Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
  • Patent number: 5779283
    Abstract: A pipe joint unit having key members which are struck to bite the surfaces of the pipes is provided with which the pipes can easily and quickly be joined to the body of the pipe joint unit with small force, without skill and regardless of the person who drive the key member. The pipe joint unit according to the present invention includes a body of the pipe joint unit having through holes each of which faces a portion of an inserted pipe in a direction of a tangent line; and key members to be driven into the through holes, wherein each of the key members has a tapered portion which is brought into contact with the surface of the pipe in an initial stage of a driving operation and which bites the surface of the pipe as the driving operation proceeds, and a secured portion to be secured to the bitten portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Takenaka Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Kimura, Motonori Onoshi, Yasuharu Sakaguchi, Keitaro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5769460
    Abstract: In order to connect two tubular guide rails, a connector is used. Each tubular guide rail is formed with an elongate rounded recess which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular guide rail. A seal member of elastic material is to be put between terminal ends of the two tubular guide rails. A joint plate has two parallel elongate rounded recesses formed therein. The joint plate is connectable to the two tubular guide rails in such a manner that each of the parallel elongate rounded recesses mates with the elongate rounded recess of the corresponding tubular guide rail to define a substantially cylindrical pin receiving space. Two cylindrical positioning pins are employed each being to be received in the substantially cylindrical pin receiving space. A securing device is employed which, when actuated, gradually presses the joint plate against the tubular guide rails and finally secures the joint plate to the tubular guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: I. Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Imai
  • Patent number: 5765877
    Abstract: A pipe joint comprises a pipe formed with an annular projection on a connection end portion thereof, a member having a socket including a cylindrical portion for receiving the pipe therein and formed with apertures in the cylindrical portion, and a resilient stopper having circular-arc ridges fittable in the respective apertures of the socket to project radially inward. The stopper extends axially of the pipe and has portions which, when the stopper is mounted on the cylindrical portion of the socket, are beyond 180.degree. from the direction of mounting and at least have a circular-arc form to extend along the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion. The stopper further has an assembling error preventing flange that cooperates with a protrusion preventing erroneous installation of the stopper in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideto Sakane, Hisayuki Yagi, Nobuyuki Okuda, Makoto Saito, Koichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 5758909
    Abstract: A quick connector for joining pipes having grooved ends has a circlip which is contracted circumferentially and locked in the contracted condition, the inner diameter of the circlip, when in the contracted condition, being less than the outer diameter of the pipe, the inner diameter of circlip and the bottom wall of the pipe groove including surface configurations that are interfitted in the contracted condition of the circlip, and which inhibit relative rotation between the quick connector and the pipe in addition to locking the connector against axial removable from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, Andrzej W. Domagala
  • Patent number: 5749606
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a female member having a bore extending therethrough and a male member for insertion into the bore of the female member. The male member has a shoulder portion thereon. A resilient member is disposed on the female member and extends partially into the bore. The resilient member engages the shoulder portion of the male member to lock the male member in position within the female member. In addition, a retainer is provided for coaxial connection to the female member. The retainer has an internal retainer groove axially aligned for receiving the resilient member therein when the retainer is coaxially connected to the female member. Thus, the resilient member is captured in the retainer groove between the retainer and the female member when the retainer is coaxially connected to the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jian Gang Lu, Ronald Lee Beckmann
  • Patent number: 5743333
    Abstract: An external casing packer 10 is provided for positioning downhole along a tubular string in a well. Packer 10 includes a mandrel 12, an elastomeric sealing element 14, and an inflation chamber 26 for inflating the sealing element into sealing engagement with the sidewall of the well. Upper collar 22 and a lower collar 24 positioned axially above and below the sealing element, respectively, and an upper end sleeve 40 and a lower end sleeve 62 of the sealing element are mechanically interconnected. One or more anti-rotational keys 44 rotational interconnect a collar with a respective sleeve. A circumferential groove 52 may be provided in the outer surface of the collar, and a similar circumferential groove 54 provided in the inner surface of the end sleeve. A retaining wire 46 may be passed through a hole 56 in the end sleeve and into the grooves to axially interconnect the collar with the end sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Darrin L. Willauer, Wilhelm E. Benker
  • Patent number: 5735552
