Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
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Patent number: 6568716Abstract: The coupling includes a tubular sleeve having a circumferential wall and an open end for receiving the corrugated pipe, the tubular sleeve having a sleeve section which is pivotable radially outward from the sleeve by means of an integral hinge connecting the sleeve section to the circumferential wall. A first locking tongue is arranged in a first aperture in the circumferential wall, the first aperture being located in the sleeve section. The first locking tongue is resiliently connected to the sleeve section and has a first blocking projection which is engageable with a circumferential groove in the pipe, the first locking tongue being movable radially outward with resilience to release the blocking projection from the groove. A second locking tongue is arranged in a second aperture in the circumferential wall, the second aperture being located opposite from the first aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Flexa GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Dieter Fieber
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Publication number: 20030094811Abstract: A tube is insertable into a housing and secured by a collet connector. The tube has a first upset portion for actuating the collet and a second upset portion outwardly from the first upset portion. A retention clip has a first pair of arms which attach to a portion of the housing and a second pair of arms which attach to the tube outwardly of the second upset portion to further secure the tube within the housing. The end of each of the second pair of arms include a ramped surface. If the tube is not fully inserted within the housing before attaching clip, and thus the first upset portion has not fully actuated the collet, the ramps will cam along the second upset portion, thus pushing the tube into the housing and likewise the first upset portion through the collet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventor: Matthew David Lutzke
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Publication number: 20030090109Abstract: A quick connector includes a connector housing having a through bore adapted to mate with an endform. An electrical contact is mountable in the bore of the connector housing and includes contact members in the form of projections to provide a secure electrical connection between the endform and the connector housing when the male endform is mounted in the connector housing. In one aspect, the electrical contact is formed as the spacer or top hat in the quick connector housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: James E. Ostrander, Rick C. Kelley, George Szabo, Darrell Wilczynski, Kevin Kreiner
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Patent number: 6557903Abstract: A quick connector includes a male component in the form of a spool fixedly mounted to a fluid conduit and a female component in the form of a housing having a bore open at one end for receiving the male component therein. A latch is rotatably mountable on the spool and is movable relative to a transverse channel in the female component between a first installed position with respect to the channel and a second latched position wherein the latch engages opposed notches in the channel to latch the spool in the housing. At least one latch clip is mountable on the latch and engageable with edges of the channel in the body to resist rotation of the latch from the latched position. An optional secondary latch clip is engageable with the latch clip, the latch and the opposed side edges of the channel to further resist rotation of the latch from the latched position.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Daniel H. Walker
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Patent number: 6557899Abstract: The releasable plug coupling is used for connecting fluid lines, particularly, fuel lines of motor vehicles. The plug coupling comprises a tubular plug-in part (3) with an annular retaining lip (4) as well as a coupling housing (1) with a cylindrical receiving space (2) for inserting the plug-in part (3) and a separate retaining element (7) with elastic retaining edges (11) that project radially into the receiving space (2) and that grip behind the retaining lip (4) after the plug-in part (3) is inserted into the receiving space (2). The retaining edges (11) are attached to support bodies (12) that are connected at their ends by elastic connecting pieces (14) that form a V to pressure plates (15). These plates extend outwards through corresponding openings (16) in the housing wall (17) and are pressed together from the outside for releasing the coupling.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: A. Raymond & CieInventors: Daniel Martin-Cocher, Erminio Moretti
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Publication number: 20030080559Abstract: In a coupling for the connection of a washing-liquid pipe in a motor vehicle to another component, a catching element (3) designed for connecting two coupling parts (1, 2) has a shell (9) of C-shaped cross section intended for gripping. Catching noses (6) project radially inwardly from the shell (9). By virtue of this, mounting and demounting of the catching element (3) are especially simple.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Jurgen Hofmann, Rolf-Dieter Schlein
