Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
  • Patent number: 7862366
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes first male and second female connectors having respectively a generally annular locking spring with inwardly directed flexible tines and an outer cylindrical coupling member. The tines are deflected outwardly by the outer coupling member when the second connector is inserted into the first connector for coupling the connectors. A locking clip having a pair of identical, semi-cylindrical mating sections adapted for mutual engagement and manual assembly about the coupled first and second connectors locks the two connectors together to prevent inadvertent disconnection. An uncoupling tool adapted for insertion in respective opposed slots in the two connected mating sections of the lock clip engages and axially displaces a release sleeve in one of the connectors, which, in turn, engages and outwardly deflects the locking clip's tines permitting the non-destructive separation of the two connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Stone, Joseph F. Murphy, Jimmy E. Adjunta
  • Patent number: 7857173
    Abstract: A new and improved hot melt adhesive dispensing system comprises a new and improved solenoid control valve assembly and a new and improved adhesive control module assembly. The solenoid control valve assembly is mounted directly upon the adhesive control module assembly by quick-connect fittings, and control air flow paths are defined within the solenoid control valve assembly and within the adhesive control module assembly so as to effectively comprise substantially short, linear fluid flow paths which will thereby minimize the lengths of the control air flow paths and therefore, in turn, minimize the cycling response time of the nozzle dispensing valve member of the adhesive control module assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Bolyard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7845686
    Abstract: A restrained pipe joining system is shown comprising male and female ends each having aligned circumferential grooves which form a canal for passage of a locking key strap. During manufacture, the female belled end is sequentially formed over a Rieber style gasket and then over a ring shaped casing member having an inner circumferential groove formed on its inner circumferential surface. Preferably, the ring shaped casing has circumferentially spaced teeth that act as a pipe stop in cooperation with an outer circumferential groove on the male spigot to index the pipes to be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: S & B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Steinbruck
  • Patent number: 7837234
    Abstract: A pipe joint unit includes a first pipe member with a male joint, a second pipe member with a female joint, and a pipe joint member coupling the first pipe member and the second pipe member. The male joint is received in the female joint such that an outer peripheral surface of the male joint is opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the female joint. The pipe joint member includes an engagement part that is elastically displaceable in the radial direction, and engages with the first and second pipe members. The male joint and the female joint have rotation restricting parts on the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface, respectively, for restricting relative rotation of the first and second pipe members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, DENSO Airs Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yoshino, Kinji Ochiai, Koji Tanaka, Manabu Suzuki, Takeshi Hishikawa
  • Publication number: 20100289259
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: MEDELA AG
    Inventors: Mark A. Luzbetak, Donald C. Walker
  • Publication number: 20100281611
    Abstract: A spa apparatus including a basin releaseably coupled to a base assembly. The basin and base assembly may be configured for quick coupling and releasing. Coupling the basin and base assembly may simultaneously couple electrical components and/or plumbing components. The basin may be interchanged for aesthetic purposes, because of wear, or for sanitation purposes. The spa apparatus may further comprise a base and a seat moveable by a support structure. The seat may be raised and lowered and/or rotated along an axis. The seat may further be moved fore and aft. A joint may releaseably secure seats having any of a number of configurations to the base assembly, with or without the use of tools, providing for quick and easy replacement of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Anthony Veltri, Joseph Salvator Montalto
  • Patent number: 7810848
    Abstract: A pipe joint for coupling a first pipe member and a second pipe member has a pipe mounting portion, an elastic displacing portion and an engagement portion. The pipe mounting portion is configured to be attached to one of the first and second pipe members. The elastic displacing portion connects the pipe mounting portion and the engagement portion and allows the engagement portion to displace in a radial direction. The engagement portion has a first contact portion for contacting a first engaged part of the first pipe member and a second contact portion for contacting a second engaged part of the second pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20100253067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a preassembled media line with a line connector, composed of a connector body with a connecting portion to which a media line is connected, and with a coupling portion for sealed connection to a mating coupling part. In this arrangement, the media line is provided with a heating wire and said heating wire is continued from the connector body and the media line, when connected, in such a manner that it is arranged at least partially on the coupling portion. The connector body and the media line are surrounded at the end by a housing formed, in particular, from housing shells, the sealing function and a retaining function being divided between the housing and the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Marco Isenburg, Frank Peters, Michele Stelluto, Josef Brandt, Sascha Rosenfeldt, Adrian Klehr
