Swivel With Lateral Port To Annular Sleeve Patents (Class 285/190)
  • Patent number: 6719329
    Abstract: A high pressure swivel includes an inner and an outer wall. Each annular wall is connected to a respective distribution member via apertures which have an axial dimension which is smaller than the diameter of the inlet or outlet. In this way, the pressure area between the seals of the inner and outer rotatable walls is reduced. Each distribution member may include a chamber that is defined by the external surface of the inner and outer annular walls, and an enclosing wall. In this way, an effective thermal isolation is provided by the distribution chambers adjacent to the external surfaces of the inner and outer rings. Deformation of the distribution chambers of the swivel will tend to decrease the width of the seal extrusion gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventor: Antoine Carrasco
  • Patent number: 6685232
    Abstract: A clip for assembling a module comprising a flange head bolt, and a member that receives the flange head bolt. The clip has an inner washer and an outer washer that are joined by a bridging portion. The outer washer has a retainer tub that engages the flange of the flange head bolt. The clip may be referred to as a banjo clip when it is used with a banjo block that connects a brake line to a brake caliper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Franklin Fastener Company
    Inventor: James M. Sampson
  • Patent number: 6679527
    Abstract: A serviceable design for a pressure vessel or reservoir includes a removable retainer accessible from a location external to the reservoir. Many existing, commercially available components can be used with only slight modification while providing ease of access to repair/replace seal members if so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred Hoffman, Leonard Quinn
  • Patent number: 6619700
    Abstract: A brake hose assembly includes a crimp banjo connector and a brake hose. The crimp banjo connector has a banjo fitting which includes a base and an annular projection extending from the base, the banjo fitting being composed of a first material having a first modulus of elasticity. An eyelet is positioned within the annular projection, the eyelet being connected to and extending from the base. The eyelet is composed of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity, the second modulus of elasticity of the second material being greater than the first modulus of elasticity of the first material. The brake hose is received within the annular projection of the banjo fitting and mounted upon the eyelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: C.F. Gomma USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Kacines
  • Patent number: 6588800
    Abstract: A pipe loop (10) for fitting a water meter (12) to a plumbing installation includes a pipe coupling having an adapter (20) with an inlet (22) and an outlet (24) and being adapted to be connected in a straight length of pipe (14) in the plumbing installation, the adapter (20) defines a seat formation (26) between the inlet (22) and outlet (24), the seat formation (26) having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the inlet (22) and outlet (24). A body portion (32) is screw threadedly connected to the adapter (20), the body portion defining a pair of coaxially radially separated tubular members (36, 42), the inner tubular member (42) extending beyond the outer tubular member (36) into sealing engagement with the seat formulation (26). The outer tubular member (36) has radial apertures (48) and an outer water jacket (50) is mounted around the outer tubular member (36), so that it is rotatable with respect thereto, the water jacket (50) being sealed between the body member (32) and the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Oswald Peter John Meli
  • Patent number: 6578603
    Abstract: A swivel apparatus for the transfer of at least one pressurized process fluid, comprising a central stem (2) on which there are placed a number of ring elements (3-6) comprising at least one outlet ring (3) having a number of outlets (10) communicating through an annulus (14) with an associated course (12 resp. 13) in the stem (2), and a number of supporting rings (5, 6) which are stationarily arranged on the stem (2). Between the stem (2) and the outlet ring (3) there is arranged a distance ring (4) which is stationary relative to the stem, and on each side of the outlet ring there is arranged a supporting ring (5 resp. 6) which is stationary relative to the stem and which is axially supported both by the distance ring (4) and an axial bearing (17) arranged at a radial distance therefrom between the supporting ring (5 resp. 6) and the outlet ring (3). A dynamic sealing means (21) between the outlet ring (3) and each supporting ring (5 resp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Framo Engineering AS
    Inventor: Jens Ødegaard
  • Publication number: 20030067164
    Abstract: A serviceable design for a pressure vessel or reservoir includes a removable retainer accessible from a location external to the reservoir. Many existing, commercially available components can be used with only slight modification while providing ease of access to repair/replace seal members if so desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company
    Inventors: Fred Hoffman, Leonard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20030062721
