Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
  • Patent number: 7488006
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a first coupling member having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface spaced from the first exterior surface by a rib having a first locking surface. A second coupling member includes an inwardly facing surface sized to receive the first coupling member and an inwardly facing annular groove having a second locking surface. The groove is configured to reduce stress risers in the second coupling member. A resiliently expandable locking ring is received in the inwardly facing annular groove and is engaged and expanded to a larger radial size by the rib upon movement of the first coupling member further into the second coupling member. The resiliently expandable locking ring is configured to retract in diametrical size to become trapped between the first locking surface and the second locking surface upon further movement of the first coupling member into the second coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jason W. Dahms, David S. Densel, Ryan J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090033089
    Abstract: The coupling element (A) comprises a body (1) for fastening to a support (10A) and a coupling member (2) fitted with a closure valve member and mounted in the body with the possibility of pivoting, a sealing gasket (6) being disposed between the body (1) and the coupling member (2). The element (1) includes a spring (3) exerting a resilient force (F1) on a flange portion (214) of the coupling member (2), which force is directed towards the rear (C1) of the coupling element and is suitable for pressing a first surface (216) of the coupling element (2) against a surface (12) of the body (1), and the coupling member is provided with a second surface (219) suitable for bearing against an axial abutment (4) in the event of the coupling member (2) moving towards the front of the coupling element (A) relative to the body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Alain Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux
  • Patent number: 7484774
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body, a tubular male member with an upset, a primary retainer and a separate redundant latch/verifier. The connector body defines a through bore and the male member extends into the bore. The primary retainer releasably secures the male member within the connector body. The redundant latch/verifier is releasably coupled to the connector body and movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. It includes spaced apart fingers with verifying tabs that permit movement to the latched position only after full insertion of the male member. The fingers have release tabs to manually spread the extension beams. In another form, the connector body includes locking pads extending radially inward. The legs of the primary retainer are located inward of the locking pads preventing the legs from moving to a released position if said male member is pulled in a direction to remove it from the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Richard M. Pepe, Robert A. Koshay
  • Patent number: 7481464
    Abstract: A coupling, particularly a pipe coupling for high-pressure pipes or high-pressure hoses, is equipped with coupling pieces provided at the ends to be connected, in each instance, and with a cuff that couples the coupling pieces, using at least two shear elements. The coupling pieces engage over the cuff that lies on the inside, as an extension of the ends, with almost the same diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Karl Hamacher GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Füsser
  • Patent number: 7481463
    Abstract: A connecting portion of a quick connector is provided with a pair of stop arms. Each of the stop arms has an arm body that integrally includes an overhanging stop portion and an engaging pawl on a leading end portion thereof. The connecting portion is inserted in a connecting hole formed in a fluid line component until the engaging pawl engages with an outwardly directed engaging projection of a mounting portion that is provided on an opening portion of the connecting hole. A checker has a main body that is provided integrally with verifying portions. Each of the verifying portions is formed with a receiving recessed portion for accommodating the overhanging stop portion therein when the checker is disposed on an outer circumference of the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Ishida, Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7469880
    Abstract: A stub-out assembly includes a stub-out conduit that defines a major diameter and a minor diameter. The minor diameter defines an attachment groove for receipt of a mount housing and a valve housing. The mount housing includes a multitude of circumferential fingers which each include a barbed end that engage a corresponding internal groove within the valve housing of the valve assembly. The mount housing fits over the minor diameter and a retainer in the mount housing is aligned with the attachment groove. The retainer includes a partially annular set of conduit attachment legs and a set of housing attachment legs. The conduit attachment legs engage the attachment groove to axially retain the conduit therein. The housing attachment legs each include a barbed end which engage a corresponding surface located within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald D. Green, William Franklin Turnau, III, Joseph P. Schutte, David S. Malone, Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7469472
    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: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Charles Peter deCler, Grant Armin Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7469937
    Abstract: It allows quick and effective coupling of a first duct end (female member) and a second duct end (male member). The male member includes an outer circumferential groove and the female member has two outer protrusions defining respective inner recesses adapted for receiving sealing and locking gaskets. When assembled, the female member extends to the male member without covering the circumferential groove thereof. A fastening clip is provided fitted into the groove of the male member and also into the groove defined between the protrusions of the female member, holding them axially in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Manufactura Moderna De Metales, S.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Alfredo Iturgoyen Sabando, Sergio Esteve Gari, Isaac Tejero Salinero