  • Patent number: 7799015
    Abstract: A method for retaining a first conduit (210) to a second conduit (230) by attaching a clip (100) to the first conduit and the second conduit, the first conduit including a first connector (220) and the second conduit including a second connector (240). The first connector is releasably connected to the second connector. The clip (100) has a base portion (110) and a first clip portion (120) extending away from the base portion. The first clip portion (120) has a first opening (140) that is sized to frictionally retain the first connector (220). The clip further has a second clip portion (150) disposed on the base portion (110) away from the first clip portion (120). The second clip portion (150) includes a second opening (170) that is sized to frictionally retain the second connector (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Schweikert
  • Patent number: 7784836
    Abstract: An air filter connecting unit having a connecting flange (11) and a connecting nipple (20) that can be coupled to the connecting flange via a snap connection. The connecting flange (11) has a round receptacle (13) provided with an inside thread flight (12) that is subdivided into individual, resilient, curved thread flight segments (12.1, 12.2, . . . , 12.n). The associated connecting nipple (20) has a generally cylindrical construction and an advancing thread (22) which ends in a free-running groove (23) on the connecting nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Dworatzek, Ralf Bauder
  • Patent number: 7770938
    Abstract: A quick coupling for joining two fluid lines includes a first part which has a projection with a. sloping surface directed towards one axial end and a stop face directed towards the other axial end, and a second part which has at least one bracket with a catch that engages behind the stop face in a locked position. An assembly indicator is arranged next to the catch. In the locked position, the indicator projects outward beyond a catch segment of the bracket on which the catch is located, but, in the unlocked position, the indicator projects outward at most as far as the catch segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Bauer
  • Patent number: 7770939
    Abstract: A fluid connector system may include a female connector for releasable coupling with a male connector. The male connector defines a fluid conduit and includes a male end adapted to be received within the female connector. The male end includes a coupling feature. The female connector comprises an opening, a collet finger, and an actuation element. The opening is adapted to guide the male connector along a first line of action as the male connector passes into the opening to be received within the female connector. The collet finger includes an engagement feature adapted to engage the coupling feature of the male end and displace along a second line of action generally normal to the first line of action. The actuation element is adapted to displace along a third line of action generally normal to the first and second lines of action in order to disengage the engagement feature from the coupling feature of the male end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Jensen, James D. Pisula, Jr., Ralph E. Burns, Raymond Townsend, Richard W. Cairns
  • Publication number: 20100194102
    Abstract: A push-in adaptor (1) includes an adaptor body (3) including a first end (81) and a second end (82) and a bore (7) passing fully through the body (3) and a first push-in retention mechanism (91) located on the first end (81). The first end (81) is adapted to push in to a first pneumatic or hydraulic component. The push-in adaptor (1) further includes a second push-in retention mechanism (92) located on the second end (82). The second end (82) is adapted to push in to a second pneumatic or hydraulic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Norgren Limited
    Inventor: Lee John Keeling
  • Publication number: 20100156097
    Abstract: By providing an annular shaped crimp ring construction which incorporates two separate and distinct sections formed adjacent each other on the same annular member, an easily employed, easily positioned, universally applicable crimp ring construction is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, the first section of the crimp ring comprises an axial length which is substantially greater than the axial length of the second section, with the first section also comprising a thickness which is substantially greater than the thickness of the second section. In this way, several unique attributes are realized and the prior art difficulties and drawbacks are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Steiner
  • Patent number: 7726699
    Abstract: Apparatus for dental treatment includes a base, a treatment unit, and a connecting piece. The treatment unit has one or more treatment instruments and one or more lines for the supply of water, air and electricity. The connecting piece is placed in between the base and the treatment unit. The treatment unit can be disconnected from and connected to the base by using the connecting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Okey Holding BV