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Publication number: 20030080553Abstract: A quick coupler retention clip is disclosed for preventing an inadvertent disconnection of a quick coupler. The clip device includes a unitary clip having a first and a second end. The first end of the clip is of annular configuration so that the body of the coupler extends through the annular first end for anchoring the first end of the clip relative to the body. The second end of the clip is a C-shaped configuration to removably engage a groove defined between a collar and the body of the coupler. A strap extends between the first and second ends of the clip for securing the first and second ends of the clip together. The disconnection of the body from the port of the quick coupler is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is removed from engagement with the groove so that inadvertent disconnection of the body from the port is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: Martin H. Wieder
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Patent number: 6554322Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a gas controller to a water heater includes a shank that is longitudinally received in a spud attached to the water heater. O-rings serve to form a water tight seal between the interior surface of the spud and the exterior surface of the shank. Slots formed in the spud and a groove formed in the shank allow the two components to be axially locked to one another with the insertion of a retainer spring clip. The spring clip is readily removable to allow the two components to be separated without the destruction of any components.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventors: Thach Duong, Raymond-Paul Joubran, Joseph Raffaelli, Kenneth N. Minkler
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Publication number: 20030075922Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes a connector body which receives a retainer having a radially inward extending projection which is releasably engagable with an annular recess formed in an endform to releasably latch the endform in the connector body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Andre
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Patent number: 6550815Abstract: A quick connect body having first, second and third ports carries an insert extending from the first port to the third port and forming first and second flow paths through the body from the first and second ports, respectively, to concentrically mounted conduits attached to the third port and to one end of the insert. Retainer elements are mounted on the body and/or the insert to sealingly couple first and second conduits to the body and the insert.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Michael T. Zitkowic, Jr., Christopher R. Terry, Daniel H. Walker, Gary O. Klinger
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Publication number: 20030070647Abstract: A cuff is clamped to a boss on an air resonator. The cuff has an inner leg with an o-ring seal sized to provide a seal against an inner periphery of the air resonator boss. A throttle body has a boss to be received within the inner leg of the cuff, and will also deform the o-ring seal. The inner leg preferably includes a second forward seal which also contacts the throttle body boss. Preferably, this second seal includes a spring for biasing the second seal against the throttle body boss. The cuff is initially placed on the air resonator which may then be mounted within the engine compartment. The throttle body may be then simply snapped into the cuff. In this way, no space around the connection is necessary, while a dust-free connection is still provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Roderic Cole, Mark Letourneau, Frances Warren
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Publication number: 20030067163Abstract: In a single-piece connector clamp for flange connections of pipe sections wherein the clamp has a U-shaped spring back with opposite legs and spring arms extending from the legs in spaced relationship and forming spring arm pairs disposed at opposite sides of a reception space for the connector flanges, the connector clamp includes in the center area of the web a cutout area which extends from the base of a spring arm to the adjacent spring arm base so that the spring arms of the single piece connector clamp are supported resiliently for independent clamping action.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Gunther Ebinger, Alexander Roser
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Publication number: 20030067162Abstract: A connector includes a hollow member having an open first end and an open second end joined by a bore extending through the body having a first bore section and a second bore section that is stepwise reduced from the first bore section creating an annular shoulder therebetween. The first bore section tapers inwardly from the shoulder toward a third bore section, a sealing member receiver integrally formed into the connector and located within the second bore section near the third bore section. A sealing member seated within the sealing member receiver and at least partially protrudes inwardly into the second bore section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Thomas L. Welsh, Glenn E. Burket, Joseph F. Dick
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Patent number: 6539920Abstract: A clip to couple a crossover tube to a fuel rail includes an annular body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end of the clip, the first end capturing the crossover tube. The annular body includes a first arcuate portion coupled to a second arcuate portion and a tab. An arm extends from the other of the first and second arcuate portions, the arm having serrations extending generally towards the longitudinal axis. The annular body includes at least one catch surface located on at least the first and second arcuate portions. The catch surface is coupled to the at least one boss portion of the at least one fuel rail to couple the clip to the fuel rail. A method of coupling the clip to the crossover tube prior to the clip being secured to the fuel rail is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventor: Dean Leigh Spiers