  • Patent number: 7467813
    Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly comprising a connector body defining a bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening, a tubular male member with an upset, a seal member, and a retainer. The retainer is received within the bore and includes locking members to releaseably retain the tube. The retainer includes a forward extension to support the seal against fluid pressure. The retainer and seal are configured to be applied to the male member before insertion of the male member into the bore of the connector body. Two of the locking members include ramps extending radially outwardly to contact the body portion defining the entrance opening sequentially prior to contact by the locking arms of the other locking members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20080309078
    Abstract: Damping conduit assembly (4) for a hydraulic system comprising a user (3) and a pipe (2) connected to the user (3) by means of a first connecting element (6) and presenting an end portion (20) having a first axis (B) and a bush (15) carried by the end portion (20) and having a second axis (A) transverse to the first axis (B), the bush (15) also housing the first connecting element (6) for fluidly connecting the user (3) to the pipe (2), the conduit assembly (4) being suited to be fluidly connected to the pipe (2) and comprising a flexible cylindrical wall (27), a closing element (29) axially delimiting an internal volume (30) of the cylindrical wall (27) filled with fluid. The conduit assembly (4) also comprises a connecting unit (5) comprising the first connecting element (6) and a second connecting element (22) carried by the cylindrical wall (27) and coupled to the first connecting element (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: DAYCO FLUID TECHNOLOGIES, S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Tabaro, Mariofelice Zanardi
  • Patent number: 7464970
    Abstract: A pipe joint for connecting a rigid pipe with a retaining flange to a tube includes a pipe joint body formed with a through bore and a window in communication with the bore. A tube connector portion may be connected at an angle to a rigid pipe connector portion. A pipe retainer provided with locking pieces can be located in two positions relative to the pipe joint body. The first position allows the retaining flange to pass through the locking pieces. The second position retains the rear of the retaining flange and prevents inadvertent removal of the rigid pipe. The retaining pieces engage the rear of the flange through the window communicating with the bore. The locking direction of the retainer can be altered relative to the tube connector portion to suit different applications and ease assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Yamada, Shigeo Oi, Naohito Nonoyama
  • Publication number: 20080303272
    Abstract: Either of first and second corrugated tubes having different groove (or ridge) pitches can be mounted on a connector 10. In this case, the distance between a first retaining projection 32 and a second retaining projection 34 is a common multiple of these pitches, and therefore either of the two different corrugated tubes can be properly retained on both of the first and second retaining projections 32 and 34. Furthermore, either of the first and second corrugated tubes 50 and 52 of different diameters can be properly fixed to a tube insertion portion 20 by a binding band passed through binding band passage holes 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Toshiharu Takahashi, Motoyoshi Suzuki, Kenji Kajikawa
  • Patent number: 7448653
    Abstract: A female connector for releasable coupling with a male connector is disclosed herein. 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: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Jensen, James D. Pisula, Jr., Ralph E. Burns, Raymond Townsend, Richard W. Cairns
  • Patent number: 7445249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling comprising a receiving part (1) and a fixing part (10), which have a blocking assembly (15, 16, 17). If the insertion part has not been introduced into the receiving part (1) correctly, elements (15, 16, 17) of the blocking assembly that are configured on the receiving part (1) and on the fixing part (10) engage with one another in such a way that the fixing part (10) is prevented from being retracted from the extended position. Arms (11, 12) of the fixing part (10) are configured in such a way that when a retaining ring of the insertion part is positioned in the vicinity of said arms (11, 12), the engagement of the elements (15, 16, 17) of the blocking assembly is released and the fixing part (10) can be displaced into the retracted position to engage behind the retaining ring by means of the retraction section. This permits an efficient mounting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede
  • Patent number: 7438240
    Abstract: A hand-held sprayer includes an at least partially hollow shaft section, a liquid dispensing section and a hollow connecting plug element for connecting a hose extension to the hand-held sprayer. The connecting plug element is arranged within shaft section and can be fastened by a fastening element plugable through at least one opening from the outside into the shaft section and the connecting plug element has a groove running circumferentially around its outer periphery which the fastening element engages when the connecting plug element is fastened to the shaft section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Rational AG
    Inventor: Hermann Rabe
  • Patent number: 7438328