    Inventor: Petrus Jacobus Keirsgieter
  • Patent number: 7722089
    Abstract: Fluid coupling for connecting pressurised conduits. The coupling includes a spigot having a first circumferential groove disposed on an outer surface thereof and a socket having a second circumferential groove on an inner surface thereof. The spigot and the socket are adapted for axial engagement whereby the conduits are sealingly connected for fluid communication through the coupling and whereby the circumferential grooves are substantially in radial alignment. A releasable retaining member is moveable between a locked configuration, wherein the retaining member extends radially into both grooves to prevent axial disengagement of the spigot and the socket, and a release configuration wherein the retaining member is disposed substantially within one of the grooves and is substantially clear of the other to permit axial disengagement. The coupling further may include a release mechanism for moving the retaining member from the locked configuration to the release configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Pty Limited
    Inventor: Gary Nauer
  • Patent number: 7699356
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling has either a linear or an angled female coupling member, a male coupling member which is attached to a radiator, a bushing, a sealing means, and a locking ring, which maintains the connection of the male coupling member and the female coupling member. The male member has at least one chamfered surface, which is complementary to a chamfered surface on the bushing element. The locking ring is disposed around the female coupling member and has a plurality of indentations which pass through apertures positioned around the collar end of the female member. These indentations interconnect with an annular groove around the male member when coupled to the female member, securing the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Craig Assgembly, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Bucher, Thomas Geiser, Russell Hutchins
  • Patent number: 7695024
    Abstract: Coupling for connecting of pipe shaped sections comprising a first pipe section and a coupling device arranged to connect the first pipe section with a second pipe section. When joined together, the first pipe section is arranged to receive the second pipe section in such a way that the first pipe section and the second pipe section forms an overlapping region. The wall of the first pipe section is provided with a through hole in the overlapping region and the coupling device is adapted to protrude through the hole. The coupling device is at least at one of its ends slidably attached in such a way that a rotational displacement around, and essentially perpendicular to, the axial direction of the pipe section will give rise to a change between a first position for locking, wherein said coupling device is protruding on the inner side of the first pipe section, and a second position for release wherein the coupling device essentially not is protruding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: ITW Sverige AB
    Inventors: Kristian Ostergren, Akemi Conradsson
  • Patent number: 7677608
    Abstract: When a retainer is mounted on or in a retainer mounting portion and is positioned at an inserting position, a pipe is inserted into the retainer mounting portion. An annular engaging projection of the pipe advances in the connector housing while spreading leg portions of the retainer outwardly. When the annular engaging projection reaches a connecting position, the retainer is automatically moved to an engaging position and snap-engages with the annular engaging projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7654584
    Abstract: A guide bushing for guiding a tubular element in a bore of a coupling, the bushing being provided externally with retaining elements for retaining the bushing in the bore, and internally with guide shoes for guiding the tubular element inside the bushing, the retaining elements and the guide shoes being associated with portions of the bushing that are deformable between a first state in which the retaining elements are in an active position anchoring the bushing in the bore and in which the shoes define a section for passing the tubular element, and a second state in which the retaining elements are in inactive position set back from their active position and in which the guide shoes define a section that is smaller than the section for passing the tubular element. The invention also provides a corresponding coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Legris SAS
    Inventors: Philippe Blivet, Philippe Poder
  • Publication number: 20100019488
    Abstract: A fluid-tight, quick-connect coupling for connecting two fluid transfer devices that comprises a male mating body inserted into a female sleeve body, and which can be locked into position with a locking mechanism. The coupling also comprises an in-line flow control mechanism wherein variable flow control can be achieved by operating the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Norris R. Weimer
  • Patent number: 7651139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling for a fluid line arrangement, said coupling being characterised in that a plane outer side (8) of at least one essentially D-shaped sealing ring (7) of a sealing unit is applied to a plane supporting layer (10) of a receiving section (3) of a coupling part (1). In this way, in addition to a high twist rigidity of the sealing ring (7) in question, a very effective sealing action is achieved, even in the presence of comparatively weak radial pressure forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Daniel Utz