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Patent number: 6540263Abstract: A rapid-action coupling for hoses or rigid lines with a coupling box, a plug-in nipple and a locking element. The coupling housing has a recess and an opening that extends essentially vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The plug-in nipple and the coupling housing are connected by introducing the nipple into the recess. The nipple is locked by introducing a locking element into a first end of an opening into engagement with the housing. The locking element includes an arm for releasing the engagement.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Andreas Sausner
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Publication number: 20030057700Abstract: In a connector fitting structure of the invention, when a female connector housing (40), having a female terminal (41) received in a terminal receiving chamber (44), is fitted on a male connector housing (30) having a male terminal (33) projecting into a fitting chamber (32), the female terminal (41) and the, male terminal (33) are connected together. The male connector housing (30) includes a narrowed portion (35) of such a length that the narrowed portion extends beyond a distal end of the male terminal (33) in a fitting direction, and during the fitting of the male and female connector housings (30,40) to each other, the narrowed portion (35) abuts against a front end of the female connector housing (40) before insertion of the male terminal (33) into the female connector housing (40), thereby regulating the fitting angle of the female connector housing (40) to a proper fitting direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Tomomi Endo
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Patent number: 6536807Abstract: A detachable coupling includes a housing having wall, an end that has an inner wall, and a receiving space that has an opening in the end. The opening and the receiving space receives a tubular insertion part that has a retaining rib. An indicating part is removably mounted to the end of the receiving housing and includes a support ring and a lever. The lever has a free end and a inner end and is pivotally mounted to the support ring and extends into the receiving space. A support projection is positioned on the inner end of the lever and contacts the inner wall. Insertion of the tubular insertion part causes the retaining rib to contact the free end of the lever and results in the pivoting of the lever. Pivoting of the lever disengages the support projection from the inner wall and dismounts the indicating part from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: A. Raymond & CIEInventors: Albert Raymond, Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher, Hans-Jurgen Lesser
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Publication number: 20030052484Abstract: The invention concerns a supply connection device (10) for a fluid pressure system, wherein a connection (30) comprises a head (35) designed to be axially received in a body (11) of a supply intake (12), and wherein the connection (30) is capable of being locked in front position axially engaged in the supply intake body (11) by locking means (60), which consist of a globally symmetrical U-shaped pin with two transverse locking branches (62), the connection (30) being unlocked from the body (11), for axially releasing, at least partly, rearward the connection (30) outside the body (11), by elastic deformation of the locking means (60) which results from the co-operation between at least a part (66) of the locking branches (62) and at least a part (17) of the body (11) under the action of a releasing force exerted on the locking means (60) along a transverse direction (T1), the elastic deformation is obtained by exerting a releasing force by thrusting on a connecting section (61) of the two branches (62) of thType: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Stephane Rautureau
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Patent number: 6533330Abstract: A connector (1) for connecting together at least two tubular members (3) includes a body (7) having tubular mouth portions, each receiving one of said tubular members. At least one of the mouth portions is provided with means for connecting the body to a tubular member, the connection means comprising sealing means (17) for sealing the body against the tubular member and securing means for preventing relative longitudinal movement between said body and said tubular member. The securing means comprise a first securing member (25) for engagement with the tubular member and being deformable between a tubular member engaging position and a position allowing said first member to be readily moved along the tubular member, and a second securing member (31) being for holding the first securing ember in its tubular member engaging position. The body and first and second securing members are adapted to coact to prevent, in use, relative longitudinal movement between said first securing member and said body.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventors: Paul Davidson, Richard John Wakelin