    Abstract: This invention provides a connection structure for connecting a piping used in automobiles or the like to a ring joint for providing highly reliable gas-tightness. The connection can be performed with an easy and inexpensive method and also can provide excellent productivity and safety. The connection structure has highly reliable disengagement resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Masayoshi Usui, Shu Yotsumoto
  • Patent number: 6530604
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement connects two elements with each other. The coupling arrangement includes a plug element and a bushing element which are configured in such a manner that they can be plugged together and locked in position by means of an expandable retaining ring. An axially movable release arrangement cooperates with the retaining ring in order to release the locking mechanism. The coupling arrangement is characterized in that the release arrangement (41) comprises a release sleeve (43), which can be closed with a cover (51) on its side facing away from the bushing element (5), and that a blocking device (55) is used to prevent an inadvertent release of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Luft, Robert Stumpf, Johannes Schmid
  • Publication number: 20030042737
    Abstract: A clip for assembling a module comprising a flange head bolt, and a member that receives the flange head bolt. The clip has an inner washer and an outer washer that are joined by a bridging portion. The outer washer has a retainer tub that engages the flange of the flange head bolt. The clip may be referred to as a banjo clip when it is used with a banjo block that connects a brake line to a brake caliper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Franklin Fastener Company
    Inventor: James M. Sampson
  • Patent number: 6503038
    Abstract: A specially designed bolt fastens together two parts of an engine and in particular can fasten together two components of a rocker arm assembly. The bolt is in a bore passing through the two components. The bolt has a full-diameter pilot that closely fits with the bore at a location where the components mate, and thereby locates the components relative to each other. On opposing axial sides of the pilot are reduced-diameter shank portions of the bolt, which form cylindrical gaps with the bore. The pilot has groove communicating the cylindrical gaps, whereby the gaps and grooves form an oil flow path along the bolt. A duct in each component communicates with a respective one of the cylindrical gaps, so that oil flows through one component, along the bolt and then into the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Matthew G. McGough
  • Patent number: 6494498
    Abstract: A latchable line connector having a plug-in part for connecting at least one pressure or flow line, such as a fuel line, into a plug-in opening of a connector counterpart. Mechanical stress between the plug-in part and the connector counterpart is reduced by resilient latching arms that grip around and behind the plug-in part in the plugged-in position and thereby latch it relative to the connector counterpart in a manner secure against tilting and twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Brandt, Marco Isenburg
  • Patent number: 6450548
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for assembling a pressure pipe to an oil pump in a power steering system, for allowing the pressure pipe to guide oil discharged from the oil pump to a power boosting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Won-Jin Oh
  • Patent number: 6450546
    Abstract: A production swivel with passive control of dynamic seal gap width using internal swivel pressure. The swivel includes inner and outer housings with a middle housing which transfers, component deformation due to fluid pressure from the dynamic sealing interface to the static sealing interface. The outer housing and inner housing rotate together, but the outer housing is free to expand radially outward from the middle housing with increasing fluid pressure. A floating riser spool is pressure balanced at the connection to the inner housing and to a fixed swivel stack base. Swivels are stacked with a swivel connector/spool and upper and lower mounting rings cooperatively dimensioned so that access to seals can be obtained while the swivels remained stacked without the use of overhead cranes or other lifting points than the swivel being serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall N. Montgomery, Stephane Roy
  • Publication number: 20020079704
    Abstract: A spout for a flexible bag adapted to hold a liquid, the spout adapted for coupling with a connector having a rotatable spout adapter with an internal thread. The spout has a substantially cylindrical body with an outer surface, a spout opening, and a spout axis. The spout further has at least one flexible tab attached to and protruding radially distal from the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the spout. The tab has a top side that is substantially perpendicular to the spout axis, a bottom side opposing the top side, and a leading edge for engaging the thread. Additionally, the spout, has an undeformed tab length that typically deforms upon engaging the internal thread of the spout adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher C. Rutter, Lamar Spalding
