Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
  • Patent number: 6464263
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: PMA AG
    Inventors: Ernst Schwarz, Roger Hüppi
  • Publication number: 20020145283
    Abstract: 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 th
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuo Miyajima, Akira Takayanagi
  • Publication number: 20020140225
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Nishiyama, Kota Kato, Kazutaka Katayama
  • Publication number: 20020125721
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Tomohisa Imaeda, Mitsutaka Kondo
  • Patent number: 6447017
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Gilbreath, Melvin O. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 6447022
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventor: George M. Allen
  • Publication number: 20020117853
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Proprietary Technology, Inc
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Publication number: 20020117850
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Shawn C. Wood, Kirk E. Eschenburg
  • Patent number: 6431612
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Walker, Lyle D. Tincknell
  • Patent number: 6431614
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Lafer, Robert J. Slais
  • Patent number: 6431610
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignees: Beijing Bork Metal Hose, Co., Ltd., Iwatani International Corporation, Iwatani International Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ohirano, Noboru Ogawa, Yusuke Kato
  • Patent number: 6428055
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Erminio Moretti, Albert Raymond, Gilles Perrin
  • Publication number: 20020101040
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Publication number: 20020101078
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Phoenix Geometrix LLC
    Inventor: Michael I. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20020093194
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Lacroix, Rene Chappaz
  • Patent number: 6419282
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Michael T. Hornby
  • Publication number: 20020084651
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel H. Walker, Lyle D. Tincknell
  • Publication number: 20020084652
    Abstract: A connecting device is provided particularly as a quick-connect device for connecting fluid channels on motor vehicles. The connecting device features two axial connecting elements that are to be clamped and that are sealed by a sealing element to be deformed in the axial direction. The deformation of the sealing element is limited by mechanical stop means (support surfaces). A wedge-clamping device is used for clamping the connecting elements against each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Bernd Halbrock, Harald Twardawski, Thomas Luft, Michael Markus Huck
  • Patent number: 6412826
    Abstract: A quick connector for connecting fluid lines includes a first connector having a housing for receiving a tube carrying spool. The spool sealingly engages an endform on the tube to form a metal-to-metal seal. A retainer in the form of ring having a plurality of angularly and radially extending, resilient legs extending therefrom and terminating in end pads is mountable in the housing in engagement with the spool with the end pads disposed in an annular, inward facing channel in the housing. A pop top is slidable along the tube to bias the retainer legs radially inward to allow insertion of the retainer into the bore in the housing and then is removed to allow the legs to snap radially outward bringing the end pads into engagement with housing channel. An assurance clip is mountable interiorly between the legs of the retainer and the spool to maintain the retainer legs in a radially outward position in engagement with the channel in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Kulevsky, George Szabo, Timothy Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020079698
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20020079696
    Abstract: A release tool for a quick connector with a radially displaceable retainer has a pair of arms extending from a collar which are normally disposed on axially extending surfaces of the housing of the female component of the quick connector when the release tool is mounted on the housing. A retainer engaging surface on each of the arms is movably engageable with projections on side legs of the retainer to urge the projections and the end portions of the side legs of the retainer radially inward to a position where the projections are disengaged from lock edges on the axially extending surfaces of the housing to allow disengagement of the retainer element from the male component of the quick connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: George Szabo
  • Patent number: 6409228
    Abstract: A spring system for connecting two flanges (13, 14), for use especially in a motor vehicle exhaust system. The spring system is configured as an elastic, flexible clamp with functionally first (1, 2) and second (4, 5) U-shaped clamping jaws positioned opposite each other. This provides a spring system which is easy to assemble and economical to produce. To this end the spring system has the U-shaped arms (6, 7) of the clamping jaws (1, 2; 4, 5) having only locally very restricted areas (8, 9, 10) for direct application to the pieces (11, 13; 12, 14) to be joined by means of the clamp. Four application areas (8) exercising both clamping functions are present in at least one of the clamping planes (100 or 200), of which two areas are arranged in pairs and situate diametrically opposite each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignees: Christian Bauer GmbH & Co. KG, DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Rolf Fadini, Helmut Hutt, August Kästner
  • Patent number: 6406215