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Patent number: 6530606Abstract: The fastening element is intended for two hydraulically communicating fitting parts (1, 2). In order to fasten a lateral fitting part (2) on the end face to an outer wall (8) of a wide fitting part (1) at a predetermined angle, the lateral fitting part (2) has, in one end region, a cavity (4) in which an inner peripherally formed groove for a spring ring (12) is located. The fastening element (7) comprises a connecting insert (9) which is mounted in this cavity (4) of the lateral fitting part (2) and which carries a threaded shank (10) with a bore (15), in order to allow hydraulics communication between the two fitting parts (1, 2). The connecting insert (9) has an outer peripherally formed groove such that a spring ring (12) is mounted unreleasably between these two grooves.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: KWC AGInventor: Michael Lehner
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Publication number: 20030038479Abstract: A device for sealingly connecting together a pair of fluid-conditioning units such as pressure regulators, filters, and lubricators used in compressed air systems comprises a plurality of body units each having two opposite side apertures, two external coupling mechanisms wherein one external coupling mechanisms has one end fastened in one side aperture of the first one of the body units and the other end thereof linked to a pipe, and the other external coupling mechanism has one end fastened in one side aperture of the last one of the body units and the other end thereof linked to another pipe, and one or more internal coupling mechanisms each fastened between the other side apertures of two adjacent body units. The invention can couple to a variety of pipes of the fluid-conditioning units by simply replacing the original external coupling mechanisms with new ones having mated sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: Yin Hsiang Huang
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Publication number: 20030034648Abstract: A quick connect body having first, second and third ports carries an insert extending from the first port to the third port and forming first and second flow paths through the body from the first and second ports, respectively, to concentrically mounted conduits attached to the third port and to one end of the insert. Retainer elements are mounted on the body and/or the insert to sealingly couple first and second conduits to the body and the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventors: Michael T. Zitkowic, Christopher R. Terry, Daniel H. Walker, Gary O. Klinger
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Patent number: 6517120Abstract: A quick connector including: (a) a tubular male element having an introduced end portion which has an extreme end portion and an annular protrusion portion; and (b) a tubular female element having a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion which have respective tubular shapes configured to receive therein the annular protrusion portion and the extreme end portion of the introduced end portion of the tubular male element, respectively. The first receiving portion has an elastically-deformable tongue portion which is defined by a U-shaped slot formed through the cylindrical wall of the first receiving portion. The tongue portion extends in a circumferential direction of the tubular female element, and has a free end portion which is displaceable in a radial direction of the tubular female member.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsuo Miyajima, Kazushige Sakazaki, Akira Takayanagi, Tomohide Ito
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Publication number: 20030025325Abstract: An attachment element is provided for securing a sensor-type connection component (5) to an attachment point (7). The connection component (5) penetrates a part of a wall (4) of a tube-shaped component (2). The attachment element (12) partially surrounds the connection component (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Wolfgang Rehmann, Gerhard Hueftle, Walter Schieferle, Thomas Kurzweil, Stefan Fischbach, Bernd Kuenzl, Stefan Timmermann
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Publication number: 20030025096Abstract: A coupling for connecting a vacuum line to a body such as an autoclave to be evacuated, the coupling comprising a first part adapted to be sealingly engaged by welding upon the wall of the autoclave about an aperture therein, and having an internal bore which thus communicates with the interior of the autoclave, and a second part also having an internal bore for communication with the bore of the first part. The second part thus serves as a removable cartridge which is slidably engaged within the first part with sealing rings radially and axially sealing the two-parts together to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. The cartridge includes a spring-loaded valve. A circlip enables separation of the cartridge from the first part, and a circlip enables removal of the valve parts from the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventor: James Jeory