    Abstract: A quick connector is provided with a connector housing and a wire retainer. The connector housing has a retainer mounting portion which is formed with engagement slits. The wire retainer is mounted on the retainer mounting portion such that engaging arms enter the engagement slits and project in the retainer mounting portion. Each of the engaging slits has a width larger than a diameter of the engaging arm in order to generate a collision noise by collision between the engaging arm and the connector housing or the pipe upon completion of closing motion of the engaging arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Mori, Motohide Nishimura, Tetsuya Souji
  • Patent number: 7434846
    Abstract: A quick coupling (1) comprising a sleeve-shaped coupling body (3) with a receiving opening (4) to receive one end (5) of a pipe (2), a retaining element (7) to hold the end (5) of the pipe in the coupling body (3), a sealing element (8) to seal the pipe (2) against the coupling body (3) and a securing element (9) to secure the connection between the pipe (2) and the coupling body (3), in conjunction with which reinforcing ribs and locking ribs (23,24) are executed adjacent to the receiving opening (4) on an external surface (21) and an internal surface (22) of the coupling body (3), which ribs extend inwards and outwards in a radial direction and interact with the securing element (9) for the purpose of securing the connection between the pipe (2) and the coupling body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kulm Holding AG
    Inventor: Hans Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20080238093
    Abstract: This invention is a Cooling, Heating, Bladder Relief, Gas, Hydration and Nutrition Chem-Bio Suit Connectivity System used connecting various life function support systems in Chemical-Biological Protective Suits. The connectivity system provides means to quick connect and disconnect various user desired support systems including cooling and heating, bladder relief, gas, hydration and nutrition and external to a user that is inside a Chem-Bio Suit. The connectivity system is capable of allowing a user to use any of the support systems either in any combination thereof or individually. The connectivity system self perforates and self seals upon installation in the Chem-Bio Suit and seals upon connection and disconnection of life support systems to prevent contamination from entering inside the Chem-Bio Suit and threatening the health or safety of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Mark R. Harvie
  • Patent number: 7401820
    Abstract: A connector is inserted into a connection hole provided on a fluid piping equipment, and the connector is prevented from dropping out via a retainer held by a retainer holding portion. The connector has a connecting portion including a flange stop portion, and a positioning means is disposed between the connecting portion and the fluid piping equipment. This positioning means is to position the connecting portion in a circumferential direction so as not to rotate relative to the connection hole and has a mounting angle adjusting function capable of positioning the connecting portion in the circumferential direction selectively at any one of a number of mounting angular positions relative to the connection hole. An annular surface on the other end in the axial direction of the stop portion is formed in a taper shape tapered toward the other end in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuaki Niki
  • Patent number: 7401818
    Abstract: An engagement protrusion is formed in square in cross-section integrally on an outer surface of a main body of a retainer, and is provided on a position opposed to a space for deformation so as to extend from an opposite axial end to short of an axial center of the main body of the retainer. An engagement recess is formed generally identical in cross-section to the engagement protrusion on an inner peripheral surface of a retainer holding portion so as to extend from an opposite axial end of the retainer holding portion to one axial end of a raised portion. The retainer is fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the engagement protrusion is inserted in the engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7390025
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a female connector body, a tubular male member, a primary retainer and a secondary latch/verifier. The female connector body has a through bore and transverse slots open to the bore. The male tubular member with an annular upset extends into the through bore. The primary retainer is disposed within the slots and releasably connects the male member to the connector body. The secondary latch/verifier is disposed in the slots and is releasably coupled to the connector body and moveable between latched position in which it precludes release of the primary retainer and an unlatched position. In one form, the secondary latch includes a retainer beam arranged to move the secondary latch to its unlatched position on insertion of the male member. In another form the secondary latch/verifier includes externally positioned verifier and additional latch to releasably retain the male member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Pepe, Jim Kerin
  • Patent number: 7387725
    Abstract: A one-touch fitting type adapter and a filter assembly are provided in which the filter assembly used for machinery, such as a bidet or a refrigerator, is easily assembled with or disassembled from the adapter through a one-touch fitting manner such that the filter assembly is easily adapted for the machinery. A multiple adapter capable of coupling a plurality of adapters in series is provided such that a plurality of filter assemblies used for a water purifier, a water ionizer or a functional water maker are detachably engaged with the multiple adapter through a one-touch fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Picogram Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-Rim Choi, Seok-Bong Bang
  • Publication number: 20080129046
    Abstract: A connector is provided between a fuel pipe assembly and a fuel housing. The connector is in substantially fixed position relative to the fuel pipe assembly and has portions thereof which engage the fuel housing, thereby providing a physical connection between the fuel pipe assembly and housing whereby assembly is snap together, and unintended disconnect is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Eric G. Parker, Franco A. Cisternino, Albert N. Diener