  • Patent number: 6402202
    Abstract: A two-way rotary joint for fluids is disclosed. An illustrative example of the rotary joint includes a main body provided with two inlet ports, and a rotor rotatably coupled to the main body. The rotor has two passages each in communication with a respective one of the inlet ports in the main body. A ring-shaped hub is rotatably supported relative to the rotor and has a radial outlet port in communication with one of the passages in the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Turian Eng. SRL
    Inventor: Giorgio Colombo
  • Patent number: 6354633
    Abstract: A high pressure swivel includes an inner and an outer annular wall. Each annular wall is connected to a respective distribution member via apertures which have an axial dimension which is smaller than the diameter of the inlet or outlet. In this way, the pressure area between the seals of the inner and outer rotatable walls is reduced. Each distribution member may include a chamber that is defined by the external surface of the inner and outer annular walls, and an enclosing wall. In this way, an effective thermal isolation is provided by the distribution chambers adjacent to the external surfaces of the inner and outer rings. Deformation of the distribution chambers of the swivel will tend to decrease the width of the seal extrusion gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings INC
    Inventor: Antoine Carrasco
  • Patent number: 6299219
    Abstract: A hydraulic swivel, the hydraulic swivel including a female component that is capable of being placed in fluid connection with a first line, a male component rotatably positioned within the female component and capable of being placed in fluid connection with a second line, the male component having one or more radial surfaces proximate the female component and the female component having one or more radial surfaces proximate the male component, and one or more split rings, at least one split ring located in a radial recess defined by one of the radial surfaces of at least the male component or the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Remanco Hydraulics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Hoegger
  • Publication number: 20010005076
    Abstract: Disclosed is a structure for assembling a pressure pipe to an oil pump in a power steering system, for allowing the pressure pipe to guide oil discharged from the oil pump to a power boosting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Won-Jin OH
  • Patent number: 6247535
    Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention is an orienting and locking swivel including: a locking ratchet housing having a longitudinal bore; a first tubular member partially disposed within the longitudinal bore of the locking ratchet housing; a second tubular member partially disposed within the longitudinal bore of the locking ratchet housing, and releasably engageable with the locking ratchet housing; a first split housing engaged with the locking ratchet housing and releasably engageable with the first tubular member; and a second split housing engaged with the locking ratchet housing and releasably engageable with the second tubular member. The swivel may further include a locking ratchet disposed within a locking ratchet recess in the locking ratchet housing. A method of orienting a plurality of eccentric well tools is also provided, as is a downhole well assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Clay W. Milligan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6224063
    Abstract: Two axially spaced seal rings are located within annular grooves of a retainer to provide a seal for use between a cylindrical shaft and a housing bore. The resulting seal pack can be positioned at a lubricant passage such that lubricant may pass between the housing and the shaft but not longitudinally along the shaft. The annular retainer is dimensioned for an interference fit with either the housing bore or the shaft, and includes at least one opening located between the annular grooves such that lubricant may pass therethrough. An intermediate portion of the annular retainer provides a lubricant channel such that lubricant can flow circumferentially, avoiding the need to orient the opening in the annular retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: Ian J. Faass
  • Patent number: 6213410
    Abstract: A gravity-fed spray gun assembly of the type having a nozzle assembly, a spray gun body assembly and a nozzle nut for adjusting the relative angular orientation of the nozzle assembly relative to the spray gun body assembly. The gravity-fed spray gun assembly includes a spray gun body assembly, a fluid delivery assembly and a friction-induced locking element. The fluid delivery assembly includes a rotatable element, a nozzle assembly and a fluid cup. The rotatable element is rotatively connected to the spray gun body assembly. The nozzle assembly is securely attached to the rotatable element. The nozzle assembly is maintained unable to rotate relative to the rotatable element unless a nozzle nut is adjusted. The nozzle assembly has a nozzle opening defining a nozzle axis. The rotatable element is rotatable about the nozzle axis. The fluid cup is securely attached to the rotatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Max W. A. Spitznagel
  • Patent number: 6145890