    Abstract: A swivel coupler for releasably and fluid tightly connecting two parts together so that fluid can pass between the two parts and the two parts can rotate relative to one another, comprises a body having an outer surface which, at least in part, is right cylindrical and a collar mounted on the right cylindrical outer body surface for rotation relative thereto. The collar projects beyond one end of the body for connection to one of the two parts and the body is connectable to the other of the two parts. Rotary sealing elements are provided between the collar and the right cylindrical outer body surface. There is a first ball or roller bearing race in the right cylindrical outer body surface and at least one radially extending bearing assembly aperture in the collar for inserting ball or roller bearings into said race when the race and aperture are radially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Longwall Roof Supports Limited
    Inventor: Peter Elliott-Moore
  • Patent number: 5730481
    Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking the male and female component of a quick connector together. The retainer is releasably insertable into a transverse bore formed in the female component and includes an edge slidable over a radial flange on the male component only when the male component is fully coupled in an axial bore in the female component. The engagement of the edges and the radial flange on the male component permits full insertion of the retainer into the transverse bore in the female component around the male component to lock the male component and female component together. Lock projections on the retainer engage grooves in the housing to releasably lock the retainer in a partially inserted, shipping position in the transverse bore in the female component and engage exterior lock surfaces on the housing on full insertion of the retainer to lock the retainer and the fully inserted male component to the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Thomas E. Grooters, Tim M. Dangel
  • Patent number: 5711549
    Abstract: A high pressure quick connector is disclosed for use in connecting brake lines of a vehicle, particularly to a brake junction for an anti-lock brake system. The connector includes a housing for receiving a tube retainer. The tube retainer has a lower cylindrical portion that is positively attached to enclose a flared end form to provide a fluid seal. Retaining means in the form of a snap ring works in conjunction with a pop top to provide a low force and a positive insertion indicator. The snap ring has ears that are compressed together and inserted up inside a slot in the pop top. Upon installation of the tube retainer and retaining means into a central bore of the housing, an end portion of the housing makes contact with the pop top so that the pop top slides up the tube. As the pop top slides up the tube, the snap ring ears are released from the pop top slot. The snap ring expands upon release into a final latching position with the housing and tube retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Beans
  • Patent number: 5704658
    Abstract: A connector includes a body having a pipe receiving portion and includes a clip which cooperates with a removal prevention protrusion formed on the pipe for preventing the pipe from removal from the body. The pipe receiving portion has an inner diameter to permit insertion of at least the pipe. A clip fitting portion is formed on the pipe receiving portion and has engaging holes. The clip is made of resilient material and has a ring-shaped configuration. The clip has both circumferential ends confronting each other. The clip is biased in a direction to reduce its diameter and can expand its diameter for fitting on the clip fitting portion. Engaging claws are formed on the clip and adapted to be inserted into the engaging holes so as to engage the pipe. Each of the engaging claws includes a rear surface which abuts on the pipe when the pipe is inserted and which is formed as an inclined surface for permitting insertion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Togo Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kenji Tozaki, Minoru Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5695223
    Abstract: The disclosed bifurcated (fork-like) device is for use in a tube coupler to hold male and female members in sealing contact with one another. Each rail of the device has a laterally-outwardly-extending "hook-like" projection. When used in a coupler, such projections engage retention shoulders to retain the device on the coupler. Guide members help urge the projections toward such shoulders. A related tube coupler has a locking mechanism which is biased toward and automatically engages the device when such device is pushed into the de-coupling position. The coupler also has a trip surface which urges the mechanism to its unlatch position when the male member and the female member are moved to sealing contact with one another. Unlatching the mechanism permits the device to return to its coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Fred Knapp Engraving Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Boticki
  • Patent number: 5683117
    Abstract: A clip for retaining a conduit trapped in an end of a connector has a pair of resilient legs extending from an arcuate-shaped end member which occupies a relatively small amount of space around the periphery of the connector when the clip is connected thereto. Each of the legs includes an end finger which forms an acute angle with an outside edge of the leg and which locks around the outside of the connector housing when the clip is inserted in one of a pair of opposed slots or apertures formed in the housing. A guide tab extends from the end member and slides into a channel formed in the connector housing to insure that the clip faces the correct direction when inserted into the connector. The legs have chamfered inner front surfaces which slidably engage a front end of the conduit to allow the conduit to deflect the legs apart and slidably move between the legs. A flat back surface of the clip legs cooperates with an enlarged annular collar of the conduit to retain the conduit within the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Flex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Corbett, Thomas L. Welsh
  • Patent number: 5681060