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Publication number: 20030001386Abstract: A coupling assembly that includes: a) a female coupling member including a cavity opening onto its receiving end, where the cavity has an annular groove; b) a male coupling member including annular rib, the rib having a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge and a maximum diameter between the leading and trailing edges; c) a diametrically expandable locking ring carried in the annular groove of the female coupling member; and d) an annular collar slidably carried on the male coupling member axially between the trailing edge of the annular rib and the trailing end of the male coupling member, where the annular collar includes an outer circumferential surface having an outer diameter substantially equal to or greater than the maximum diameter of the annular rib and where the annular collar is slidable on the male coupling member from an unlocked position, in which the collar is positioned axially against the annular rib providing a relatively smooth circumferential surface from the trailing edge of the annular rType: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: William L. Cresswell, Judah Davis
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Patent number: 6499908Abstract: A locking system with at least one locking element has a sleeve (2) with an inner groove (3) and an outer groove (4), which lie in a common plane and encircle at least one half of the circumference, the outer groove (4) accommodating a radially pre-stressed spring washer (9) forming an open sector in the circumferential direction between the legs (12) on either side, which are pointedly bent towards the inside and extend through assigned radial openings (5) of the sleeve (2) into the inner groove (3).Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Udo Hauptmann, Heinz Grünewald
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Patent number: 6497247Abstract: A pressure valve having a valve body inserted into a bore of a valve housing. The valve body on one end that has plunged into the valve housing has a valve seat face in contact with a movable valve member which can be seated by a restoring force and which is adjoined by a through conduit. The movable valve member penetrates the valve body, for the sake of simpler axial securing of the valve body in the valve housing and also for easier dismantling, the valve body is secured axially in the valve housing via a detent connection.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Makoto Kinoshita, Kiyotaka Ogata
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Publication number: 20020171241Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a gas controller to a water heater includes a shank that is longitudinally received in a spud attached to the water heater. O-rings serve to form a water tight seal between the interior surface of the spud and the exterior surface of the shank. Slots formed in the spud and a groove formed in the shank allow the two components to be axially locked to one another with the insertion of a retainer spring clip. The spring clip is readily removable to allow the two components to be separated without the destruction of any components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: INVENSYS RobertShaw Controls CompanyInventors: Thach Duong, Raymond-Paul Joubran, Joseph Raffaelli, Kenneth N. Minkler
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Patent number: 6481646Abstract: A fuel injector includes a valve group with a valve body. The valve group also includes an inlet tube having an inlet tube channel and at least one formed slot, the inlet tube is connected to the valve body. The valve group further includes an armature/ball assembly reciprocally disposed in the valve body. In addition, the inlet tube is spaced a predetermined distance from the armature/ball assembly. The fuel injector further includes a power group including a coil assembly that cinctures the inlet tube, a housing that encases the coil assembly, and an overmold that encapsulates the housing and coil assembly. The overmold includes at least one overmold slot that is formed in the overmold. The power group also includes a retainer that retains the power group to the valve group. A method of manufacturing the injector assembly and a method of operating the injector assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventor: Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 6478342Abstract: A swivel coupling for attachment to a hose. The swivel coupling comprises a sleeve defining an aperture sized to received a retainer clip. The hose is formed with convolutions so that the retainer clip may be attached to the hose. When the hose is inserted into the sleeve, the retainer clip may be inserted into the aperture to secure the hose against axial movement yet the allow the hose to swivel.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Shop Vac CorporationInventor: Robert C. Berfield
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Publication number: 20020163190Abstract: A connector for connecting two tubular members has a pin and a box, the box having a bore that receives the pin in stabbing engagement. The bore having a grooved profile, and a split lock ring mounted to the pin, the lock ring snapping into engagement with the grooved profile in the box when the box and pin are stabbed together to lock the tubular members together. An annular wedge shoulder is located on the pin axially spaced apart and facing a rim on the box. The wedge shoulder and rim are inclined relative to each other, resulting in a closer axial distance between them at outer diameters of the pin and box than farther inward. An annular recess is located on the pin at an inner portion of the wedge shoulder, the recess having an inner wall facing outwardly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Brian N. Munk, Joseph W. Pallini, Rockford Dee Lyle
