Deformation Patents (Class 285/256)
  • Patent number: 7500696
    Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a hose and a fitting. The hose has a terminal end having a first portion along which an outer layer is laminated to an inner layer and a second portion along which the inner layer extends from the outer layer. The fitting includes a receiving portion and a coupling portion. The receiving portion has a first inner surface defining a first lumen portion, and is configured to receive the first portion of the terminal end, and for crimping to the hose. The coupling portion has a second inner surface defining a second lumen portion for receiving the second portion of the terminal end. The first lumen portion and the second lumen portion are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen G. Van Pelt, Ella Stamler, Zachary S. Pannone
  • Publication number: 20090008933
    Abstract: A hose coupling fitting is furnished with a coupling head portion having a connecting hole, and a nipple portion having a nipple hole, and is fabricated through sequential cold forging steps carried out on a rod material. Specifically, a first pilot hole is formed along the center axis from a first end of the rod material, and a second pilot hole is formed along the center axis from the other end of the rod material. The second pilot hole is connected to the first pilot hole, and is formed with smaller diameter than the first pilot hole and larger diameter than the nipple hole. The surrounding area of the second pilot hole is then worked to form the nipple portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Otake, Hidekazu Miyazaki, Katsuji Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 7472931
    Abstract: A fitting or coupling to connect a rigid tube to a flexible hose. It has a through bore and includes a quick connector port at one end and a crimp collar at the other. In one form the coupling includes multiple quick connector ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20080309075
    Abstract: A connection device for the connection of a hose to a fluid-transporting line or assembly. The connection device comprises a connecting nipple and a compression sleeve. The nipple includes a fluid channel and a cylindrical or conical peripheral surface, and an annular ring. The compression sleeve includes a hose fitting section and a plastically deformable connecting area associated with the annular ring. In an embodiment, the connecting area fastens the compression sleeve to the connecting nipple without engaging behind it or extending beyond the annular ring. Methods for establishing a hose connection are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
    Inventor: Voicu Marina
  • Publication number: 20080309076
    Abstract: A device for connecting a fluid conduit to an orifice of a vessel includes a flexible fitting, a deformable fitting, and one or more compression fittings. The flexible fitting can fix a position of the fluid conduit with respect to the orifice of the vessel, and the deformable fitting can provide a fluid seal between the fluid conduit and the orifice of the vessel. A method for connecting a fluid conduit to an orifice of a vessel includes urging a deformable fitting against both a surface of the fluid conduit and the orifice, urging a flexible fitting toward a surface of the fluid conduit, and attaching the flexible fitting to the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Sylvain Cormier
  • Publication number: 20080284164
    Abstract: A non-serviceable coupling includes a body with a tube receiving end bore and a hose receiving end bore. The tube includes a radial upset with a seal and spacer supported on the tube. The outer cylindrical surface of the tube is press fit into the reduced diameter bore at the tube receiving end to connect the coupling to the tube. The coupling body is crimped to the tube and to the hose to secure the hose and tube to the coupling. The tube is axially restrained between the crimp and an annular wall in contact with the tube end. In another embodiment, a second seal, outward of the upset is employed to prevent entry of contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Stephen H. Gunderson, Ray Brauckmiller
  • Patent number: 7429065
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first member having an inner surface and a second member having an outer surface. One of the two members has greater rigidity than the other member and at least one groove. The rigid member is partially received within the less rigid member and a coupling mechanism provides radially inward pressure to generate a seal between the inner surface of the first member and the outer surface of the second member. The groove includes an opening and a base each having a predetermined width. The predetermined width of the opening is generally less than the predetermined width of the base. The more rigid member may comprise an insert with a surrounding sleeve wherein the sleeve includes the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Randall F. Alder, Douglas J. Clemens, David L. Meyer, Mark R. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20080191473
    Abstract: An adapter clamp for clamping an adapting tube having an inner surface. The adapter clamp includes: an adapter tube having an inner circumferential surface; a first resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding inward and clamping to the outer surface of the adapting tube; a hollow adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube to generate a displacement force; and a compression ring providing minimum friction resistant for translating the displacement force from the threading hollow adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first resilient ring, causing an inner surface of the first resilient rings to fit to the outer surface of the adapting tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: David Gian-Teh Ho