    Abstract: A positive connection between a pipe and a ring inserted into the pipe, in particular between the housing of a ram boring device and a stop ring inserted into the housing, wherein the inside wall of the pipe has a convex groove consisting of a section of a surface of a sphere and the ring has a corresponding convex outer surface with the same radius, the inside wall of the pipe possessing at least one axial groove permitting insertion into the pipe or the outer surface of the ring possessing at least one flattened portion permitting insertion into the pipe, or the ring being axially divided into two or more preferably unequal segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen
    Inventors: Gerhard Balve, Franz-Josef Püttmann
  • Publication number: 20020070549
    Abstract: A one-piece quick connector includes a tubular member and a collar. A pair of diametrically opposed actuating arms depend from the collar and lie in a first plane. A pair of diametrically opposed locking arms depend from the collar and lie in a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane. The locking arms are disposed to engage a lip on the end of a conduit and are movable between a locking position and an unlocking position in response to movement of the actuating arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Oscar Romero
  • Publication number: 20020070550
    Abstract: A rotation connector includes a first connecting member provided with a female joint section defining an insertion recess and a ball locking groove, a second connecting member provided with a male joint section rotatably secured in the insertion recess and defining a ball receiving groove aligning with the ball locking groove, a plurality of rolling balls each mounted in the ball locking groove, and an elastic cushion secured in the ball receiving groove and urged on the rolling balls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Lin, Joanna Jiang
  • Patent number: 6402206
    Abstract: A plastic fitting for plastic tubing is disclosed. The plastic fitting comprises a main body (10) having a tip sleeve (16) at one end of and an externally threaded portion (14) at the other end thereof, a cylindrical cap nut (20, 52, 64) threadedly attachable to the main body (10) in a manner to compress a flared end (36) of the plastic tubing down against the tip sleeve (16) of the main body, and a resiliently deformable split ring (30, 42, 60) that resides within an annular internal recess (28, 50, 72) in the cap nut (20, 52, 64) for retaining the flared end (36) of the plastic tubing in position around the main body tip sleeve (16). The resiliently deformable split ring (30, 42, 60) includes a plurality of inwardly facing bosses (38, 46) that cooperate with respective spaced apertures (40) formed in the plastic tubing flared end (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6398268
    Abstract: A pipe coupling for a female screw to be connected to a female screw port formed in a fluid device, comprising a cylindrical main body. The main body includes a plurality of arm members having a male crew portion at a distal end to be connected to the female screw port. Also, the main body comprises a sliding member that slides from a close to an open position with respect to the arms members. The main body is provided with a lock member for stopping the movement of the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Takahashi, Takeya Sasa
  • Patent number: 6386596
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for non-rotatably connecting a hose to a male stem member is made of plastic and in accordance with a first embodiment includes a plastic fitting body on which is mounted a plastic annular cap having depending lugs. The cap is welded or otherwise fixed to the end of the fitting body. A collet is slid into the annular cap. The collet has depending arms which nest between the lugs on the annular cap so that the collet does not rotate. Detents on the arms seat in a groove on the male stem member to retain the stem member within the fitting body. In accordance with a second embodiment, the fitting body is in the form of a unitary female member which utilizes a substantially C-shaped resilient detent inserted radially through a slot in the female member to retain the male stem member therein by seating in a circumferential groove in the male stem member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Darwin Olson
  • Publication number: 20020053797
    Abstract: A quick coupling for hoses or pipelines with a coupling sleeve (1), a plug-in nipple (3) and a sealing element (21) is proposed, in which the sealing element (21) is tensioned in the locked state and/or has a rectangular cross section so that the tightness and the diffusion resistance of the quick coupling according to the invention are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Vierneisel, Andreas Sausner
  • Publication number: 20020053798
    Abstract: A pipe joint assembly includes a cylindrical pipe and a pipe element having a generally cylindrical terminal portion for receiving the end of the pipe. The terminal portion is formed with a roughly straight open ended channel extending in a direction tangential to, but intersecting, the cylindrical pipe. A lock pin is insertable along the open ended channel so as to cause local inward deformation of the end, thereby locking the end and the pipe element together. The lock pin has a parallel-sided shaft portion of minimum transverse dimension d and a tapered portion of length l tapering to a point, where l is no less than twice d and is no greater than four times d. This geometry facilitates insertion of the lock pin through a combined linear and rotational displacement which is highly effective for ensuring effecting and reliable interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph R. Mehr
  • Patent number: 6382343