    Abstract: In a device (1) for supplying a pressurized medium from a fixed component (2) into a rotating component (3, 3'), with an axially aligned annular groove (14) and radially aligned sealing gaps (15, 16) provided between the two components, a circumferential pressure chamber (29, 30) is worked into each of the end surfaces (21, 22) which limit the radially aligned sealing gaps (15, 16), with radially aligned control slots (37, 38) connecting the pressure chambers (29, 30) to the annular groove (14). Furthermore, the end surfaces (21, 22) which are provided with pressure chambers (29, 30) are configured with equal areas.This embodiment prevents the two components (2, 3, 3') making contact under pressure and, instead, both components (2, 3, 3') level out in a central position. As a result, trouble free operation is assured over a long period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Karl Hiestand
  • Patent number: 6109659
    Abstract: A hydrostatic rotary union has a shaft with an axial passage therethrough received within a housing having a radial passage in fluid communication with the axial passage. The shaft and housing have a radial clearance between them which establishes a squeeze film bearing and seal, when in use. End annuluses receive the oil establishing a squeeze film bearing and provide a return path to a supply source. The inner circumferential portion of the housing interfacing with the shaft is preferably of an anti-seizure material, such as bronze. Moreover, the housing and shaft are of materials of different coefficients of thermal expansion, such that excessive heat generated at the interface between the housing and shaft will cause the housing to expand away from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Power Transmission Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Heidenreich, Marcus H. Collins
  • Patent number: 6092740
    Abstract: A spray gun paint container includes an L-shaped connector, a horizontal connector, and a spray gun along with the paint container, whereas the front end of the spray gun is integrally formed with a top connecting head which is connected with the L-shaped connector which then connected with the horizontal connector and the paint container is in turn connected with the horizontal connector, thus the container is able to rotate in 360 degrees with respect to the horizontal connector, and the L-shaped connector is also able to rotate in 360 degrees with respect to the spray gun, and hence the container is able to rotate with respect to the spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Horng-Hsiang Liu
  • Patent number: 6086112
    Abstract: A fluid swivel coupling device for rotatably interconnecting a pair of fluid conduits. The coupling device includes a plastic swivel housing forming an internal cavity and a fluidly connected first port. The internal cavity includes a cylindrical inner surface having an annular housing retention groove and a spaced apart annular seal groove. A plastic tubular second swivel body portion extends between an internal end and a second port. The internal end is rotatably seated within the internal cavity and includes an annular retention groove opposing the housing retention groove and an annular seal groove opposing the seal groove within the housing. The second swivel body portion is fluidly connected with the first port to define an all plastic fluid passageway between the first and second ports. An annular seal is seated within the internal cavity between the opposing seal grooves for preventing fluid from leaking out of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: Alan P. Schofield, John W. Kosty, Jon Maynard Lenhert
  • Patent number: 6073970
    Abstract: A rotary joint for the transfer of pressurized working fluid between a stationary machine part and a rotating machine part, comprising a housing associated with the stationary machine part and a shaft associated with the rotating machine part. The shaft extends into the housing and is tightly surrounded by at least one bush accommodated in the housing. The inner surface of the bush and the circumferential surface of the shaft are provided with sealing faces which slide against each other. The bush comprises at least one radial fluid feed bore which is connected, via an annular channel encircling the shaft, with at least one radial bore in the shaft for conveying pressurized working fluid through the bush to a fluid duct extending axially in the shaft. The fluid feed bore is also connected with the radial bore in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: GAT Gesellschaft fur Antriebstechnik mbH
    Inventors: Stephan Ott, Georg Gernand
  • Patent number: 6070917
    Abstract: A swivel coupling for high pressure fluid of the type providing an axle through which fluid can pass to a rotary connector. The swivel coupling includes first and second mechanical bearings spaced apart and mounted along the axle, wherein each mechanical bearing has an inner and an outer bearing member. The inner bearing members are attached to the axle while a mounting member attaches to the outer bearings so that the bearings provide radial and axial support between the axle and the mounting member while allowing relative rotation between them. A fluid opening on the axle between the mechanical bearings communicates with the rotary connector. The rotary connector is supported by a pair of swivel bushings wherein each swivel bushing is mounted on an opposing end of the rotary connector for locating it between the mechanical bearings. High pressure seals are fitted into upper and lower annular recesses located on the axle in respective positions above and below the fluid opening for sealing the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Jacob R. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 6056325