  • Publication number: 20080111371
    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: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede, Daniel Utz, Matthias Kubel
  • Publication number: 20080111372
    Abstract: A locking element (10) for a quick connector is provided with a matable element (11) on which are configured means for effecting a snap connection (18, 19) with a receiving element of a quick connector, and an actuating element (15) that is in engagement with the matable element (11) and is mounted in the matable element (11) such that it is displaceable between a released position and a locked position. The actuating element (15) comprises locking means (22, 23, 25, 26) that can be brought into engagement with a retaining ring configured on an insertable element of the quick connector in an arrangement of the locking element (10) wherein it is mated onto a receiving element in the locked position. Secure attachment of the locking element (10) to the quick connector and ease of use are thereby achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: A.RAYMOND & CIE
    Inventors: Michael Trede, Jean-Martin Henlin, Axel Feger
  • Patent number: 7370674
    Abstract: An interconnection assembly for the transport of a fluid between an external fluidic means and a mounting block of a modular fluid distribution system, comprising: a cylindrical cavity formed through a face of the mounting block; a cylindrical flow element, a fluid passage formed therethrough, at least one retaining groove being formed on the outer surface; a retaining means; wherein the cylindrical flow element is inserted into the cylindrical cavity, the annular sealing means being compressed, the annular sealing means forming a hermetic seal between the fluid passage and the fluid port, the retaining means engaging retaining groove, the retaining means being braced against the mounting block; and wherein said fluid is transported between said external fluidic component and said mounting block via said cylindrical flow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Doyle
  • Publication number: 20080100061
    Abstract: A breakaway connector for use with a medical (e.g., catheter) or other fluid system. The connector may include two couplers that engage one another via a substantially frictionless retention device. In one embodiment, the retention device includes a biased cylindrical roller attached to one coupler that contacts an outer surface of the other coupler. The outer surface may include a grooved surface to receive the roller when the couplers are fully attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahn S. Sage, Matthew H. Adams, Benjamin A. Johnson, James Grant Skakoon
  • Patent number: 7344166
    Abstract: A fluid coupling for high pressure applications comprising a female connector body, a plastic retainer and a tubular male member with a radially enlarged upset. The female connector body defines a bore extending axially inwardly into the connector body from an entrance. The plastic retainer received within the female connector body includes a cylindrical ring at a first axial end and at least four approximately equally spaced locking members extending axially from the ring separated by slots and detached from each other at a second axial end. Each locking member includes two columns, a beam connecting the two columns at the second axial end and an arm extending axially from the beam between the columns. The arm includes a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Ketcham, Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7338092
    Abstract: A plastic rift connector fitting comprises an annular housing, water line fitting, and sleeve components for pressurized water systems. The housing has a plurality of locking mechanisms to quickly lock and release the water line fitting. A flange and O-ring on the water line fitting stabilize the water line fitting connection to the housing for pressures up to 250 psi. The sleeve encloses the housing/fitting connection to prevent accidental release of water line fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: David Lee Cicconi, III
  • Publication number: 20080048442
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly comprising a conductive connector body, a tubular male member with an upset, and a primary retainer. The primary retainer releasably secures the male member within the connector body. The primary retainer body includes a pair of spaced legs connected by a cross member. The retainer body includes a conductive insert with contact surfaces exposed at the retainer legs to contact the male member and at the cross member to contact the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Jim KERIN, Richard M. PEPE
  • Patent number: 7325841
    Abstract: A coaxial connection having a device and a first manifold (12) comprising a protrusion (18) able to be received in a neck (22) on a second manifold (14). The device is produced in the form of an open collar (10) produced from an elastically deformable material and having a bottom (36) extended by two arms (38) having respective ends which define the opening of the collar. The collar is provided with retaining stops (44, 46, 48) and at least one locking member (60) arranged so as to cooperate with an engagement region (34) of at least one of the manifolds in order to prevent any accidental extraction of the open collar once fitted. Application in particular to heat exchangers for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation, S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Vincent
  • Publication number: 20080018105
    Abstract: An instantaneous connection device includes a tubular body and a tight element which is used to hold the end of a line in the body and includes a holding element arranged to receive the end of the line and a cam element arranged between the body and the holding element and used to move the holding element from a free state into a state wherein it grips the end of the line when it is axially displaced in the tubular body between a first position and a second position. The holding element includes two jaws independently mounted in the body so as to slide between the two positions, and the cam element includes two transversal pins that are fixed to the jaws or body so as to slidingly co-operate, with transversal surfaces fixed to the body or the jaws and inclined in relation to the sliding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: LEGRIS SA