    Abstract: A power steering apparatus (10) includes a conduit (50) through which a flow of power steering fluid is conducted and a housing (22) having a chamber (25) which holds power steering fluid. A connector assembly (60) connects the conduit (50) with the housing (22). The connector assembly (60) includes a base (64) which is fixedly connected with the housing (22) and a clip (66) which interconnects the base and the conduit (50). The clip (66) has a pilot portion (76) with cam surfaces (88 and 90) which engage a projection (68) on the conduit (50) to press the conduit into an opening (78) in the base (64) during connection of the conduit with the base. The clip (66) has a retainer portion (74) which cooperates with the base (64) and the projection (68) on the conduit (50) to compress a seal (70) between the projection on the conduit and the base when the conduit is connected with the housing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Engler
  • Patent number: 6378553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for distributing fluid under pressure, particularly welding gas, comprising at least one body (1′) provided with at least one manometer (3, 3′) comprising a housing (4) and a connection ferrule (2, 2′), said connection ferrule (2, 2′) being inserted in a recess (5, 5′) provided in the body (1′), characterized in that said body (1′) comprises moreover at least one passage (6, 16) communicating with said recess (5, 51), and in that said connection ferrule (2, 2′) comprises at least one recess (7, 71) and in that at least one connection means (8, 18) is inserted in at least one portion of at least one passage (6, 16) of the body (1′) and in at least one portion of at-least one recess (7, 7′) of the connection ferrule (2, 21), so as to permit the solidarization, at least temporarily, of said manometer (3, 3′) on said body (1′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Gilles Cannet
  • Patent number: 6371528
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pipe joint including: a socket mounted to a fluid pressure device; a joint main body to which a tube is connected; a stud having a base end portion connected to the joint main body and a tip end portion that can be connected to the socket; and an elastic clip for locking the stud and the socket in a connected state, in which the clip has a pair of paired members which extend in parallel with each other and can be opened and closed elastically and an operating portion for opening and closing the paired members, the socket has a pair of clip housing grooves into which the pair of paired members of the clip are fitted, and the stud has a tapered face for elastically spreading the paired members of the clip in the housing grooves as the stud is inserted into the socket and a locking groove into which the paired members of the clip are fitted and locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhito Kimura
  • Publication number: 20020038955
    Abstract: The present invention includes a pre-assembled, high-pressure coupling interface adapter for use with a non-threaded port of a female member. The adapter comprises a generally cylindrically shaped metal body including a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface. The body includes an external segment having an external end and an internal segment having an internal end, the internal segment configured for receipt within the port of the female member. The inner surface of the body is configured to engage and secure one or more external features of a separate male coupling member. The present invention also includes a coupling assembly including a coupling adapter and a method for forming a female coupling assembly including an adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Eaton Aeroquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Persohn, Terry L. Karl, Richard Faber, Todd J. Vogel, David S. Densel, Philip C. Van Riper
  • Patent number: 6361064
    Abstract: This present invention provides a device for retaining an inflator within an air bag module housing in a sealing manner. In a first embodiment, the device comprises an inflator seal member and an inflator seal retainer. The inflator seal member is disposed about an outer surface of the inflator by disposing the inflator through a central opening formed in the inflator seal member. The inflator seal member further has a flange which is received within a retaining groove formed in the module housing for partially locating the inflator within an internal cavity formed in the module housing. The inflator seal retainer is designed to provide high quality seal retention between the inflator and the module housing. In a broad sense, the inflator seal retainer comprises a symmetric star shaped member having spring-like properties. The inflator seal retainer is formed so that it includes a plurality of peaks radially disposed about an opening defined by the inflator seal retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Wendel Hopf, Maria V. Villegas, Bernd Uwe Zimmerbeutel, William Thomas Shaw
  • Patent number: 6354189
    Abstract: A pressure medium system, particularly a hydraulic system, which includes at least one working cylinder (pressure medium cylinder) and at least one pressure medium line for the supply and/or discharge of the pressure medium whereby assembly and disassembly is made possible, especially in vehicles, without great (manufacturing) efforts and by economic production by using a detachable retaining clamp (6) which grasps the outside of a pressure medium coupling (3) and an end piece (5) of the pressure medium line (4), which may be inserted into the pressure medium coupling (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Hydraulik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schmied, Gisela Schleich, Herbert Kainzmeier, Gunther Schönfelder
  • Patent number: 6352288