    Abstract: An improved ratcheting tool swivel body assembly which would include a swivel body having a principal body portion, and a threaded port extending outward from the wall of the stem body, the stem body would further include a continuous opening therethrough, for receiving an elongated stem member, the stem member including a port through the stem member, for allowing fluid to flow between the port and the stem member and the threaded port of the swivel body. The stem member would include a first end having a threaded male end for threadably engaging to the hydraulic fluid source of the torque wrench, and a second end terminating in a hex head portion which is engaged against the upper end of the swivel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Francis Torq/Lite
    Inventor: William P. Bernard
  • Patent number: 6053429
    Abstract: An industrial spray gun cup structure includes a connector, a guide member, a collar and a cover body. A reception section of the cup is engaged with the guide member so that the cup can be only normally rotated without rotating and loosening other parts. The cup is integrally formed with inclined ribs which are tightly fitted with corresponding connecting sections of the cover body. While rotating the cover body by a certain angle, the ribs can be separated from or inserted with the connecting sections so as to open or close the cover body. Therefore, the cover body can be conveniently rotated to firmly and tightly fit with the cup without leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Jen-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 6012651
    Abstract: A gravity-fed spray gun assembly of the type having a nozzle assembly, a spray gun body assembly and a nozzle nut for adjusting the relative angular orientation of the nozzle assembly relative to the spray gun body assembly. The spray gun assembly includes a spray gun body assembly, a-fluid delivery assembly and a locking element. The fluid delivery assembly includes a rotatable element, a nozzle assembly and a fluid cup. The rotatable element is rotatably connected to the spray gun body assembly. The nozzle assembly is securely attached to the rotatable element. The nozzle assembly is maintained unable to rotate relative to the rotatable element unless a nozzle nut is adjusted. The nozzle assembly has a nozzle opening defining a nozzle axis. The rotatable element is rotatable about the nozzle axis. The fluid cup is securely attached to the rotatable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Max W. A. Spitznagel
  • Patent number: 6007109
    Abstract: A sealing element for a hydraulic screw connection, comprising a hollow screw and an annular stub, for securing a rigid or flexible line connected or connectable to the annular stub and to a hydraulic component, wherein the annular stub is fixed in a pressure medium-tight fashion, via its plane end faces, between a head of the hollow screw and the component and swiveled into an arbitrary angular position relative to the component about the center line of the hollow screw. Two sealing element regions disposed in sealing seams located between the head of the hollow screw and the annular stub and between the component and the annular stub, are joined via a substantially cylindrical portion, and this cylindrical portion. This portion extends in the seam concentric with the largely cylindrical wall of the hollow screw. It has at least one radial opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Alfons Schoetz
  • Patent number: 5865374
    Abstract: A rotary spray fluid apparatus anchorable to a car wash structure which has an elongate body portion with a side inlet and a rotatable hollow shaft extending therethrough defining an annular space with fluid transfer region, a pair of sealing regions and a pair of bearing regions. The shaft has a port adjacent the side inlet extending into an axial passageway in the shaft to flow to a spray head. Each sealing region has a pair of sealing rings. One ring of each pair of sealing rings is sealed to the body portion and the other is sealed to the rotatable shaft. A spring positioned in the fluid transfer region of the annular space provides an axial compressive force to maintain engaging faces of the sealing rings together as the shaft is rotated thereby sealing the annular space relative to the fluid flowing to the spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Terrance G. Barta, Gregory L. Barta
  • Patent number: 5839764
    Abstract: An air line connector includes a hose block having first and second passageways disposed in flow communication; a connector block having third and fourth passageways disposed in flow communication; a pivot member having opposite ends rotatably received within the second and third for pivotally connecting the hose and connector blocks; a connector member having one end rotatably received within the fourth passageway; first and second attaching arrangements for connecting the ends of the pivot member to the hose and connector blocks to prevent separating movement of such blocks axially of the pivot member; and a third attaching arrangement for connecting the connector member to the connector block. The first attaching arrangement may include a locking pin supported by the hose block for engagement with the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Dynabrade, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Heidelberger