  • Publication number: 20080191472
    Abstract: A flexible sprinkler hose includes an inner corrugated hose, enclosed by a braiding with a terminal coupling nut connected to the hose for connection to a fitting. According to the invention, a secure connection between the hose and the coupling nut may be achieved with a simple construction, by a terminal smoothing of the corrugated tube, a support sleeve running between the smoothed terminal region of the corrugated hose and the braiding, the braiding being fixed between the support sleeve, a clamping sleeve enclosing the support sleeve and the smoothed terminal region is enclosed by the coupling nut including a shoulder running in the direction of the support sleeve. The above is provided with a stop element to prevent a withdrawal of the coupling sleeve element on coupling to the fitting and a flange-shaped terminal section of the terminal region of the corrugated tube is fixed between the coupling nut and the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Salzgitter Stahlhandel GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Vieregge
  • Publication number: 20080185840
    Abstract: A method of making a fluid coupling includes a step of providing a cylindrical stem having a fluid conduit therethrough. The method also includes a step of placing a hollow shell over a first end of the stem. The method also includes a step of die swaging the shell to the stem at an attachment location along a length of the stem, wherein the die swaging step includes forming a tool engaging hexagonal shape on an outer surface of the shell at the attachment location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Menor
  • Patent number: 7387317
    Abstract: A hose coupling using at least one reinforcing ring to reinforce a hose coupling during a crimping process, the hose coupling having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve, and a hose coaxially interposed therebetween. During the crimping process a crimping force is applied directly to the outer sleeve to form at least one depression that results in an area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve, the depression helping to seal and lock the hose between the inner and outer sleeves. The reinforcing ring is positioned within the inner sleeve and concentric with the area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve. Consequently, the reinforcing ring prevents the inner sleeve from deforming under the crimping force, thereby ensuring the integrity and long-term durability of the hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Hutchinson FTS, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry H. Chisnell
  • Publication number: 20080136176
    Abstract: A joint structure of a steel pipe and a light metal pipe includes a socket; and a thermosetting resin, the steel pipe including a first joining end having a flat portion of the outer surface of the first joining end adjacent to the base, and an uneven portion of the outer surface of the first joining end adjacent to the front end, the socket covering the first joining end, the light metal pipe including a second joining end, the second joining end being interposed between the socket and the first joining end, the first joining end being joined to the second joining end by crimping while the thermosetting resin is present in the gap between the inner surface of the socket and the outer surface of the second joining end and between the outer surface of the first joining end and the inner surface of the second joining end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: NICHIRIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Katayama, Yoshio Nakano, Takashi Yagi, Masamichi Matsui
  • Patent number: 7384074
    Abstract: A press-fitting includes a body, a jacket, a seal ring and a plastic check ring. The plastic check ring has an annular convex portion, one end of the jacket has an inward wall for clamping with the inner hook, the body has a seal groove and a serrated groove with fillets on its core portion. The seal ring is disposed in the seal groove with the outer diameter of the seal ring being smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the core portion. The press-fitting according to the present invention is of simple structure, and is convenient and quick to be assembled, and can be inspected, and is safe on seal coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Foshan Rifeng Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zanbu He
  • Patent number: 7380837
    Abstract: A fitting for a sanitary hose assembly includes a rigid, tubular stem, a cylindrical ferrule, and an annular seal, which coact with the end of the hose to achieve a uniformly leakproof seal for a material flow path through the hose and into the fitting. One end of the ferrule extends over the outer end of the hose, such that the ferrule engages the hose and extends slightly beyond the hose. An inner end of the stem extends through an outer end of the ferrule and into the hose, such that the outer surface of the stem frictionally engages the internal surface of the hose. The stem has an outer end adapted to connect to a similar structure, internal threads which cooperatively engage similar threads on the ferrule, and an outwardly directed land adjacent the threads. The threaded coupling of the stem and the ferrule fixes their relative axial relationship, and also axially compresses the annular seal between. The ferrule is radially crimped to compress the end of the hose between the stem and the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Wolfgang F. Fullbeck, Mark A. Hess
  • Publication number: 20080122222