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Patent number: 6471252Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable plug-and-socket connector for high pressure lines, particularly for brake lines in the manufacture of motor vehicles, where the plug-and-socket connector must have an especially high retaining force. The connector includes a plug-in part that has an annular retaining flange on its insertion side and is provided with a circular recess into which the end of a brake line tube can be pressed by deformable expansion of the tube wall and that the retaining spring is provided with a simple central clamping ring which can be slipped over the tubular connecting piece of the plug-in part immediately next to the retaining flange.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: A. Raymond & CieInventors: Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher
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Publication number: 20020153724Abstract: An axial force blocking pipe joint, comprising an insertion part, a sleeve and several sealing rings. The insertion part is attached to a second pipe. The sleeve is attached to a first pipe, taking in the insertion tube. The sealing rings are mounted on the insertion tube, ensuring a tight connection thereof with the sleeve. The main characteristic of the present invention is that the sleeve has a far end part that forms an axial positioning part, which is located around the second pipe, leaving a gap. The axial positioning part has a blocking element at a far end which extends inwards and a plurality of axial positioning blocks. The plurality of axial positioning blocks are disposed in the gap and fit between a step at a remote end of the insertion tube and the blocking element, thus blocking the insertion tube from separating from the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Ching Zeng Yeh
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Patent number: 6464263Abstract: A corrugated-pipe connector has a locking portion with a lip on one side of the locking portion facing the corrugated pipe. The locking portion in the closed condition of the connector is opposite to an interlocking portion. The lip extends along the locking portion and for more than 180° C. of the corrugated pipe circumference between two adjacent corrugated pipe corrugations. The end portions of the lip are closer to each other relative to the symmetric plane than the furthest spaced apart inner contours of the lip which are opposite to each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: PMA AGInventors: Ernst Schwarz, Roger Hüppi
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Publication number: 20020145283Abstract: A quick-action connector assembly including a male member, a female member, a latching indicator member substantially fitted within the female member, a first engaging device for permitting engagement of the indicator member and the male member upon insertion of the male member into the female member, to move the indicator member with the male member, and a second engaging device for substantially inhibiting rotation of the indicator member relative to the female member, prior to the insertion of the male member into the female member, and for disengaging the indicator member and the female member from each other, to permit the rotation of the indicator member relative to the female member, on the basis of the movement of the indicator member with the male member, after an annular protrusion formed on the male member has been latched in engagement with a latching projection of at least one elastically deformable latching arm provided on the female member as a result of the insertion of the male member into thType: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsuo Miyajima, Akira Takayanagi
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Publication number: 20020140225Abstract: A hose device for fuel transportation having superior methanol permeation resistance, methanol resistance, non-extractability with methanol, water resistance, heat resistance, pressure resistance, etc., when methanol is used as a fuel. The hose device for fuel transportation comprises a hose main body having a three-layer structure composed of an innermost layer made of a resin having methanol permeation resistance, an intermediate layer, and an outermost layer, and a quick connector mounted on the end portion of the hose main body. The aforementioned quick connector is composed of a housing section and a pair of O-rings. The aforementioned housing section is composed of a material having methanol permeation resistance, one end portion of the housing section is formed as an insert portion to be inserted into the aforementioned hose main body, and the other end portion is formed as a container portion for containing an engagement target member therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Nishiyama, Kota Kato, Kazutaka Katayama
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Publication number: 20020125721Abstract: A connector comprises a casing 20 with a pipe fitting bore 25 to which a pipe P is fitted; a pipe fixing component 30 which slides against the casing and fixed the pipe P when the pipe is fitted to the pipe fitting bore 25; and a seal component 40 that is mounted facing the pipe duct 26 to seal the pipe P. The pipe fixing component 30 is elastically deformed, when the pipe P is fitted, from the temporary stop position at which it is temporarily stopped in the pipe fitting bore 25, and moves to the connecting position where the pipe is fixed, it being possible to externally view whether the pipe fixing component 30 is in the connecting position. The connector requires no checker or the like to check the connection with the pipe P, thus preventing poor seals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Tomohisa Imaeda, Mitsutaka Kondo
