along the outer wall. The pair of mounting shoulders extend transverse from the outer wall. The medical device adaptor also includes an insert disposed within the mounting port. The insert defines a thru hole at least partially aligned with the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean R. Karla, Raymond A. Lia, Jamie H. Bartenstein, Robert L. Vivenzio, Victor G. Ianno
  • Patent number: 8820351
    Abstract: A connector for use in a negative pressure coolant system is disclosed. The connector connects coolant system circulating to an electrical component thereby allowing the coolant to circulate through the electrical component. The connector is made up of two components, a component side connector and a pump side connector, and can be in three positions: disengaged, semi-engaged and fully-engaged. An electrical component can be drained of its coolant while the connector is shifted from the fully-engaged position, to the semi-engaged position and to the disengaged position. This can be accomplished without shutting down the negative pressure coolant system, thus allowing a particular electrical component to be disconnected without affecting the cooling efficiency of other electrical components connected to the system. Because the coolant is drained, it will not spill on the electrical component and cause damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Chilldyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Harrington, Peter C. Deangelis, William C Campbell
  • Patent number: 8801046
    Abstract: A connector for gas piping for detachably connecting gas tubes (T) corresponding to mating pipes (54) provided in a mating connector (50) is provided with a housing main body (10) connectable to the mating connector (50), a sub-connector (30) provided in the housing main body (10), joint pipes (32) connectable to the mating pipes (54) and having the gas tubes (T) connected thereto, and an engaging mechanism for holding the sub-connector (30) and the housing main body (10) in an engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shinoda
  • Patent number: 8783736
    Abstract: A quick connector assembly for a faucet is provided. The quick connector assembly includes a hose fitting having a longitudinal axis, a lock tab coupled to the hose fitting and having at least one projection extending radially therefrom, and a connector body having at least one slot extending from an opening to a locked position, the at least one slot configured to receive the at least one projection of the lock tab. Moving the projection of the lock tab from the opening of the slot to the locked position connects the lock tab to the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Stokes, Ryan F. Leichty, Gregory R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140152000
    Abstract: A tube fitting includes a multi-way tube member and a coupler. The multi-way tube member includes three interconnected tube-connecting segments, one of which has two locking portions disposed at a distal end thereof. The coupler includes a cap section covering one of the tube-connecting segments having the locking portions, two resilient retaining portions snapped respectively to the locking portions, a guide tube section extending from the cap section into the one of the tube-connecting segments, and a connecting tube section extending from the cap section in a direction away from the guide tube section for connection with an additional coupler. A curable filler can be filled among the multi-way tube member, the coupler, and a tube for fixing the tube within the multi-way tube member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Chao-Lin Chen, How-Ran Guo, Jin-Jia Hu
  • Patent number: 8740257
    Abstract: A fluid connector including pluggable elements, for example in the form of connector pins or connector sockets that are supported so as to be movable in a direction transverse to a joining direction. Resilient element may be disposed for pre-specifying a rest position of the corresponding pluggable elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Groβ
  • Publication number: 20140102547
    Abstract: A device for connecting interchangeable pneumatic tools to manipulators is provided. The device includes a body, fixable to a manipulator, provided with a plurality of seats for accommodating pins for engaging a tool, ducts for feeding a working fluid to the tool, where the ducts extend in the device body, an engaging mechanism which can be activated for constraining and releasing, respectively, the tool to/from the device, and means for closing the ducts. For safety purposes the device is arranged such that the activation of the engaging mechanism for unlocking the tool is always achievable upon the reaching of the complete closing of the ducts by the respective closing means. This way a quick depressurization of the tool is prevented from occurring at the separation from the device, this latter circumstance being conventionally dangerous for the tool replacement operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: GIMATIC S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maffeis
  • Patent number: 8622437
    Abstract: The invention comprises a terminal and a method for making such a terminal for placing one or more fluidic conduits in communication. The invention comprises a conduit for transporting fluid having a proximal and a distal end and a substantially cylindrical housing with an axial bore and a proximal face, the proximal end of the conduit being housed within the axial bore with their axes parallel, and the bore being back-filled with a thermoplastic polymer, most preferably PEEK, liquefied and cooled providing for the conduit to breach the sealing face and the thermoplastic to bond the conduit and housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore Dourdeville, Dennis DellaRovere
  • Publication number: 20140001748
    Abstract: A fuel line connector assembly that includes first and second connectors. The first connector includes a ramp having an inner core and an outer skin surrounding at least a part of the inner core. The inner core extends through the ramp at a location adjacent a radially extending retaining surface for at least a portion of the radial extent of the retaining surface. The second connector has a hook wherein, when the first and second connectors are brought together and secured to each other, the hook inhibits separation of the first and second connectors by bearing again the retaining surface. The first connector is made by coinjection molding a connector body having the outer skin and inner core with the inner core extending through the ramp to a sacrificial portion, and then severing the sacrificial portion from the ramp leaving the inner core exposed at an apex of the ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, David Charles Peterson, Jason Earl Dendel