    Abstract: An example transition fitting includes a fitting body have a first shoulder, a second shoulder and a compression region extending radially inwardly from the first shoulder and the second shoulder. A fluid conduit is attached to the fitting body about the compression region. The fluid conduit is deformed radially inwardly from the first shoulder and the second shoulder to secure the fitting body in an axial direction along a longitudinal centerline axis of the fitting body. The fitting body is rotatable along a longitudinal centerline axis of the fitting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Steven Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20080111369
    Abstract: A tubular crimp connector is provided for attaching a valve assembly or the like to a metal pipe, a fluid tight mechanically secure manner. The connector includes a tubular section made of a metal alloy defining an axial bore sized to receive the pipe with an interior circumferential sealing surface and a plurality of integrally formed annularly spaced apart teeth oriented between the sealing surface and the connector distal end. The wall thickness of the connector in the region of the spaced apart teeth is sufficiently thin to be radially, plastically, permanently deformable by a crimping tool. It is sufficiently thick to provide a mechanically secure interconnection between the tubular connector and the metal pipe without requiring a reinforcing ferrule. The method of forming is provided in which a preform is hot forged and finish machined to the final shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Giulio Pettinaroli
  • Patent number: 7364206
    Abstract: A compression fitting for rigid or semi-rigid pipes comprising an internal element 11 onto which the pipe 12 is fitted and into which at least one circumferential groove 13 is machined and an external sleeve 20 usually cylindrical is positioned around the pipe and intended to be deformed by radial compression to push the wall of the pipe inside said groove. The external wall of the sleeve 20 bears a circumferential protruding bead 22 in line with its area which is found in line with the groove of the internal element with interposition of the wall of the pipe, so that the compression of the sleeve by action of a cylindrical pressing wall 30 acts on the bead to deform the sleeve with the purpose of pushing the wall of the pipe inside the groove of the internal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventors: Antonio Romanelli, Carmine Romanelli, Mario Romanelli
  • Patent number: 7360800
    Abstract: A one-piece unitary compression clamp for securing a pipe or tube on a fitting. The clamp may include at least one inward deformation that provides an interference fit between the clamp and the pipe or tube. Consequently, the clamp cannot fall off the pipe or tube before being permanently crimped, and the fitting is prevented from falling out of the tube. In a second embodiment, the clamp includes an ear for crimping the clamp to the tube, and a tongue within the clamp and overlying the mouth of the ear to provide uniform compression around the entire tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Trans-Matic Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Allen Poll, Edward Allen Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7350826
    Abstract: A conduit assembly, such as an electrical conduit assembly, includes a flexible convoluted tube having a non-conductive fluoropolymer interior and a conductive carbon exterior that decreases the electrical resistance of the tube. A fitting is secured to an end of the flexible convoluted tube. The fitting includes a nipple having a profiled tubular portion received into the end of the flexible convoluted tube and a socket secured to the fitting so as trap the end of the flexible convoluted tube between the nipple and the socket. At least one of the nipple and the socket are made from a metal treated to decrease the electrical resistance of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Cantrell, Lee Andrew Fausneaucht
  • Patent number: 7347457
    Abstract: A hose connection piece is disclosed having a region for the reception of a hose end, wherein a peripheral sealing groove is provided on the outer side of the hose connection piece for the sealing of the hose connection. Also disclosed is a hose coupling having a hose connection piece, having a press-fit holder and having an insert, wherein the insert rests in the press-fit holder, wherein—the assembly case—the insert and the press-fit holder enclose the hose connection piece with the hose end pushed thereon, wherein—in the securing case—the insert holds the hose, wherein the hose connection piece can be moved from the assembly case into the securing case by application of external, radial pressure and wherein the length change of the insert on the transition from the assembly case into the securing case is lower than that of the holder. Further disclosed is a hose fitting having a hose connection piece having a hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schieffer GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Johannes Wulf, Georg Weiland, Frank Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7341284
    Abstract: A joint assembly for flexible and semi-rigid piping, such as high density polyethylene piping or the like. The assembly comprises a joint end sleeve and a nut. The joint end sleeve comprises in series first, second, third and fourth co-axial sections of circular cross-sections. The first and second sections are to be disposed within the end of the piping. The nut, with an internal threaded surface, is made of a material harder than the one used in the piping and with a higher or equal hardness than the one on the joint end sleeve. The nut is configured to press the end of the piping around the first and second sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Tecnologia Hidraulica THC S.A.