    Abstract: A connector having a plug part insertable in a sealing and locking manner into a receiver opening of a socket part. An annular retaining element is preassembled into a ring groove of one of the connector parts, prior to insertion. The retaining element is deformable in a radially elastic manner during the insertion process so that the sealing element is pressed into the ring groove, and the retaining element then deforms in an elastic manner into a locking position to engage a ring groove of the other connector part. The retaining element corresponds at least approximately in longitudinal and transverse cross section to the longitudinal and transverse cross sections of the first-mentioned ring groove, at least over two diametrically-opposed regions of the circumference of that ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Berg, Bernd Goller
  • Patent number: 5671955
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in fire sprinkler systems is of generally cylindrical shape. The coupler carries locking springs to engage grooves carried on the ends of the sprinkler pipes. The coupler also carries seal rings to provide for leak proof coupling. Each locking spring is carried in a groove in the coupler which has its sidewalls inclined to the inner surface of the coupler. Axial movement of the pipe in either direction relative to the coupler produces a wedging or camming action between the locking spring and the sidewall of the coupler groove and the sidewall of the pipe groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: American Fence Corporation
    Inventor: Paul W. Shumway
  • Patent number: 5655796
    Abstract: The present invention tubular assembly comprises a tubular member (14), an annular bushing (17) therearound and a ferrule (21) therewithin. The bushing (17) is fit around a predetermined portion of the tubular member (15) and the ferrule (21) is then inserted within a distal end (35) thereof. The ferrule (21) acts to expand portions of the inside and outside surfaces (33 and 31) of the tubular member (15) which are longitudinally adjacent to the bushing (17). A ferrule (75) may further have an outwardly projecting flange (79) at its trailing end which serves to retain a seal (83) thereupon. Also, in another embodiment, a lip (103) located around the diameter of the ferrule's flange (101) and projecting normal thereto serves to center the distal end of the tubular member (91) within a connected female housing (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Dekle Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5655795
    Abstract: An inlet duct and seal assembly is disclosed having, as its preferred application, the attachment of an intake air transfer duct to the throttle body of an internal combustion engine. The throttle body is provided with an inlet opening about which extends an annulus defining an outer annular wall. The inlet air duct has an opening which corresponds in diameter to that of the annular outer wall. A seal is disposed in the duct opening and includes an inwardly, radially directed wiper seal which is flexibly deformed between the annular wall and the duct opening when the duct opening is engaged over the throttle body inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Lee Strnad, Dawn Marie Lervik, Daniel Glenn Stuart
  • Patent number: 5653475
    Abstract: In prior art coolant couplings, multiple parts are provided for guiding and supporting a connector plug in a connector sleeve and for sealing off the connection between the plug and the sleeve. According to the invention, the support function, sealing function and centering function in a connection between a plug and a sleeve of a coolant coupling are integrated in a single component in the form of an annular combination element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Kuehner GmbH & CIE
    Inventors: Ulrich Scheyhing, Thomas Holzer, Mathias Behr, Horst Hunn
  • Patent number: 5636887
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lifting device having a gas-attachment end and a lifting end, two pins each attachable to the gas-attachment end of the lifting device, and a gas-supply coupler for connecting a gas supply to the lifting device. Each pin has a longitudinal bore extending therethrough and an extending portion which extends beyond the gas-attachment end of the lifting device when the pins are attached thereto. One of the pins has an exterior annular notch on the extending portion. The gas-supply coupler is connectable to the two pins and has a locking element which releasably locks into the annular notch on the pin having the annular notch. The lifting device, the two pins, and the gas-supply coupler together have two passages leading from the gas-supply coupler, through the longitudinal bores of the two pins and to the lifting end of the lifting device. One passage is designed such that, when gas flows therethrough toward the lifting end, suction is created at the lifting end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Steven N. Petropoulos, Richard W. Martin, Edward J. Sands
  • Patent number: 5636878
    Abstract: The method of joining a coupling member to a pipe end is described. The method is particularly concerned with providing a coupling member on the end of a pipe of composite construction formed from a plurality of helically wound reinforcement strips of steel. The method comprises the steps of forming at least one generally circumferentially directed groove in the outer surface of the pipe wall adjacent the end of the pipe to a depth extending into the reinforcement core, providing a coupling member adapted to fit the end of the pipe overlapping the region of the groove or groove, providing key means to extend between said sleeve and said groove in said pipe, providing a curable resin in the joint area between said pipe and said sleeve and curing said resin to bond said coupling member to said pipe end. The resultant coupling is of increased efficiency in providing both an adhesively bonded and mechanically coupled joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Royal Ordnance PLC.