  • Patent number: 5803360
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing enhanced spray capabilities for a gravity-fed spray gun which extends along a spray gun plane, a spray gun nozzle axis extending along that spray gun plane. The apparatus includes a swivel joint assembly for connecting the spray gun to a fluid cup having a fluid cup central axis. The swivel joint assembly provides rotation of the fluid cup along a fluid cup offset axis. The fluid cup offset axis is perpendicular to the fluid cup axis. The position of the offset axis is defined by the intersection of the fluid cup axis and the spray gun plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Max W. A. Spitznagel
  • Patent number: 5797413
    Abstract: A fluid swivel arrangement comprising a vertical stack of fluid swivels mounted on a turret of a weathervaning ship, enables a spare fluid swivel to be provided without requiring an additional pipe and consequent larger diameter of fluid swivels. A pair of fluid swivels (53, 54) are provided, with one serving as a spare to be used in the event of failure of the other. A single pipe (94) extends through holes (120) in the swivels and is coupled to the inlet ports (90, 92) of both swivels, so it can direct fluid into either one. A means for controlling flow, enables the flow to be switched to either fluid swivel. The means for controlling flow can include a plug (140) for insertion into the inlet port of one of the swivels, to block the inflow of fluid thereat. The means for controlling flow can also include a valve (130) lying along the pipe between the upper and lower fluid swivels, so when the valve is closed fluid flows only to the lower fluid swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Imodco, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Pollack
  • Patent number: 5713609
    Abstract: A self-cleaning rotary union apparatus provides a fluid coupling between a pair of relatively rotatable fixture elements, and includes a base and a body that are rotatable relative to one another. The base includes a mounting surface, an interior surface opposing the mounting surface, a fluid passageway extending into the base, and a plurality of bores extending through the base between the mounting surface and the interior surface. The bores are countersunk adjacent the interior surface to permit flange mounting of the base on one of the fixture elements. An elongated rotor protrudes from the interior surface of the base and includes a cylindrical side surface provided with an annular channel and a fluid passageway that communicates with the annular channel and with the passageway in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Vektek, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Mascola
  • Patent number: 5676402
    Abstract: A rotary union assembly includes a rotor with a housing rotatably mounted on a forward end thereof, the rotor being selectively releasably mounted in one end of a tubular support member. The rotor includes a socket extending radially from a central shaft and a spring loaded plunger within the socket having a pin cooperable with a hole in the tubular member side wall to releasably secure the rotor in position in the tubular member. A hose barb on the rearward end of the rotor shaft permits easy installation of a resilient, flexible hose on the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventors: Craig D. Eley, Darin L. Schollmeyer
  • Patent number: 5651567
    Abstract: A multi-passage bearingless fluid coupler providing an interface between a rotating machine tool spindle and a non-rotating coolant hose. The coupler includes a housing that defines a chamber that has an aperture and first and second fluid inlet ports. A stator member is operatively mounted within the housing chamber and includes a proximal end communicating with the chamber aperture and defining an axial sealing face. The stator member also includes a distal end communicating with the first fluid inlet port. Additionally, the piston includes a first fluid passage defined by a co-axial bore and a second fluid passage defined by a plurality of co-axial bore spaced apart from one another peripherally around the first fluid passage. The coupler also includes a bearingless rotor member mounted for rotation relative to the piston about an axis having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end defines an axial sealing face that abuts the piston axial sealing face to form a fluid tight coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: James F. Kaleniecki, Gerald R. Kaleniecki
  • Patent number: 5636877
    Abstract: This swivel connection (10) of metallic material includes a female block (12), a center spool (14) and a male spool (16) which provide substantially universal movement between a hose line connection (18) and pneumatic tool (1). A protective cover (80) is provided for the female block (12) and a protective cover (82) is provided for the exposed portion of the center spool (14). Both covers are of non-mar plastic material to protect finished surfaces with which the swivel connection (10) comes into contact during use. Both covers include access openings (92, 112) having snap-fitted removable caps (100, 120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Dyna Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Purvis, Leonard J. Hartmann, Gerald L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5628532