    Inventors: Melchor Mittersteiner, Sergio Barrientos
  • Patent number: 7338090
    Abstract: Swage end-connector for high pressure reinforced flexible hose particularly suitable in the petrochemical and drilling industries for hoses. Two connectors are disclosed one for intermediate hose pressure burst ratings up to 12,500 psi and internal diameters up to 3½ inches and higher hose pressure burst ratings up to 18,750 psi and internal diameters up to 4 inches. Both embodiment connectors will withstand the rated burst pressure of the hose to which they are connected and will withstand a pump-off force that exceeds the burst pressure of the hose. That is, the hose will fail before the connector pops off the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: Gardner T. Baldwin, Victor J. DeLeon, Larry M. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7331613
    Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting separate sections of tubing, e.g., medical tubing. Connector assemblies are a two-piece construction having a connector pin and a connector sleeve. The connector sleeve includes a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending between the first and second ends. The passageway is stepped, e.g., defined by both a bore of a first diameter and a bore of a second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory T. Schulte
  • Publication number: 20080036203
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for assembling a high-pressure fluid tube on a tubular pin, which is part of a fitting element provided to be used in particular on motorcycles and motor-vehicles, for example for the production of pipes intended for manufacturing braking circuits or other circuits, in which high-pressure oil or other fluids flow. In particular, the invention relates to a system for assembling a high-pressure fluid tube of the kind comprising a first inner layer made of plastic, a second layer made of a steel plait or other suitable material such as fibres or the like, a third coating layer, if any, made, for instance, of plastic material and a bush made of steel, alloy or other material, fitted into an end of the said tube, this tube being fitted on the pin and locked by caulking of the said metallic bush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Eugenio Piccinali
  • Patent number: 7328920
    Abstract: For connecting flexible corrugated hoses, which are not provided with fittings, for transporting preferably gaseous media in connection with high-pressure applications, a holder 3 is provided, which receives an exposed end of the corrugated pipe 6 of the flexible corrugated hose 2 and is pressed together with it to form a metallic seal. The metallic seal is achieved by the surface pressure between the interior wall 18 of an element 16 of the holder and the ribs 8 of the corrugated pipe 6. Elastomeric seals 24, 25, as well as a soldering joint 34, if desired, can be provided as aids. However, in connection with a preferred embodiment the required sealing is already achieved by the strong pressure against each other of the metallic exterior of the corrugated pipe 6 and the metallic interior of the element 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Schneider, Andreas Hilgert
  • Patent number: 7316426
    Abstract: A method for coupling a conduit to a fitting. The method includes providing a fitting having a body and a passageway extending through the fitting body, inserting at least a portion of the fitting body within at least a portion of a collar, and compressing at least a portion of the collar around at least a portion of the fitting body such that the fitting body is not internally supported from within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Bruce Rader, Jerry Gordon Glatt, Dennis Malone
  • Patent number: 7293804
    Abstract: A press fitting includes a pipe connector, a nipple, a check ring, a sealing ring, a pressure sleeve. The pressure sleeve is locked within the check ring, which has an inlet groove, a positioning annular groove connected with the inlet groove, and the positioning annular groove has larger internal diameter than that of the inlet groove. The pressure sleeve has an extension section on its end, and the dimension of the external diameter of the larger-diameter end of the extension section is between the dimension of the internal diameter of the inlet groove of the check ring and that of the internal diameter of the positioning annular groove of the check ring. The press fitting involves good coaxiality between the pressure sleeve and the check ring, good fixity of the pressure sleeve, and can be operated easily and utilized widely in industrial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Foshan Rifeng Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Li, Hui Liang, Xiaobin Feng
  • Patent number: 7288303
    Abstract: A structure 26 of brittle material and metal has brittle materials 24, 25 and a plate-shaped metal piece 21. The plate-shaped metal piece 21 has a clamped portion 22 pressed and clamped with the brittle material and a non-clamped portion 23 not clamped with the brittle material. The deformation of the plate-shaped metal piece relaxes stress generated along an interface where the clamped portion 23 and brittle materials 24, 25 contact each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichiro Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20070216158
    Abstract: A connecting device with a pipe socket and a hose made of rubber-like material. The pipe socket and the hose abut in a sealing zone which is encased over at least a part of its length by a hose reinforcement which forms part of a geometric fastening configuration with which the pipe socket and the hose are held together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Janos Kertesz, Gunter Röder, Gerhard Wachter
  • Publication number: 20070216157