    Inventors: William A. Millward, Alexander E. Bond, Geoffrey C. Eckold, Stuart D. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5630628
    Abstract: A connecting coupling has a hose nozzle and a coupling piece, for joining hose lines, and in particular for pressure-tight connection of the hose line of a dishwashing sprayer to a single-lever pillar mixer by means of plug-in connection. To further reduce manufacture costs and at the same time achieve a rapid and easily detachable connecting union, in the connecting coupling a retaining element is a disk-shaped body, split on one side, with a reinforced outer rim and with segment-like holding and blocking tongues that define a rectangular opening cross-section when the retaining element is closed. A coupling piece has a middle tube section with an end section, which can be inserted into the mixer, and the hose nozzle carries an O-ring on its end, secured by a bushing, and the bushing is locked by a retaining ring, to which is connected a plastic part with a retaining groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Heiner M onch
  • Patent number: 5611923
    Abstract: A filter assembly has a housing for supporting a filter element, a first quick connect sealing valve operatively connected to an inlet passageway in the housing, and a second quick connect sealing valve operatively connected to an outlet passageway in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Vickers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanwar Suri, Z. Paul Akian, Steven H. Parker, Robert F. Udell, Michael M. Leitzell, David K. Nees, S. Glenn McLean
  • Patent number: 5607087
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid dispensing device for storing and dispensing pressurized fluid, such as water, to individuals during the performance of their particular activity, particularly activities such as cycling, wind surfing, rock climbing, in line skating, auto racing, jogging, and within handicapped populations where hand dexterity is limited. The pressurized fluid dispensing device may be mounted to such mountables as a bicycle frame, wheel chair frame, car dash, and may even be worn on the body by mounting the device to what is commonly known as a water bottle or fanny pack located on the waist of the individual. The device includes a fluid vessel, support cage (optional), male coupling member, a vessel cap with a female coupling member with a check valve incorporated within, tubing, actuateable valve, and a pressure adapter with a check valve. The fluid vessel is pressurized by slidingly inserting the pressure adapter and charging the system with a common air pressurizing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: Shawn D. Wery, John F. Luca
  • Patent number: 5607192
    Abstract: A tubing connection construction includes a fitting member having one end portion received in a passage defined in an apparatus. A flange portion is formed on a periphery of the end portion of the fitting member and protrudes radially and outwardly therefrom. An annular recess is defined in the periphery of the end portion of the fitting member and communicates with a slot defined in the apparatus, which communicates with the passage. A positioning member is received in the slot and includes a substantially C-shaped leg portion fitted in the annular recess of the fitting member such that the flange portion is stopped by the C-shaped leg portion, thereby fixing the fitting member to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Shih-ping Lee
  • Patent number: 5603532
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a grab ring for locking a cylindrical component in a bore in another component. The ring may formed of L-shaped cross-section, one limb of which is part cylindrical form and the other limb of which extends radially with respect to the part cylindrical rim. The free edge of the radial limb has a multiplicity of teeth formed integrally with the rim and projecting outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle to allow the ring to slide past a bore ring component in one direction but to grip in the bore in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: John D. Guest
  • Patent number: 5593188
    Abstract: A quick connector for forming a joint in a fluid line consists of a female connector body having a bore which receives a male member. A sleeve surrounds and is secured on the male member in close fitting relation with the male member and with the female connector body. A retainer extends between the sleeve and a radial face formed in the connector body to secure the male member in the connector body. A secondary retainer provides enhanced retention capability. An optional plug may be positioned in the bore entrance to prevent introduction of external contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventors: James McNaughton, Walfred J. Liimatta, Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 5593187
    Abstract: A pipe joint for joining two pipes end to end comprises a hollow cylindrical spigot portion having an annular projection on the outer periphery of a base end thereof, a hollow cylindrical socket portion having an inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of the spigot portion and formed with two opposed apertures in its peripheral wall close to a forward end thereof and with a stepped part on the inner surface of the peripheral wall for the projection to come into contact with, the stepped part being closer to a base end of the socket portion than the apertures, and a stopper having a pair of circular-arc resilient legs fittable into the respective apertures from outside to project inward and each having a slanting inner surface, the legs being opposed to each other for the inwardly curved surfaces thereof to face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Okuda, Koichi Inoue, Toshinori Tokutake, Shinji Ito