    Inventor: Nicolas Le Bars
  • Publication number: 20080006658
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Edward W. Bolyard
  • Patent number: 7316425
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a female portion with a staggered bore whereof one cross-section with large diameter can receive an outer flange of a male portion of the connector beyond a lock, the lock including a ring having an orifice for allowing through the flange and mounted in a housing provided in the female portion at the cross-section with large diameter of its bore to slide radially in the housing between a first inactive locking position wherein the passage orifice of the ring is eccentric relative to the axis of the bore and a second retracted position wherein the passage orifice is substantially coaxial with the bore. The lock further including a locking indicator mounted radially sliding in the ring between a first indicating position wherein the locking indicator does not obstruct the passage orifice and a second indicating position wherein the locking indicator obstructs the passage orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Philippe Poder
  • Patent number: 7314209
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector with a shut off valve interface is mountable on a first endform, such as a building plumbing stub out. The quick connector carries a retainer at an opposite end for releasable latching of a second fluid operative element to the stub out. An internally movable shut off valve is carried in the quick connector housing and is normally biased to a fluid blocking position. Insertion of a second endform through the second end of the quick connector housing overcomes the biasing force on the valve and moves the valve to an open fluid flow position allowing fluid flow between the stub out and the second endform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignees: Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc., BrassCraft Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Erik E. Pierson
  • Publication number: 20070228728
    Abstract: First and second components can be releasably coupled together with a locking pin having a sacrificial o-ring. The first and second components have respective first and second openings that are aligned with each other and receive the locking pin. The second opening has a square edge located adjacent to a recess in the first opening. The o-ring has an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the square edge and an inside diameter less than the diameter of the square edge when assembled. The locking pin is inside of the first and second openings, with the o-ring inside of the recess. To release the components, the locking pin is moved out of the first opening to shear the o-ring against the square edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Charles T. Webb
  • Publication number: 20070228727
    Abstract: Retainer means has a pair of retainers that are disposed diametrically opposite sides of a passage way of an annular engaging projection of a pipe, and release arms that are provided on the retainers, respectively. Each of the retainers has a fixing end portion integrally connected to and supported by a pipe retainer portion, and a free end including an engaging portion for snap-engaging with the annular engaging projection. Each of the release arms has a cross-sectional shape for allowing a pressure on the release arm in the other longitudinal direction, when being pressed radially inwardly from outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Keiji Matsuno, Atsuo Miyajima
  • Patent number: 7270350
    Abstract: A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Gerald Cronley
  • Patent number: 7240927
    Abstract: A connection assembly has a male connector, a first engaging ring securely mounted on the male connector, a female connector and a second engaging ring securely received in the female connector. The first engaging ring has first claws formed to abut a periphery defining the second annular groove formed on the female connector and the second engaging ring has second claws formed to abut a periphery defining the first annular groove formed on the male connector. Engagement between the male connector and the female connector is accomplished after the abutment between the first claws and the second annular groove and between the second claws and the first annular groove is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: King Chang
  • Patent number: 7213655
    Abstract: A hands-free connection system is provided for coupling downhole tools for use in well operations. The connection system includes two downhole tools connectable together in threaded engagement. The connection system further includes a compressible locking sleeve positioned between the coupled downhole tools for maintaining the tools in threaded engagement and in a predetermined alignment for deployment downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Parrott
  • Patent number: 7207604
    Abstract: A snap-fit connection assembly for use in a pool filtration system. The connection assembly includes a first connection receptacle, a second connection receptacle for insertion into the first connection receptacle, one or mores fingers extending circumferentially from the second connection receptacle, and one or more openings in the first connection receptacle for engaging the finger(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7201403
    Abstract: A first quick connector is provided with a connector housing and a wire retainer. The connector housing has a retainer mounting portion which is formed with engagement slits. The wire retainer is mounted on the retainer mounting portion such that engagement arms enter the engagement slits and project in the retainer mounting portion. Each of the engagement slits has a first slit part on one circumferential end and a second slit part on the other circumferential end with intervening a divider portion therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Hiroyoshi Mori, Motohide Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7195285