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Patent number: 6447022Abstract: A connector includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an inner wall and a pair of juxtaposed slots. The inner sleeve has an outer surface with a first groove and a second groove defined therein. A sealing member is located in the first groove of the inner sleeve. The sealing member provides a continuous seal between the inner wall of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the inner sleeve when the inner sleeve is mated within the outer sleeve. A retaining member is configured to engage the pair of juxtaposed slots, of the outer sleeve, and the second groove, of the inner sleeve, when the inner sleeve is mated with the outer sleeve. The retaining member restricts the longitudinal movement of the inner and outer sleeves in relation to one another.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventor: George M. Allen
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Patent number: 6447017Abstract: A coupling comprising a swivel stake nut or other connecting end portion rotatably coupled to a stem portion, and a jam nut or other stabilizing apparatus mounted upon or otherwise attached to one of said connecting end portion and stem portion in stabilizing relation to the other thereof, for inhibiting axial, rocking and/or rotational movement of the components during pressurized operation of the device with impulse cycling when coupled to hose or other fluid transfer component and an associated equipment port, in the absence of a separate adapter.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: Donald R. Gilbreath, Melvin O. Hendricks
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Publication number: 20020117850Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a tube to a refrigeration system component includes a connecting block and a clip, where the clip is inserted into a U-shaped recess in the block essentially perpendicular to the axis of the connecting block. The connecting block includes a body having end surfaces extending perpendicular to the axis of the body, and a U-shaped recess axially interconnecting the surfaces and opening outwardly from a side of the body for receipt of the tube. A U-shaped channel in the recess faces outwardly from the recess. The clip has a U-shaped body, and a pair of resilient tabs extend outwardly from the body in parallel relation to one another. The tabs of the clip are closely received in opposite sides of the U-shaped channel and the channel can be coined to retain the clip within the body. The tabs are bent inwardly toward one another by the curved inner end of the channel to facilitate retaining the clip within the channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Shawn C. Wood, Kirk E. Eschenburg
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Publication number: 20020117853Abstract: A quick connector (10) has a pair of waist segments (76 and 81), a shoulder segment (163), a body segment (72) with an aperture (156) therein, and a leg segment (78). The leg segment (78) is defined by a pair of projecting elements (163) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (76 and 81) to move toward one another. Thus, a swivellable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention non-swivellable threaded coupling. The quick connector (10) may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes (410).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Applicant: Proprietary Technology, IncInventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
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Patent number: 6431610Abstract: A tube assembly for communicating water under pressure from a water supply valve and a water fixture inlet tube assembled at a job site, having an elongate corrugated tube with alternating grooves and ridges and cut to length to extend between a water fixture inlet tube and a water supply valve. The tube receives a pair of nuts in opposing relation, and each nut has an interior thread sized for engaging a respective one of a water fixture inlet tube and a water supply valve. A pair of C-clips, each received in a respective one of the grooves in opposing distal end portions of the tube, define bearing surfaces for the nuts. The distal ends of the tube receive a gasket, which are adapted for sealing between the respective distal end of the tube and the water fixture inlet tube and the water supply valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignees: Beijing Bork Metal Hose, Co., Ltd., Iwatani International Corporation, Iwatani International CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Ohirano, Noboru Ogawa, Yusuke Kato
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Patent number: 6431614Abstract: A cantilevered conduit connection including a connecting block circumscribing a conduit and mounting to a fluid component where an anti-cantilever fastener mounts to a back surface of the connecting block. The anti-cantilever fastener includes a cusp portion bent toward and in contact with the back surface and induces a positive bending moment across the back surface of the connecting block for urging the connecting block flat against the fluid component and for positioning the conduit squarely within the fluid component. A device for fastening the anti-cantilever fastener and connecting block to the fluid component is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.Inventors: Larry M. Lafer, Robert J. Slais