  • Patent number: 5586792
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling for a fluid line includes a hollow female connector body which receives a tubular male member with a raised annular upset. A retainer is demountably coupled to the connector body. The retainer includes two spaced beams which extend through slots in the connector body from a cross member postioned outside of the connector body. The beams are positioned between the upset and an end of the connector body, and have a relaxed spacing less than the upset diameter such that the male member is secured in the connector body. A release protrusion projects from each retainer beam between the cross member and the connector body. The release protrusions have cam surfaces cooperable with an external surface of the connector body to spread the retainer beams apart when the cross member is pressed toward the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventors: Gopichand Kalahasthy, James R. Zinke, II
  • Patent number: 5573280
    Abstract: A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: Peter W. Salter, James N. Curti, Duane D. Kazal, Laurence McGann
  • Patent number: 5551732
    Abstract: A quick connector has a pair of waist segments, a shoulder segment, a body segment with an aperture therein, and a leg segment. The leg segment is defined by a pair of projecting elements which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments to move toward one another. Thus, a swivelable connection is made which has the equivalent length and diameter of a convention nonswivelable threaded coupling. The quick connector may be released by hand or a snap ring tool inserted into holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5542716
    Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking the male and female component of a quick connector together. The retainer is releasably insertable into a transverse bore formed in the female component and includes a recess engageable with a radial flange on the male component only when the male component is fully coupled in an axial bore in the female component. The engagement of the recess and the radial flange on the male component permits full insertion of the retainer into the transverse bore in the female component around the male component to lock the male component and female component together. The female component has opposed interior surfaces spaced sufficiently apart to permit the deflectable legs formed on the retainer to flex apart while being slidingly urged over the male component to snap over the male component. The opposed surfaces block full insertion of the retainer into the female component when the male component is not fully seated in the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: George Szabo, Andrew G. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5538297
    Abstract: A quick connector for forming a joint in a fluid line consists of a female connector body having a bore which receives a male member. A sleeve surrounds and is secured on the male member in close fitting relation with the male member and with the female connector body. A retainer extends between the sleeve and a radial face formed in the connector body to secure the male member in the connector body. A secondary retainer provides enhanced retention capability. An optional plug may be positioned in the bore entrance to prevent introduction of external contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventors: James Mc Naughton, Walfred J. Liimatta, Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 5524938
    Abstract: A tube connection for a water box of a motor vehicle heat exchanger is disclosed. A connecting sleeve is provided which is a component which is separate from the water box and is provided with a connecting area which can be inserted into a corresponding opening of the water box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Prasanta Halder
  • Patent number: 5520420
    Abstract: A releasable plug-in connector having a tubular plug-in part with a peripheral retaining rib, a housing having a cylindrical receiving space having a central axis for receiving the plug-in part and at least one opening in a side wall of the housing communicating with said receiving space and a separate retaining ring of a hard, resilient plastic material and having radially inwardly directed, elastically sprung retaining edges for engaging behind the retaining rib of the plug-in part after the plug-in part has been inserted into the receiving space of the housing to lock the plug-in part in the housing. The retaining ring is insertable through the opening in the housing and into the receiving space so that the ring is retained against axial movement by the housing while the retaining edges are concentric with the axis of the receiving space, the retaining edges being able to be pushed apart in a radial, direction to release the plug-in part by pressing in on the ring through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventor: Erminio Moretti
  • Patent number: 5518332
    Abstract: An end plate with clip (1) which has a main body (2) and a clip (3). The main body (2) has a disk-like base plate (7) having a center hole, a tubular supporting portion (8), a bush (9), and a projection (13) having an engaging groove for engaging the clip (3). The clip (3) is made of a three-dimensionally bent metal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Hajime Katoh
  • Patent number: 5513882