    Abstract: A gas riser apparatus, and methods for making and using a gas riser apparatus, are provided, through use of a transition fitting having a first end thereof configured for operative attachment to above-ground gas piping, a second end thereof adapted for operative attachment to an underground plastic pipe, and a shouldered peripheral portion thereof adapted for swaged connection thereto of an above-ground end of a protective casing of the riser in a manner which precludes having the protective casing function as a gas-carrying member of the riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: Chicago Fittings Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Tarquini
  • Patent number: 7249787
    Abstract: A hose coupling using at least one reinforcing ring to reinforce a hose coupling during a crimping process, the hose coupling having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve, and a hose coaxially interposed therebetween. During the crimping process a crimping force is applied directly to the outer sleeve to form at least one depression that results in an area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve, the depression helping to seal and lock the hose between the inner and outer sleeves. The reinforcing ring is positioned within the inner sleeve and concentric with the area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve. Consequently, the reinforcing ring prevents the inner sleeve from deforming under the crimping force, thereby ensuring the integrity and long-term durability of the hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Hutchinson FTS, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry H. Chisnell
  • Patent number: 7237809
    Abstract: A tubing connector comprising a rigid member having a first end and a second end; a crimping groove disposed about the rigid member; and a sleeve fixably attached to the rigid member and covering the crimping groove. A method for connecting a tubing section to a rigid member, the method comprising fixably attaching a sleeve over one end of the rigid member to cover a crimping groove disposed on the rigid member, disposing the tubing section over the sleeve, and plastically deforming the tubing section and sleeve to form a plurality of dimples that project into the crimping groove of the rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Connell
  • Patent number: 7210708
    Abstract: A tube joint includes a body made of a resin material and having a first end side with an edge. A connecting member inserted into the first end side of the body has an annular expanded section which outwardly projects from an outer circumferential surface of the connecting member and which engages with an inner circumferential wall surface of the body at the first end side. A ring member fitted to an outer circumferential wall surface of the first end side of the body presses the outer circumferential wall surface of the body radially inwardly. The ring member is positioned between the annular expanded section of the connecting member and the edge of the first end side, so that the body and the connecting member are prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 7192063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallic tubular hose which suppresses disintegration in which the metallic tubular hose comprises a hose body having a longitudinal edge at one end thereof and a bellows metallic tube inner layer with the inner layer composed of a corrugated bellows portion and a restricted portion, a jacket composed of a plurality of layers surrounding the inner layer, a rigid insert pipe extending into the hose body and a metallic sleeve engaging the hose body along said longitudinal edge for compressing said jacket against said rigid insert pipe wherein said plurality of layers in said jacket includes an inner layer adjacent to said restricted portion of said bellows metallic tube inner layer composed of a flexible and hard material possessing a tensile modulus of between 4 MPa and 8 MPa for a composition of rubber and about 300 MPa for a resin material composition and preferably between 1000 MPa and 6000 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Takagi, Minoru Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7178836
    Abstract: A fluid coupling for coupling a hose to a metal tube, of primary interest in hydraulic brake systems, provides dynamic strain relief so that hoses having braided reinforcing layers are made usable for normal highway use because the hoses can withstand Department of Transportation Whip Test while meeting thermal requirements. This is accomplished by a coaxial strain relief element which is integral with an eyelet-type tube fitting wherein the strain relief element is captured by a pocket disposed in the end of a crimping cup. A crimping cup directly engages the braided reinforcement layer to clamp the hose against a projecting nipple of the eyelet while having an annular lip portion which seats in the groove in the eyelet and presses the coaxial strain relief element into and direct engagement with the braided reinforcement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoff, Donald H. Brugmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7163238
    Abstract: A connector for a flexible pipe comprises a connector body having an end portion for coupling to a flexible pipe. The end portion includes a frusto-conical portion and an adjacent cylindrical portion. The frusto-conical portion has its widest portion adjacent the cylindrical portion and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the cylindrical portion and forms a radially extending substantially transverse shoulder with the cylindrical portion to force the pipe to form a bulge around the shoulder. The frusto-conical portion has its narrowest portion with a diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of the pipe to facilitate insertion into the pipe. A ring has a cylindrical inner surface with an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of the pipe. The ring is positioned to overlie the shoulder thereby to compress the bulge against the shoulder and seal the pipe to the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Tecnologia Hidraulica THC S.A.