    Abstract: Mechanical pipe connections are provided by this invention which include the feature of coupler recesses with discontinuous locking grooves on the pipes. The interlocking system may also include male and female portions which mechanically mesh together to form binding contact between the pipes to reduce the individual rotation of the pipes relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Calkins
  • Patent number: 6343813
    Abstract: A spline for joining irrigation tubing includes an elongated body portion. The body is configured to be inserted into and substantially fill a channel formed by aligning an interior channel in a female tubing end and a corresponding exterior channel in a male end. One or more serrations or slots in the body facilitate bending the body into annular channels. The end of the body is tapered to facilitate its insertion, including a taper along its length (such as on the side opposite the serrations), and a gripping portion on the spline further facilitates insertion and removal. Related methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Olson Irrigation Systems
    Inventors: Donald O. Olson, John Himmelberger
  • Patent number: 6341736
    Abstract: An air brush type sprayer includes a can with a base extending from the can and a liquid outlet member is threadedly connected to a top of the base. A tube connected between an interior of the can and the liquid outlet member. A nozzle assembly is connected to a compressor and a nozzle and a connection part both extend from the nozzle assembly. The connection part is snapped to the base so that the gap is easily adjusted by rotating the liquid outlet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng Liao
  • Patent number: 6338507
    Abstract: A synthetic resin pipe with a joint, includes a first pipe end portion to be connected, having an open guide cylinder, a large-diameter cylindrical portion formed in a deep portion thereof continuous with the open guide cylinder and having a diameter larger than front and rear walls extending in an axial direction of the synthetic resin pipe, and an outwardly facing projection disposed in a portion of the large-diameter cylindrical portion. A separately produced engaging ring including an inclined guide surface, having a large inside diameter on a width-direction one end face side thereof and having a small inside diameter on a deep side thereof, the engaging ring further including a securing stepped portion formed on the deep side thereof, a plurality of cut-out portions, respectively formed by cutting out the inclined surface, and a projection projecting from a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the engaging ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Amatsutsu
  • Publication number: 20020000720
    Abstract: A washdown system with a hose, nozzle fitting and water supply connection assembly. The hose includes a generally helical central portion and end portions extending generally axially from the central portion. The water supply connection assembly may include female and male portions. The male portion connects to a water supply fitting. When connected to the female portion, the male portion can be swiveled substantially 360°. The female portion may include a quick-disconnect assembly to reversibly couple the male portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: L. James Knowles
  • Publication number: 20010052699
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a molded plastics tubular coupling comprising a plastics sleeve having an integral head at one end. The sleeve provides a cylindrical outer surface to engage in a corresponding bore of another component. The surface has an encircling annular recess and an integral radially extending flexible annular diaphragm formed in the recess. The diaphragm has an outer periphery extending proud of the cylindrical surface to engage and grip the corresponding surface of another component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 6331020
    Abstract: The invention provides a one-piece flex pipe connection that has a bend, and any angle to a termination of a thread, groove or a 360° swivel flange. Additionally the invention provides a flex pipe coupling with a bend and with one end having a groove clamp connection and the other having a thread, groove or the 360° flange swivel. The last piece is a 360° bend swivel to a thread, groove or a 360° flange swivel. A preferred flex pipe coupling apparatus has a connector body with angularly related ends and with a central portion between the ends. At least one of the ends has a cylindrical recess. A shoulder at an axial end of the recess near the central portion cooperates with an end of a flex pipe inserted in the recess. An annular seal receiver in the cylindrical recess near the shoulder holds a resilient seal for sealing the end of the flex pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Pacific Flo-Rite, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred J. Brunella
  • Patent number: 6328348
    Abstract: A novel hose coupling for a liquid transfer system is provided. The coupling comprises a connector portion adapted to lockingly engage an adapter on a receptacle, such as a gas tank, and a handle portion. The handle is proximate to a releasing member which is oriented for manipulation by a hand holding the handle. The releasing member is moveable between a first engaged position in which the coupling is lockingly engaged with a receptacle adapter and a second disengaged position in which the coupling is released from locking engagement with the adapter. Accordingly, the coupling is disengaged from locking engagement with the adapter when the release member is displaced from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The coupling allows one-handed, ambidextrous use, providing a coupling operator with greater maneouverability which is advantageous particularly in instances where receptacle access is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton Fleet Fueling, Corp.