    Abstract: A laminated fuel line has an inner layer of a synthetic material such as Nylon, an intermediate vapor barrier layer that contains a polyethylene terephathalate material (such as MYLAR), and an outer layer preferably of a high temperature resistant thermoplastic material such as a polyamide or VICHEM olefinic/PVC. A channeled fuel tube has an inner fuel jacket concentrically formed within and spaced from a relatively larger outer jacket, each of which can be formed with the laminated structure above. A connector for the channeled fuel line has a tubular end connecting element for Connecting between the inner and outer fuel lines, a tubular inner connecting element for connecting to the inner line through the end connecting element, and a tubular outer connecting element connecting over both the end connecting element and the inner connecting element. The outer connecting element has a first passageway for communicating with the inner line and a second passageway for communicating with the outer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Handy & Harman Automotive Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Ashcraft
  • Patent number: 5607189
    Abstract: An improved rotary joint construction is produced by eliminating the external drive mechanism used for installing and removing such joints. An internal drive mechanism is provided within the bearing area of the stem which does not alter rated flow volume and which does not add to the length of the stem. The internal drive mechanism comprises a socket in the end of the stem which allows the joint to be installed or removed without using special tools. A more compact shorter joint can be produced without reducing the distance between the seals and without reduced rated flow volume and without reducing the contact area of the between the stem and barrel. Alternately, a joint with substantially increased bearing contact area and a longer barrel can be produced without increasing the stem installation clearance height and without reducing the interseal spacing flow passage geometry and subsequent rated flow volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: D. Franklin Howeth
  • Patent number: 5582432
    Abstract: A device for transferring a medium to a servo device has a first component and a second component positioned in the first component so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The first component is displaceable to a limited extent relative to the second component along the axis of rotation. An annular chamber is located between the first and second components and is delimited axially on one side by the first component and on the other side by the second component. First and second radial sealing gaps are provided on opposite sides of the annular chamber. The annular chamber has a circumferential sidewall that is slanted relative to the axis of rotation such that a first surface of the first component forming the circumferential sidewall of the annular chamber and a second surface of the first component forming the radially extending annular surface of the annular chamber are positioned at an acute angle to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas Hiestand
  • Patent number: 5533764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved hydraulic coupling which forms contact seals to fluidly connect a tapered port with a tube having a threaded connecting portion. The contact seals may be metal-to-metal seals, or alternatively may include a resin polymer element. The invention provides a fluid coupling for a tube which is transverse to the port, allowing for flow redirection in the coupling similar to the flow redirection in prior art "banjo" couplings. The body of the port includes a lip which deforms on the inner tapered surface of the fitting, and the fitting also includes an inner tapered surface on which a rim of the bolt contacts, thereby providing a contact seal at both potential leak points. The lipped port may also be provided by a collar disposed between the port and the fitting. Optionally, o-rings may be added to provide additional seals. The present invention may be designed not to seal without the application of tool generated torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: NWD International, Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel D. L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5533765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved hydraulic coupling which forms contact seals to fluidly connect a tube to a tapered port by crimping (tube-to-port). The contact seal includes a metal-to-metal seal with a secondary elastomeric seal. A crimped collar of the port retains a compression ring in a metal-to-metal contact. Another embodiment of the invention provides a transverse fluid coupling for a tube with the port being part of the bolt/body assembly of a "banjo" coupling. The crimped collar of the present invention is removed from the contact seal so that flexural forces and vibration of the coupling can be better resisted. The port, tube, and compression ring define a pocket for the location of a sealing ring disposed in the pocket. The pocket has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the sealing ring. The tube may include a lip having an outwardly facing tapered surface substantially complementary to the tapered surface of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: NWD International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel D. L. Williamson, Warren J. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5529347