    Inventors: Melchor Mittersteiner, Sergio Barrientos
  • Patent number: 7156423
    Abstract: A connector assembly for creating a plastic tube joint in a length of plastic tubing having a distal end, a proximal end and a hollow lumen includes forming a flare in the tube proximate the proximal end thereof by means of a flared ferrule disposed in the lumen and defining a void between the flare and the proximal end of the tubing, the void being defined between the ferrule and a collet, the tubing contracting into the void, and forming a neck between the ferrule and the collet proximate the ferrule flare, the neck substantially permanently capturing the tubing contracted into the void; and substantially permanently bonding the collet to a connector body. A connector assembly for simultaneously forming a plastic tube joint in a pair of plastic tubes is further included as is a method for simultaneously forming a plastic tube joint in a pair of plastic tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Nathan Marks
  • Patent number: 7140648
    Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing having a distal end and an end piece having a proximal end. The proximal end of the end piece is engaged with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing and a length of polymeric tubing is utilized to initially retain the end piece and the length of corrugated tubing in engagement with one another. A length of mesh tubing may be extended along the length of corrugated tubing and around the exterior of the length of polymeric tubing. A sleeve is positioned in alignment with the length of polymeric tubing, with the proximal end of the end piece, and with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing. The sleeve is crimped to permanently retain the proximal end of the end piece in engagement with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Flex-ing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
  • Patent number: 7134696
    Abstract: A one-piece unitary compression cap for securing a pipe or tube on a fitting. The cap includes at least one inward deformation that provides an interference fit between the cap and the pipe or tube. Consequently, the cap cannot fall off the pipe or tube before being permanently crimped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Trans-Matic Mfg. Co., Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven Allen Poll
  • Patent number: 7125052
    Abstract: A riser assembly is provided for transmitting gas from a buried line to a meter manifold. The riser assembly includes an adapter having a mounting structure at one end for connection to a manifold and having an opening at an opposite end. An inner casing has a first end received through the opening and a second end extending therefrom for connection with an associated buried line. A seal assembly is interposed between the inner casing and the adapter for sealing therebetween. A gripping assembly holds the inner casing in the adapter. A protective tubular assembly is received over the inner casing. The tubular assembly has a first end received in the opening and a second end extending therefrom a dimension sufficient to cover the inner casing above ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Robison, Jason Knaus
  • Patent number: 7108292
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling ends of a first hose and a second hose. The apparatus comprises a male coupler configured to attach to the first hose, and a female coupler having an inner cavity and being configured to attach to the second hose in the inner cavity by way of a first ferrule assembly. The first ferrule assembly comprises an outer ferrule positionable on an outside surface of the second hose proximate a first end of the second hose, and an inner ferrule positionable on an inside surface of the second hose and configured to rotatably couple with the female coupler so that the inner ferrule may swivel relative to the female coupler thereby enabling the female coupler to be swiveled about the second hose without rotating the second hose. The male coupler and the female coupler are configured to couple to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fiskars Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lipscomb, Alexander P. Kobryn, Lorena E. Yin
  • Patent number: 7096584
    Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Flex-ing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
  • Patent number: 7080860
    Abstract: In a hose with a corrugated metal tube, an axial leading end portion of the corrugated metal tube is configured as an extending portion so as to extend in an axial direction beyond a base portion of a socket fitting and be exposed out of an outer layer of the hose. The extending portion is clamped by an inner end surface of the base portion and an outer surface of a rigid insert pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Takagi, Norihiko Furuta, Tomohide Ito
  • Patent number: 7066497
    Abstract: A flexible hose formed from corrugated metal tube has a fitting permanently crimped to the end of the hose. The fitting includes an elongated stem having a first end adapted to be coupled to an appropriate fitting surface and a second end configured to be received within the hose. A sealing member disposed on the second end of the stem seals the fitting between the corrugated metal tube and the stem. A ferrule is placed over the hose and is crimped to compress the hose and sealing member between the ferrule and stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Wolfgang F. Fullbeck, Mark A. Hess