  • Patent number: 7651138
    Abstract: A coupling for a fluid conducting system comprises an elongated coupling part (1) and a locking part (20), which can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and which can be mounted on the coupling part (1) in a manner that enables it to slide. The guiding of the locking part (20) ensues via detent elements (24, 25) that engage inside guide recesses (13) of the coupling part (1). The locking part (20) can be fixed in a releasing position or in a locking position by the engagement of detent projections (26, 27) inside releasing recesses (18, 19) or inside locking recesses (16, 17). This enables a relatively problem-free operating of the coupling during opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede, Daniel Utz, Matthias Kübel
  • Patent number: 7631904
    Abstract: A pipeline plug-in connection (10) has a receiving part (14), a plug-in part (16) which can be plugged into the receiving part (14), a sealing element (18) for sealing between the receiving part and the plug-in part, and an elastic securing element (20). The plug-in part has a pipe section (50) with an abutment (24) with an expanding diameter section (26) which expands in terms of its external diameter counter to the joining direction, over which expanding diameter section the securing element can be stretched, and an abutment face (28), behind which the securing element can latch. The expanding diameter section ends, with its largest external diameter substantially near or at the abutment face, wherein a flange (54) is formed on the pipe section, the flange forming a sealing face (56) at the end, against which sealing face the sealing element bears in a sealing manner when the plug-in connection is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Heim, Egid Macht, Karl Redai, Helmut Stubenrauch
  • Patent number: 7618070
    Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly which has a novel female subassembly capable of receiving a male portion, the female subassembly being formed by spin welding two generally cylindrical plastic parts together, one of the parts being a quick connect end portion and the other part being the barb end portion. The female subassembly is provided with a key or keyway to prevent rotation, to mate with a corresponding key or keyway on the male portion to prevent false connections, and to act as a clear visual aid for orientation. In this design differing barb end portions can be secured to a common quick connect end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Jiffy-Tite Co, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Stoll, Gregory L. Adams, James C. Caroll, James D. Messecar, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7618069
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew David Lutzke
  • Patent number: 7614666
    Abstract: An end section of a plastic fluid line with a push-in fitting is injection molded on coaxially for sealed push-in connection to a mating element of complementary shape with the aid of a securing element which transmits axial forces. The assembly formed of an end section and push-in fitting has a first circumferential groove on the end section, in the region of which the push-in fitting is molded on with form-fitting penetration of the plastic of the push-in fitting into the first circumferential groove. The end section, in the joining direction of the push-in fitting, protrudes axially beyond the latter and has a second circumferential groove for receiving a sealing ring. A third circumferential groove for receiving the securing element is molded into the push-in fitting on the outer circumference thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Eggert, Heiko Heim, Martin Kollmann, Jochen Schneier
  • Patent number: 7611170
    Abstract: A hose having a compressible wall which is adapted to be connected at one end thereof to a nozzle of a sprayer. The other end is attached to a stub pipe or stem extending from a tank of the sprayer which can contain a pressurized liquid which flows through the hose and is sprayed via the nozzle. The coupling provides a quick connection for the hose to the pipe stem and also allows the coupling/hose assembly to freely rotate 360° while remaining sealed. The coupling is an assembly of a nipple and a sleeve retainer having a throat which compresses the hose wall and provides a retainer, retaining the end of the hose on the nipple. A spring clip is sprung apart as the assembly of retainer, nipple, and hose is seated on the pipe stem. To disconnect or release the coupling, the spring clip is spread apart to free the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Chapin Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Hillhouse
  • Patent number: 7604262
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a hydraulic plug-in connection for use in particular in the motor vehicle industry for hydraulic clutch and brake systems is fitted on a hydraulic plug-in connection and has a socket and a plug-in fitting which can be connected thereto. The plug-in fitting is attached to a hydraulic tube. The plug-in fitting has a sleeve and a sealing element fixed thereto, which seals off the plug-in connection both from the hydraulic tube and from the exterior of the socket. The sealing element and the end of the sleeve which receives the sealing element are designed so as to be able to install the sealing arrangement without it being possible for the sealing element to be separated axially from the sleeve when the plug-in connection is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stephen Elflein, Albert Vogel
  • Patent number: 7600789