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic turning joint which has substantially reduced longitudinal length with an equal number of oil passages therein and can reduce the mounting space in the equipment and which improves the work efficiency, accuracy and reliance of the product. The hydraulic turning joint includes a shaft, a housing for rotatably and closely accommodating the shaft, at least one oil supply passage formed in the shaft, said oil supply passage longitudinally passing through the shaft, and at least one oil discharge passage formed on the top of the the housing, said oil discharge passage being correspondingly communicated with at least one oil supply passage, wherein each of said oil supply passages are transversely communicated with each of said oil discharge passages on the same plane. The hydraulic turning joint further includes sealing means installed between the oil discharge passages within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 5516156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved hydraulic coupling which forms contact seals to fluidly connect a tapered port with a tube having a threaded connecting portion. The contact seals may be metal-to-metal seals, or alternatively may include a resin polymer element. For connecting a tube directly in the port, one embodiment of the invention includes an outwardly extending lip on an expanded portion of the tube and a tube nut rim wherein the tube nut engages the expanded portion and by tightening the tube nut, the tube lip deforms on the tapered port and the tube nut rim deforms on both the tapered port and the tube. Another embodiment of the invention provides a fluid coupling for a tube which is transverse to the port, allowing for flow redirection in the coupling similar to the flow redirection in prior art "banjo" couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: NWD International, Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel D. L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5496075
    Abstract: A rotative joint for a pneumatic air pressure control assembly having a body having at least one air outlet, an externally, threaded projection and a set nut arranged thereon to fix the assembly to a shaft end of a vehicle, and a kinematic shaft coaxially and internally disposed in the body and which is supported in a pair of bearings that enable relative motion between the shaft and the body. The shaft is positioned by a conventional set collar and elastic ring and is hollow for allowing pneumatic connection between an inlet defined in its external end and the air outlets of the body. The body further includes an internal air chamber aligned with the air outlets and disposed between a bottom wall of the body and the internal end of the kinematic shaft, and pneumatic sealing structure provided in the air chamber for assuring air pressurization through the air outlets. The pneumatic sealing is achieved by a sealing element obtained by a material with low friction properties and high resistance to the wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: VDO Kienzle Comercio E Servicos Ltda.
    Inventor: Juergen W. Ostermann
  • Patent number: 5437480
    Abstract: A pressure sealed connecting apparatus is provided for the connection of first and second conduits adapted to carry a pressure medium and to rotate relative to one another. Each of the conduits has tangentially contacting countersurfaces for contacting spherical surface areas of a rotation body situated between the first conduit and the second conduit. The rotation body has spherical surface areas adapted to be in rotational sealing contact with the tangentially contacting countersurfaces of each of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Hans A. Weil
  • Patent number: 5405173
    Abstract: A swivel joint connecting articulable fluid conducting arm members of a plumbing assembly includes an inlet member matable with a first arm member and having an inlet fluid passage from the arm member to an inlet collar section. An outlet member is provided matable with a second arm member. The outlet member also defines an outlet fluid passage from the respective second arm member to an outlet member collar section. A fluid conducting shaft member is disposed through the inlet and outlet member collar sections so that the collar sections rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A bearing sleeve is concentric about the shaft so that the collar sections rotate about the bearing sleeve. Resilient sealing rings are disposed about the shaft adjacent the bearing sleeve so as to prevent leakage of fluid from the swivel joint. Upon axially compressing the sealing rings and the bearing sleeve together, the sealing rings radially expand thereby sealing against the collar sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: T & S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Goughneour