    Abstract: A universal non-threaded pipe connector system for connecting multiple types of conduit, tubing, hose, and pipe comprising a first tubular member for a fluid, at least one raised surface on the tubular member substantially perpendicular to the axis of connection of the first tubular member; a second tubular member having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the at least one raised surface on the first tubular member substantially perpendicular to the axis of connection for receiving the first tubular member and the at least one raised surface on the tubular member, at least one seal between the one raised surface on the first tubular member and the second tubular member forming a seal there between and a member for controlled compression of the seal between the second tubular member and the at least one raised surface on the first tubular member and for connecting the first and second tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Phil Lewis
  • Patent number: 5511826
    Abstract: Mechanically locking sprinkler fittings are provided by this invention for making a fluid connection between irrigation pipes. The sprinkler fittings contain a tubular fitting member having first and second open ends for mating with a pair of irrigation pipes. The tubular fitting member contains a laterally facing orifice for receiving a sprinkler riser and an annular recess located along its surface which corresponds with a mating annular recess on at least a first of the irrigation pipes to form an annular cavity. The fitting also includes a flexible spline inserted into the annular cavity to form a mechanical lock between the first pipe and the tubular fitting member. The sprinkler fittings of this invention are convenient to use, and can be made of lightweight polymeric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: James Clare, John Himmelberger
  • Patent number: 5498042
    Abstract: The quick connector for joining pipes having grooved ends has a circlip which normally is of a diameter greater than that of the associated pipe, and which is contracted and locked in the contracted condition, the inner diameter of the circlip at that time being less than the diameter of the pipe, and the outer diameter of the circlip at that time being greater than the diameter of the bore of the connector, the circlip when in a contracted position, locking the connector against removal from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Victauli Company of America
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 5492374
    Abstract: A separable insertion-type connection is provided for pipes. By way of an end piece having an exterior collar, a pipe can be sealingly inserted into an inserting opening of a connecting body which receives an elastic sealing ring as well as a supporting ring which, in the inserting direction, is arranged in front of the sealing ring and rests against the opening wall. The pipe can then be axially fixed in the inserting opening by a holding part which can be mounted on the connecting body. The insertion-type connection provides long service life of its sealing ring under extreme conditions. For this purpose, the supporting ring is equipped on its face which faces the sealing ring with a sealing lip which sealingly encloses the pipe end piece. As a result, it is achieved that, when acted upon by pressure, the sealing lip, independently of component tolerances, is pressed in a form-locking manner against the circumference of the pipe end piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring
    Inventors: Axel Sauer, Gunther Wiesner, Frank van de Poel, Kurt Schaible
  • Patent number: 5490694
    Abstract: A pipe coupler for use in fire sprinkler systems is of generally cylindrical shape. The coupler carries locking springs to engage grooves carried on the ends of the sprinkler pipes. The coupler also carries seal rings to provide for leak proof coupling. The locking springs are carried in grooves which have sidewalls which are perpendicular to the inner surface of the coupler. The corresponding grooves on the pipes also have sidewalls which are perpendicular to the exterior surface of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: American Fence Corp
    Inventor: Paul W. Shumway
  • Patent number: 5472242
    Abstract: For use in push-in-and-snap pipe connectors, the region of the pipe behind the integral end-flange is raised in diameter. If the pipe is properly inserted, the raised region is concealed inside the body of the fitting; but if the pipe is not pushed fully home into the body, the raised region is visible, and serves to alert the production-line inspector that the joint is not sealed. A snap-in sping clip holds the pipe in the body, and the clip rests against the raised protion to minimise the chance of vibration noise. The flange and raised region are formed in the pipe by axial-press punches and dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Horst U. Petersen
  • Patent number: 5468024
    Abstract: A quick connector for fast connection of fluid carrying assemblies such as a mating tube and a fluid unit. The connector includes a connector body which houses the connector components and accepts a redundant clip which is adapted to engage an upset bead of the male tube. The redundant clip is generally L-shaped and includes a retaining head which is inserted into the connector body and is adapted to engage the upset bead, a body portion which extends along the side of the connector body and in the preferred embodiment is contoured to mate with the connector body and a base member which includes a camming edge for facilitating the insertion of the retainer head into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony K. Carman, Duane J. Pontbriand