  • Patent number: 8617134
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a container with a fluid preparation device for preparing a fluid, in particular a container with a concentrate for the preparation of dialysis fluid, as well as the combination of the connector, the corresponding container and the fluid preparation device. In order to simplify the handling during both the manufacturing process of such containers and the connection of such containers to the fluid preparation devices, the connector connects a first and second fluid line of the container with a third and fourth fluid line of the fluid preparation device with two laterally spaced-apart mounting elements which each incorporate one of two orifices terminating the first and second fluid lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried Brehm, Thierry Dupin, Ilona Eggert, Thomas Faulhaber, Thomas Graf, Philippe Laffay
  • Patent number: 8528647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a riser pipe section (1) comprising a main tube (2), at least one auxiliary line element (3) arranged substantially parallel to said tube (2), the ends of the main tube comprising connection means allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted and the ends of the auxiliary line element comprising linking means allowing longitudinal stresses to be transmitted, said linking means comprising at least one locking pin (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Jean Guesnon, Gérard Papon, Emmanuel Persent
  • Patent number: 8517428
    Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Langenfeld, Matthew N. Westendorf, Neal W. Westendorf, James Curtis Stender, Mitch Gibler
  • Publication number: 20130168955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a maritime supply line with at least two line elements which respectively comprise a jacket pipe, at least two inner lines which are arranged in the jacket pipe and a connecting element arranged at least at one end of the line element for the formation of a watertight connection to a line element to be connected. It is provided according to the invention that the connecting element comprises a connecting flange with a radially projecting collar, on which a radially projecting collar of a connecting flange of the line element to be connected can be placed. For the formation of the watertight connection the two radially projecting collars are incorporated by at least one tensioning clamp and are axially tensioned against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: BAUER MASCHINEN GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Michael FINKENZELLER, Georg HOFNER, Ulli WIEDENMANN
  • Patent number: 8468849
    Abstract: A multi-port device such as a thermal expansion valve for an air conditioning system includes a seal structure with a first seal portion and a second seal portion. The first seal portion includes a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal. The second seal portion is attached to a free edge of the first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal. The multi-port device with seal structure militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric William Kesler, Fred Georg Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20130134703
    Abstract: An Archimedes screw assembly comprising a plurality of helically curved tubular components (10) mounted together end to end, and for instance in three sets, to define a three start helix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: THE ARCHIMEDES SCREW COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Pennell Williams
  • Publication number: 20130134702
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing coolant to a computer rack system comprises a first and a second quick disconnect couplings each having a male insert, a female socket aligned with the male insert and a release collar movable on the female socket between a release position and a docked position, a carriage slidably coupled to the chassis to move the male inserts between a retracted position with male inserts separated from the female sockets and a docked position with male inserts inserted into the female sockets. A resilient member intermediate the chassis and the release collars assists in moving the release collars from the release position to the docked position to make up a fluidic circuit. A collar stop coupled to the chassis and aligned with the release collars engages and moves the release collars from the docked position to the release position to break out the fluidic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Boraas, Eric A. Eckberg, Scott A. Shurson
  • Publication number: 20130062878
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe connecting structure includes a first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, a seal member, and a gasket. The second exhaust pipe is a separate part from the first exhaust pipe. The second exhaust pipe is connected to the first exhaust pipe and defines an exhaust passage together with the first exhaust pipe. The seal member is located between the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe in a connecting portion where the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe connect. The gasket is arranged between the seal member and the exhaust passage in the connecting portion where the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe connect together. The gasket has a heat resistant property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi NAKAYAMA, Toshio SUZUKI, Katsumi OCHIAI
  • Publication number: 20130014324