    Inventors: Arthur Selwyn Cornford, Stanley Robert Elsdon, Gordon Elford Fairles
  • Patent number: 6328344
    Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a slider disposed in an insertion hole of a main body so as to be axially moved and includes a pressed portion which a falling-off preventing flange of a pipe abuts so that the slider is pressed axially when the pipe is inserted into the insertion hole. A fitting checker includes a pair of spreading legs having respective claws, the fitting checker being detachably attached to the main body so that the legs hold the main body. The claws engage the body and the slider so that the fitting checker is not allowed to be detached from the body when the legs are closed. The legs are spread so as to release the claws from engagement with the body and the slider so that the fitting checker is allowed to be detached from the body. Releasing protrusions are formed to protrude from inside portions of the legs of the fitting checker, the releasing protrusions being pressed so that the legs are elastically deformed in respective opening directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Tozaki, Masatoshi Harada
  • Publication number: 20010048225
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a housing assembly for receiving one end of a conduit with an enlarged annular flange and a retainer for locking the conduit in the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes first and second housings which are rotatably and non-axially displaceably interconnected. A rigid top hat is fixedly mounted in the bore in the first housing to prevent axial displacement of the first and second housings. An annular recess in the top hat receives the flange on the conduit. The housings can also be incrementally indexable ribs on a stem of one housing fixedly and non-rotatingly engage an inner surface of a flexible conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Michael J. Andre, George Szabo
  • Patent number: 6325424
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for conduit or pipe comprising a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a locking member. The first coupling member is optionally a tubular component and the second coupling member or coupler is optionally a belled component. The present invention is also optionally provided with an annular sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Paul Metcalfe, Craig A. Homberg, Walter G. Lockard
  • Patent number: 6318765
    Abstract: A conduit mounting device for entrapping a conduit that includes a body having a U-shaped channel formed longitudinally through the body. The U-shaped channel receives the conduit therethrough and defines a leg on either side of the U-shaped channel. A retainer insert is mounted transversely in the U-shaped channel to sandwich the conduit between the retainer insert and the body in the U-shaped channel. The legs of the body are folded behind the retainer insert in the U-shaped channel to transversely entrap the retainer insert and conduit in the U-shaped channel. A device for further longitudinally retaining the retainer insert within the U-shaped channel, in addition to a device for rotatably locking the conduit within the U-shaped channel, may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Slais, Jerry H. Chisnell
  • Patent number: 6318764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable rapid-action coupling device designed to receive a tubular plug-in element (3) having a circular retaining rib (4). Said device comprises a receiving housing (1) having a cylindrical receiving space (6) for introducing the plug-in element (3) and a separate retaining element (2) made of hard-elastic plastic material and having elastically expandable retaining edges (17) facing inwards in the shape of an arc of a circle, which edges serve to engage the retaining rib (4) from behind after the plug-in element (3) has been introduced. The retaining element (2) can be pushed in from the outside in an opening (11) of the housing wall (5) to release the plug-in element (3). The receiving space (6) consists of three stepped sections. The housing (1) is embodied as a two-part structure. In order to move the opening (11) for pushing in and releasing the retaining element (2) into a better position, if necessary, when only limited space is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Michael Trede, Erminio Moretti, David Letort
  • Publication number: 20010040376
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for conduit or pipe comprising a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a locking member. The first coupling member is optionally a tubular component and the second coupling member or coupler is optionally a belled component. The present invention is also optionally provided with an annular sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: PAUL METCALFE, CRAIG A. HOMBERG, WALTER G. LOCKARD