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Patent number: 6431612Abstract: A connection between a fluid conduit and an air flow port mounted on an air flow device includes a housing having a through bore which receives a flange on an end form of the conduit. One end of the port is disposed in the bore in the housing in sealed engagement with the end form. A transverse bore in the housing receives a retainer to lock the port in the housing preventing axial separation of the port from the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Daniel H. Walker, Lyle D. Tincknell
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Patent number: 6428055Abstract: A connection unit of a releasable quick coupling that includes a cylindrical housing head, connecting sleeve, support sleeve and a ceiling ring. The cylindrical housing head defines a receiving space and includes a retaining element having movable edges that are directed into the receiving space. A tubular inserting part having a encircling retaining rib is insertable into the receiving space such that the retaining rib is engaged by the retaining element. The connecting sleeve is molded an end of the housing head and is adapted to be inserted into the end of the pipeline. The body of the connecting sleeve and detents of the housing head form a mounting space that is adapted to receive and secure an edge of the pipeline. Additionally, a support sleeve is mounted on the connecting sleeve at a second end opposite said housing head. Finally, a sealing ring is disposed within the support sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: A. Raymond & CIEInventors: Erminio Moretti, Albert Raymond, Gilles Perrin
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Publication number: 20020101040Abstract: An improved plug device 10 for sealing an internal tubular passageway in a predetermined location against pressure and flow applied from one side. The plug 10 is selectively inserted and retrieved from the tubular passageway using an installation tool 200. The plug 10 has an elastomeric seal 72 and multiple latch dogs 40 that reciprocate in an axial direction to engage or not engage the tubular passageway. An elastomeric seal 72 of the plug 10 is manipulated to cause it to recess during the installation and retrieval of the plug device 10 to minimize scuffing the seal 72. Multiple latch dogs housed in the plug are radially moved outward to engage a prepared internal groove in the tubular passageway, then the elastomeric seal 72 is relaxed to bias against the interior of the bore of the tubular passageway. The plug is easily installed and removed by robots or remote manipulators.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: Larry R. Russell
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Publication number: 20020101078Abstract: A pipe and pipe coupling assembly (10) including a first pipe (20) having a first end (72) and a second pipe (22) having a second end (74). The first end (72) includes a threaded portion (60) and a keyway (32), and is adapted to slidably engage the second end (74). The second end (74) includes a key portion (36) that is adapted to engage the keyway (32), thereby impeding the rotation of the first pipe (20) relative to the second pipe (22). The pipe and pipe coupling assembly (10) further includes a coupling member (34) adaptable to be rotatably attached to the second end (74). The coupling member (34) further includes a threaded portion (58) operable to engage the threaded portion (60) of the first end (72), thereby removably coupling the first pipe (20) to the second pipe (22) in a keyed, end to end relationship.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Applicant: Phoenix Geometrix LLCInventor: Michael I. Robinson
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Publication number: 20020093194Abstract: This invention relates to a female element of a rapid connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid passes, said element comprising a body defining a housing for receiving a part of a male endpiece and means for locking said endpiece in fitted configuration in said female element. The locking means are controlled by a press-button which bears controlled means, such as a cylinder controlling a bolt, for selectively blocking the locking means in configuration of hold of said part of the endpiece in the housing and/or in a configuration opposing the introduction of a part of an endpiece in said housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Jean-Jacques Lacroix, Rene Chappaz
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Patent number: 6419282Abstract: A fluid assembly is disclosed. The fluid assembly includes a first conduit having a generally annular first body and a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough and a second conduit having a generally annular second body disposed over a portion of the first conduit and having a second longitudinal channel in communication with the first longitudinal channel. The second conduit further includes a retainer fixture. The assembly also includes a seal assembly including an annular seal having first and second seal members, an o-ring disposed within the seal generally against the first and second members, and a retainer biasing the o-ring toward the first and second seal members. The seal assembly is disposed between the first fuel conduit and the second fuel conduit such that the first seal member engages the first conduit and the second seal member engages the second conduit. The retainer engages the retainer fixture, and the seal assembly releasably connects the first conduit and the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventor: Michael T. Hornby