    Abstract: A care delivery system includes a bed (20) having a bed-side interface unit (B), an appliance set (90) comprising one or more appliances (99) and two or more appliance-side interface units (A) distributed among the appliances, and a set (124) of one or more adaptors (126) each having a host interface unit (H) compatible with the bed-side interface unit, and a client interface unit (C). Each adaptor is arranged to accommodate fluid flow between its host interface unit and its client interface unit. Each client interface unit of the adaptor set, taken individually, is compatible with at least one but fewer than all of the appliance-side interface units of the appliance set and, taken collectively, are compatible with all of the appliance-side interface units of the appliance set. The system also includes an appliance annunciator (140) and an appliance discriminator (76) responsive to the annunciator thereby configuring the system for the pneumatic demands of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Receveur, David Ribble, Jason Amrhein, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Rachel Williamson
  • Patent number: 8256801
    Abstract: A coupling device for tubes and/or pipes comprising two substantially identical plate-type coupling parts is provided. Each coupling part has an even number of openings to receive inserted plug-in couplings configured as plug parts or socket parts. In one embodiment, the receiving openings for plug parts are arranged mirror-symmetrically across an axis of symmetry from the receiving openings for socket parts. The plug and socket parts are joined by first inserting and securing them into their respective receiving openings in the two coupling parts, then connecting the coupling parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hagen, Josef Brandt
  • Patent number: 8235121
    Abstract: A jumper including an upstream connector configured to communicate with an umbilical, and a downstream connector configured to communicate with an end device. The jumper also includes a conduit having a first end attached to the upstream connector and a second end attached to the downstream connector, a plurality of valves, and a programmable processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Moore Williams
  • Patent number: 8148649
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a lead-through, especially a cabinet lead-through used in connection with dishwashers. The lead-through has two parts, a body and a cover. Both the body and the cover have part openings forming cylindrical openings when the cover is received on the body. The cylindrical openings formed may e.g. receive tubes for water and wastewater and an electric cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Stellan Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8136844
    Abstract: A hose connection structure for an air mattress and includes a casing, a plurality of pipe fitting units, a retention board and a resilient buckle. The plurality of pipe fitting units is first jointed together to form an assembly, which is then combined with the retention board and the resilient buckle to then mount inside the casing. The pipe fitting units each comprise a plurality of pipe fittings each having a rear end coupled to an air hose extending to an air mattress. A projection formed on the retention board and a barb formed on the resilient buckle are then put into engagement with a connector of an air pump so as to realize connection of multiple hoses and loosening resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Caremed Supply Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Fong Liu
  • Patent number: 8091931
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic unit assembly for a motor vehicle includes a receiving body defining a sealing face and at least two connectors fastened to the receiving body of the unit, oriented substantially parallel one to another and separated by a defined distance from one another. Each connector is configured for connecting a fluid conduit to the unit. Each connector includes a screw fitting for fastening the respective hydraulic connection to the receiving body of the unit such that a sealing face of the screw fitting or a sealing face of the fluid conduit is seated on the sealing face of the receiving body. Each screw fitting is rotatably connected to the body and includes two spanner flat portions having different spanner widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Axel Hinz, Hans-Jörg Feigel, Uwe Greiff, Petra Fischbach-Borazio
  • Patent number: 8052174
    Abstract: A connection joint brazed to a heat exchanger may employ a first block and a second block. The first block may have two fluid passages that align with two fluid passages of the second block. A first male insert may reside within a first fluid passage of each of the first block and the second block and a second male insert may reside within a second fluid passage of each block. Each of the male inserts may employ a first seal and a second seal with a raised boss region midway between the seals. The raised boss portion lies at the mated flats of the juncture of the first and second blocks, which are chamfered to permit part of the boss to locate in each of the chamfers. The seals may be o-rings, or they may be molded onto an insert base using an over molding or double shot manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajeev Sharma
  • Publication number: 20110225988
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a cryo-connector, a connector that allows for the delivery and return of a cryogen in an axial configuration. In one embodiment, the connector is a tri-axial configuration allowing for the delivery and return of pressurized cryogen as well as the application of an independent vacuum in the third lumen. Various configurations, however, may accommodate any number of luminary spaces such that cryogen (or other fluids) and/or vacuum spaces may be created in a fashion complementary to the components that the connector will affix to and interconnect with. The connectors can be utilized with any low temperature, cryogenic device and at varying pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CPSI BIOTECH
    Inventors: John M. Baust, Claudia Lueckge, Roy Cheeks, Melissa K. Dobson, Anthony T. Robilotto
  • Patent number: 8007010
    Abstract: A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Langenfeld, Matthew N. Westendorf, Neal W. Westendorf, James Curtis Stender, Mitch Gibler
  • Patent number: 7926852
    Abstract: A manifold for mounting on the cylinder head of internal combustion engines includes a manifold housing, a pipe connecting flange, and, for each cylinder, an individual flange with a fastener. To make handling easier, adjacent individual flanges are joined by an expansion arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Heinrich Gillet GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Geminn