    Abstract: A lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for connection to a connector. The fitting includes a coupler having a series of circumferential engagement portions disposed about an outer peripheral surface, and a nut receivable coaxially over the outer peripheral surface of the coupler, and which is threadably engageable with the connector. The nut has an opening through which is received the end of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism end is interferingly engageable with the coupler engagement portions such that with the nut being received coaxially over the coupler outer peripheral surface of the coupler, the nut is threadably engageable with the connector urging the coupler into a sealing engagement with a sealing surface of the connector, and with the coupler being so engaged, the locking mechanism end is interferingly engaged with at least one of the coupler engagement portions delimiting the rotation of the nut relative to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: Gerrard N. Vyse, Peter J. Stroempl
  • Patent number: 7585001
    Abstract: A quick disconnect latching device for use in a liquid conduit coupling has two halves: a pin half and a release half. The pin half includes a casing sleeve into which a latch pin is slidably retained. The latch pin is spring biased into a retracted position within the sleeve. Latch pin dogs are located at the ends of arms extending from the latch pin to interact with a catch within the release half. A hollow nose casing is tapered to cam the arms inward when a sufficient separating axial force is applied to one or both of the pin half and the release half, so that the latch pin dogs release the catch. The amount of force required to separate the latch halves can be adjusted by varying the spring bias using an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Flight Suits
    Inventor: Joseph L. Rose
  • Patent number: 7566077
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling has a retainer for retaining a tube in a coupling body. The retainer is pressed in the coupling body so as to lock the tube in place in the coupling body. The retainer cannot be fully pressed in the coupling body and projects from the coupling body to indicate that the tube is not properly connected to the coupling body unless the tube is inserted completely in the coupling body. The retainer is combined with complete connection verifying legs that enables the retainer to be able to be pressed in the coupling body when an annular ridge formed in an end part of a tube inserted in the coupling body is advanced beyond a position where the retainer is able to engage with the annular ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Tsurumi
  • Patent number: 7562910
    Abstract: A plug-type connection arrangement for a hose and a pipe, the connection arrangement comprising a sleeve having an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein the hose is insertable from an end of the sleeve and is clampable in the sleeve, wherein the sleeve has at another end thereof a first annular groove with an open resilient connecting ring which extends over more than 180° and is lockable to the sleeve and the pipe, and a sealing ring for sealing the sleeve relative to the pipe in a connected state of the pipe and the hose, the connecting ring being comprised of a plate spring ring with inwardly directed flanges at both circumferential edges thereof, wherein the flanges of one circumferential edge are engageble in the first annular groove and the flanges of the other circumferential edge are engageable behind a holding rib on the pipe, wherein the sealing ring is mounted in a second annular groove formed by the inner wall of the sleeve and the axially inner wall of the first annular groove, and wherein an end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Janos Kertesz, Gerhard Wachter
  • Publication number: 20090160185
    Abstract: An example quick connect fitting assembly includes a fitting for communicating flow between at least three openings. A quick connect portion of the fitting defines one of the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Learmont, William Turnau
  • Patent number: 7547048
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes an integral retainer pivotally mounted on a housing for latchingly coupling a first endform in the bore of the housing. The retainer is coupled to the housing by a living hinge forming the retainer and the housing as a one-piece unitary body to eliminate the need to manufacture and assemble a separate retainer in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Catlow
  • Patent number: 7547047
    Abstract: A coupler device for fluid transport that includes a body with an outer sidewall. The body defines a slot disposed proximate one end, and extends in a direction transverse to and through the outer sidewall. A latch assembly is connected with the body. The latch assembly includes at least one outer member being disposed on the outer surface of the body, and is externally exposed of the body. The inner member is connected with an inner member being disposed through the slot. A soft overmold portion is formed over the outer sidewall of the body. The overmold portion includes a shroud portion that extends outward from the outer sidewall, and partially covers the outer member of the latch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Charles Peter deCler, Grant Armin Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7537247