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first flexible tank and a second flexible tank in an aircraft includes a latching device, a first tubular connecting element attached to the first tank, and a second tubular connecting element attached to the second tank. The first and the second connecting elements are detachably connected to each other using the latching device. In a connected state of the connecting elements, fluid exchange can take place between the first and the second tanks via the first and the second connecting elements, the latching device is disposed inside one of the first and second flexible tanks and is actuatable from outside the respective flexible tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Eleftherios Rodousakis, Harald Kiowsky
  • Patent number: 7185923
    Abstract: A connection device for fitting to a member, particularly to a corrugated flexible pipe (146, 246, 446) formed with a series of spaced annular grooves, the device comprising first and second tubular bodies (10, 11) coupled together, in use, with the pipe received in an open end of the first body (10). The first body has a plurality of resilient lugs (14) with respective inwardly directed projections (17) at the ends thereof to be received in one of the said grooves to grip the pipe. The two bodies can be relatively angularly moved between a neutral position of the device, where the pipe is retained by the resilience alone of the lugs, an unlocked position, where the lugs are released from the pipe, and a locked position, where the lugs are forced into locking engagement with the pipe, movement of the lugs being controlled by cam formations (29) extending from the end surface of the second body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander McKechran Hardie McNeil, Adrian Roger Poulton
  • Patent number: 7178837
    Abstract: A piping joint structure includes a first piping member, a second piping member having at least a window portion, and a joint member provided with a body unit and multiple engagement units, which protrude to the central axis side of the body unit and are capable of being diameter-enlarged and diameter-shortened. The body unit of the joint member has a semi-crack shape. The joint member hoops the second piping member from a periphery side of the second piping member, while the engagement units are inserted through the window portion. The first piping member is connected to the second piping member by a one-touch operation of diameter-enlarging and diameter-shortening of the engagement units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7168451
    Abstract: A removable hose cover comprises a hose cover which is adapted to telescopically receive a hose therein. The hose cover has at least one hose cover end fitting on one end thereof and the hose has at least one end fitting on one end thereof, The hose cover end fitting is slidably received over the end fitting. The hose cover fitting and the end fitting are releasably connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Dundas
  • Patent number: 7128347
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling for forming a joint in a fluid line system. The quick connector coupling comprises a female connector body, a male member and a latch coupled to the connector body. The female connector body has slots formed therethrough and a bore extending from an end of the connector body. The male member extends through the end of the connector body and into the bore. The male member has a tubular surface and an annular upset. The upset has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular surface. The latch is in abutting relationship with the male member upset. The latch includes a passive transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jim Kerin
  • Patent number: 7121592
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes first and second coupled housings having aligned bores. A biased shut off valve is mounted in the first housing and has a seal end normally biased into a fluid flow blocking position; but movable away from the seal upon contact with an end form inserted into the bores to a fluid flow enabling position. The first and second housings interact at an adjustable axial interface formed of mating threads to vary the insertion distance of the endform into the first housing after the endform is latched in the first and second housings by a retainer carried in the second housing, to regulate the fluid flow through the quick connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: George Sazbo, Gary Klinger
  • Patent number: 7118137
    Abstract: A locking ring-type pipe joint has a spigot ring provided on a first pipe section, a bell ring provided on a second pipe section, and a locking ring that may be contracted to engage the spigot ring to the bell ring. First and second circumferential grooves formed in the spigot ring are configured to receive a test gasket and a pipe seal gasket respectively. An annular test space between the gaskets is in closed connection with a pressure port, whereby the pressure seal of the pipe seal gasket may be evaluated after the pipe sections are joined and prior to activating the joint restraint feature, installing the next pipe, and back-filling the pipe sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Price Brothers Company
    Inventor: Richard E. Deremiah
  • Patent number: 7108295
    Abstract: A filament-wound composite coupling for use in assembling a restrained joint between large diameter pipes with complementary retaining grooves, such as 16 inch or larger outer diameter polyvinyl chloride pipes. The coupling has first and second ends and ported retaining grooves associated with each end. Preferably, the coupling also includes O-ring seals and a pipe stop to index the pipes to be coupled. The composite coupling has a cylindrical composite body with a plurality of concentrically arranged layers of wound filaments in a thermoset plastic matrix. Each of the layers is characterized by a winding angle opposing the winding angle of the adjoining layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventor: John Zarynow