  • Patent number: 5464257
    Abstract: A pipe fitting coupling has a generally ring-shaped body with two pairs of diametrically opposed radially outwardly projecting lugs spaced 90.degree. one from the other. The coupling is interposed between the bells of pipe fittings to be joined, with each bell having only a pair of misaligned diametrically opposed lugs. The lugs on the coupling align with the misaligned lugs of the pipe fittings and restraints are disposed about the aligned lugs to secure the pipe fittings to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: The Harrington Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon S. Riddles, Jerry O. Burke
  • Patent number: 5464256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling plate for coupling an endpiece to a fluid circuit. The plate includes at least one body in which an opening is formed to receive an endpiece of a tubular duct, and means for preventing said endpiece rotating about its own axis in a plurality of predetermined orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventor: Denis Godeau
  • Patent number: 5452924
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling for forming a joint in a fluid line includes a female connector body having a bore which receives a male member. A manually operable retention clip has legs which extend through slots formed in the connector body. The legs are positioned between an upset formed on the male member and the entrance to the bore to prevent removal of the male member from the connector body. Operating tabs formed on the retention clip are manually operable to spread the legs apart a distance sufficient to permit withdrawal of the male member from the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventor: Rick A. Kujawski
  • Patent number: 5443580
    Abstract: A fluid connector fitting which reduces the required space for assembly in fluid handling systems. The fitting has an internal sealing face which, together with a conventional fluid adapter fitting, forms a fluid tight seal. A swivel nut is rotatably mounted in the body by a retainer. The swivel nut is internally threaded for connection with the adapter fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Diebolt International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Cotter
  • Patent number: 5433183
    Abstract: A sealed connection system for connecting a pipe carrying a hot fluid to a plastic member. The plastic member has a wall having an orifice extending therethrough. The sealed connection includes an internal projection formed in the wall and projecting into the orifice, and an annular seal lining the internal projection. The connection further includes a lip positioned on an exterior surface of the wall and at least partially surrounding the orifice. Also provided is a heat shield bell fastened to the pipe and having a flared portion. The flared portion has an external flange bearing on the annular seal. The bell is insertable into the orifice. Further, the connection includes a pin insertable into the lip for fixing the external flange against the annular seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Michel Vansnick
  • Patent number: 5423775
    Abstract: A locking connector assembly is provided for use with Y-sites and/or other infusion line fittings. The connector assembly includes a shrouded connector including a cannula. A retention clip having a pair of prongs is provided. When the shrouded connector is installed on a Y-site or other fitting, and the retention clip is in the locking configuration, the prongs of the retention clip extend through a pair of opposing through-slots in the shroud to cooperatively engage a surface irregularity on the Y-site or other fitting thereby preventing disengagement of the shrouded connector from the Y-site or other fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Winfield Industries
    Inventor: Raymond E. Cannon
  • Patent number: 5423577
    Abstract: An inventive tubing connector includes a tube (22) having an upset portion (24) receiving within a housing (26). a retainer (30) is positioned between an outer end of the housing and the upset portion to prevent tube removal. A seal (48) within the housing provides a fluid tight seal between the housing and the tube. The seal is preferably formed of toughened fluorosilicone, such that it provides a secure fluid tight seal over a temperature range down to about -50.degree. below zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventor: Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 5405175
    Abstract: A fuel tube is attached to a fuel rail by a novel one-piece plastic clip comprising an integral fork for trapping a flange of the fuel tube against withdrawal from the fuel rail hole in which it is received and also comprising integral catches at the sides for catching on notches in the wall of the fuel tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventors: Harrie W. Bonnah, II, Ray J. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 5390638
    Abstract: A fuel rail assembly that possesses a number of novel features relating to joints for connecting metal tubes such as crossover, inlet, and return tubes, to main plastic fuel tubes; retainer clips for retaining various fuel handling components in sockets formed in the plastic fuel tubes, such as retaining a fuel pressure regulator in a plastic cup of a main plastic fuel tube; and the construction of various plastic sockets in a main plastic fuel tube, such as the cups for receiving the fuel injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hornby, Gary D. Vattelana