  • Patent number: 7063358
    Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Flex-ing, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Ingram
  • Patent number: 7021673
    Abstract: A hose having a corrugated metal tube as the innermost layer and an outer layer including an inner elastic layer, a reinforced layer and an outer elastic layer. A socket fitting is swaged onto the hose body at three axially spaced points. The corrugated metal tube is provided with a flattened end portion. A proximal end of the flattened end portion extends for a minimum of 10 mm. axially away (in the direction of the complete corrugations) from the swaged point which is axially most proximate to the proximal end of the flattened end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Furuta, Yuji Takagi, Tomohide Ito
  • Patent number: 7017949
    Abstract: A flexible corrugated hose fitting, which is particularly provided for high-pressure installations, such as air conditioning installations using CO2 as the refrigerant, has a connecting element, which can be snapped together with the interior corrugated pipe of the flexible corrugated hose. In addition, the connecting element has sealing elements, which come into sealing contact with the corrugated pipe. Following the area receiving the sealing elements, the connecting element has a cone, which is used as a clamping section. An exterior squeeze ring, or other squeeze element, is used for pressing the exposed end of the corrugated pipe against the clamping section. A pressing sleeve is used for pressing, which drives the squeeze ring by a wedge effect inward. It has an appropriate conical interior surface. The squeeze ring moreover extends over the sheathing. For further securing of the connection, the pressing sleeve can be pressed together here with the sheathing by an appropriate deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Fluid Power GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Luft, Axel Schneider, Michael Markus Huck, Harald Twardawski
  • Patent number: 7014218
    Abstract: A permanently attachable hose coupling for a pressurized conduit end having a generally tubular nipple and a generally cylindrical shell permanently attached to the nipple and generally surrounding the conduit end. The nipple has a longitudinal axis, first and second ends, a series of circumferential grooves located between the first and the second ends, a longitudinal through bore, and an insert portion adjacent the plurality of grooves for insertion in the conduit. Each of the series of circumferential grooves fixedly receive at least one of an inside surface, an end surface and an outside surface of the generally cylindrical shell and each of the grooves has a generally flat base portion parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first substantially vertically oriented sidewall adjacent the generally flat base portion and a second substantially vertically oriented sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin
    Inventors: William C. Fisher, Charles Lee Chapman, Kenneth Paul Girod, Kenneth L. Huebner, Gregory Kreczko, Maxim Levine, Thomas B. Lininger, Joshua D. Shircliff, Sung Taek We
  • Patent number: 7014216
    Abstract: A joint assembly for flexible and semi-rigid piping, such as high density polyethylene piping or the like. The assembly comprises a joint end sleeve and a nut. The joint end sleeve comprises in series first, second, third and fourth co-axial sections of circular cross-sections. The first and second sections are to be disposed within the end of the piping. The nut, with an internal threaded surface, is made of a material harder than the one used in the piping and with a higher or equal hardness than the one on the joint end sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: THC International, LLC
    Inventors: Melchor Mittersteiner, Sergio Barrientos
  • Patent number: 7014215
    Abstract: A quick connect hose coupling for connecting a hose to a fixture of the type having a hose stem portion including a hose insert portion, having a fixture portion including a fixture connection portion, and having a joinder portion is disclosed. The joinder portion includes a male connection portion and a female connection portion. Each of male connection and female connection portions are adapted to join in a sealing and locking manner upon being pushed together. The coupling further includes threads and wrench mating flats adapted to disconnect the hose from the fixture. It is improved by the male connection portion being a unitary structure having a leading support cylindrical surface, a following support cylindrical surface, and a transition surface intermediate therein between. The leading support cylindrical surface has a leading radius. The following support cylindrical surface has a following radius. The following radius is larger than the leading radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian R. Cooper, Geoffrey R. Keast, Randall M. Leasure