    Abstract: A locking element for a quick connector is provided with a matable element releasably connectable to a receiving element of the quick connector. An actuating element is in engagement with the matable element and is mounted within the matable element such that it is displaceable between a released position and a locked position. The actuating element includes a locking device that can be brought into engagement with a retaining ring on an insertable element of the quick connector in an arrangement wherein the locking device is mated with the receiving element in the locked position. Secure attachment of the locking element to the quick connector and ease of use are thereby achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond Et Cie
    Inventors: Michael Trede, Jean-Martin Henlin, Axel Feger
  • Patent number: 7530605
    Abstract: The coupling (10) comprises a body (16) suitable for being fitted onto a tube (12) in leaktight manner, and a locking clip (22) that is elastically deformable between a locking configuration in which at least one locking zone (24A, 24B) of the clip can catch on a catch surface (14) of the tube and an unlocking configuration. The clip (22) is disposed over the wall of the body (16), which wall is provided with at least one transverse slot (30A, 30B) through which the locking zone (24A, 24B) projects into the body when the clip is in the locking configuration, and with at least one setback (32A, 32B; 36A, 36B) provided at the end of the slot, a portion of the bottom of said setback forming an unlocking ramp (34A, 34B; 38A, 38B) on which an unlocking zone (35A, 35B; 37A, 37B) can slide in order to cause the clip to go from its locking configuration to its unlocking configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Nicolas Rigollet, Fabrice Prevot, Tony Rointru
  • Patent number: 7527303
    Abstract: An approximately cylindrical housing is coupled to one pipe, and the other pipe having an annular protruding portion on an outer periphery at an end portion is inserted into the housing to be coupled. Inside the housing, are installed a stopper that is held at an initial position in close proximity to an opening portion of the housing and moves to a push-in position away from the opening portion of the housing when the other pipe is fully introduced inside, and a retainer having a locking piece that is inserted through an opening portion, formed in a top wall of the housing, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing and engages with the annular protruding portion of the other pipe while the end portion of the other pipe is fully inserted. The retainer cannot be inserted unless the stopper moves to the push-in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Furuya
  • Publication number: 20090079188
    Abstract: A connecting structure for a joint member is constituted by a joint member formed from a metal material and having a hexagonal shape in cross section, which is inserted into a first port of a valve body made from a resin material. A U-shaped clip is inserted into a clip hole that confronts the first port and engages with a pin groove, which is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the joint member. In accordance therewith, axial displacement of the joint member accommodated within the first port is regulated. Further, rotational displacement of the joint member with respect to the first port, which also is formed with a hexagonal shape in cross section, is regulated while the joint member is connected with respect to the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaichiro Mitsui, Kazuo Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20090079187
    Abstract: A quick connector body includes a bore fluidically coupled to a bore extending from an open end of an endform when the body is mounted on the endform. Cooperating, initially spaced, latch members and latch engagement members are unitarily carried on the connector body. A collapsible portion is formed on the body between the latch members and the latch engagement members for radial inward protrusion into an annular groove in the endform substantially concurrent with engagement of the latch members and the latch engagement members to fixedly couple the connector on the endform. In one aspect a second end of the connector body is closed to form the connector body as a test cap. In another aspect, a second end of the connector body is open to establish a fluid flow path from the endform to a fluid component coupled to the second end of the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicants: ITT AUTOMOTIVE, INC., BRASSCRAFT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: David S. Malone
  • Patent number: 7506897
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for connecting a fluid conduit to a pipe has a pipe section having a first end section to be connected to a fluid-conduit and a second end section to receive and lock a pipe. A securing ring is attached to the inner side of the pipe section. At least one sealing ring is inserted into the pipe section and seals the pipe relative to the pipe section. The at least one sealing ring is positionally secured in the pipe section between the securing ring and an inner shoulder of the pipe section. The pipe section has a slot extending in a circumferential direction of the pipe section and a support surface located opposite the slot. The securing ring is inserted into the slot until the securing ring contacts the support surface. A circumferential section of the securing ring is received in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Bauer
  • Patent number: 7503591
    Abstract: A spray bar assembly conduit having a connecting area easily attachable to a connecting piece. The connecting area includes a first outwardly directed bead which contacts the connecting piece and a second inwardly directed bead. The connecting piece is preferably equipped with a connecting plug or locking device for securing the connecting piece axially in the connecting area with the connecting plug engaging with the first bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: John Deere Fabriek Horst B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Beeren, Casper Grotenbreg
  • Patent number: 7503784
    Abstract: A quick connector with an accessory housing. The accessory housing receives a system sensing device such as an absolute pressure sensor or a differential pressure sensor in fluid tight relation to the housing. A receptacle portion is arranged to connector the sensor to measuring instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: James Ryan Osborne, Giuseppe Antonio Gattozzi
  • Patent number: 7500697
    Abstract: A locking device and method to eliminate rotation or dislodging of a snap ring relative to a snap ring groove is provided. A locking clip is provided that may be used as a retention clip, with or without the use of a snap ring. The locking device for a housing assembly to retain a part comprises a locking clip, insertable between the retained part and the housing, wherein the locking clip comprises a clip body; a first locking tab connected to the clip body; and a locating tab connected to the clip body. In rotating assemblies, the elimination of snap ring movement improves the balance and wear of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl M. Romack
  • Publication number: 20090058083
    Abstract: A staple for interlocking an engageable male part and a female part of a hose coupling. The staple has two tines which are insertable into two bores on the female part to seat within a groove on the male part when the male part and female part are engaged. The tines of the staple have an irregular cross sectional shape such that when the male and female parts and are biased apart, the female part bears against an outer region of the tines such that there is a resultant force which biases the tines into the groove, thereby making it more difficult for the staple to be unintentionally removed whilst the hose coupling is under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: RYCO HYDRAULICS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Scott Robert Dorman, Leigh Wayne Morrison
  • Patent number: 7497479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device having a first pipe connecting piece, a second pipe connecting piece and a securing part. The two pipe connecting pieces are adapted to be connected to one another in a releasable and fluid-tight manner by the securing part. The first pipe connecting piece has at least one recess on the outside, and the second pipe connecting piece has a collar and an outer piece of pipe, which between them form an annular space bounded on one side in the axial direction and which accommodates a sealing element. The outer piece of pipe has at least one aperture. The first pipe connecting piece is adapted to be introduced into the annular space. The securing part has at least one catch element, which can be inserted into an aperture, thereby entering a recess. A filter device with such a connecting device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Argo-Hytos GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Moessinger
  • Patent number: 7497480
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body having a retainer housing and a separate stem. The retainer housing defines a through bore extending axially rearward from a male member reception end. The retainer housing includes a generally cylindrical spacer portion. The stem defines a through bore extending axially rearward from a housing reception end. The stem includes a spacer housing portion overlying the spacer portion of the retainer housing. The spacer housing portion is crimped or roll grooved radially inward to secure the stem to the retainer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Richard M. Pepe, Robert A. Koshay
  • Patent number: 7497478
    Abstract: A duct assembly comprises a collar that defines a bore and has a first plurality of slots and a second plurality of slots formed therethrough. The collar includes an annular wall formed within the bore and an end groove formed at one end thereof. A duct has an end fitted within the end groove. A ring is disposed within the collar and abuts the annular wall. A ring retainer is disposed within the collar and abuts the ring. The ring retainer has a plurality of tabs formed thereon that fit within the first plurality of slots. An end of a port extends into the collar. The port has an annular groove formed along its circumference. A clip that has a plurality of arcs formed along its length extends around the collar. The arcs extend through the second plurality of slots into the annular groove of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Callahan
  • Publication number: 20090051163
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for releasably coupling a hydraulically activated work implement to a work vehicle includes an implement attachment device for attaching a work implement to a work vehicle, a first coupling assembly, and a second coupling assembly. The implement attachment device includes a forward side for facing the work implement and a rearward side for facing the work vehicle, first mounting members extending from the rearward side for mounting the implement attachment device to at least one boom arm of the work vehicle, and second mounting members for mounting the implement attachment device to the work implement. The first hydraulic coupling assembly extends from the rearward side, and includes a first coupler configured for fluid communication with a hydraulic power source on the work vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: 1708828 Ontario Ltd. o/a Horst Welding
    Inventors: Oscar Frey, Ryan Frey