Essential Catch Patents (Class 285/305)
  • Patent number: 7108297
    Abstract: An inner peripheral surface of a tube connecting portion of a tubular connector housing is divided into a first receiving portion on one axial side and a second receiving portion on an opposite axial side by an inwardly directed annular parting projection. A first O-ring of one axial side and a second O-ring of an opposite axial side are disposed with intervening a collar therebetween on an opposite axial side in the first receiving portion. The first O-ring is made of FKM and the second O-ring is made of FVMQ. A third O-ring is disposed on one axial side in the second receiving portion. The third O-ring is also made of FVMQ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Yoshimitsu Ishida
  • Patent number: 7097211
    Abstract: A system for coupling a plurality of pipes end-to-end in a locked configuration to thereby form an enclosed conduit comprising a first pipe having a receiving end and an insertion end, a first annular ring track formed on an inner surface of the receiving end; a second pipe, the second pipe having an insertion end and a receiving end, an opposing annular ring track formed on an outer surface of the insertion end; the receiving end of the first pipe sized to tightly receive the insertion end of the second pipe; an anti-reversing locking ring having a partial conic profile, the ring having a leading edge formed on a larger diameter opening of the ring, the ring having a trailing edge formed on a smaller diameter opening of the ring; and the ring positioned in the first ring track of the first pipe with the leading edge of the ring closer to the receiving end than the insertion end, such that when the insertion end of the second pipe is inserted into the receiving end of the first pipe, the trailing end of the r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Robert M. Adams
  • Patent number: 7052051
    Abstract: A quick-coupling device having a support (18) on which a female member (20) is mounted in a manner to move between a position of retaining a male member (14E) in a position fitted into the female member (20) to a position of releasing the male member (14E) from the female member (20). This device has a lever (24) articulated to the support (18) between a rest position, wherein the lever (24) is separated from the female member (20), to a position of collaboration that allows the female member (20) to be driven toward a position to allow the male member (14E) to be released. The lever (24) includes structure (26) for guiding the male member (14E) in such a way as to encourage guidance of the male member (14E) to mate with the female member (20) when the lever (24) is in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Francois Gaffe, Remi Demerssemann, Philippe Come
  • Patent number: 7029036
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes first and second rotatably, non-axially movably engaged housings. A retainer is mountable in the second housing for lockingly coupling a fluid operative element to the second housing. The first housing has an annular recess at one end which receives a collar extending axially from the second housing. Projections extend radially from the collar and engage the recess in the first housing to rotatably interconnect the first and second housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7021392
    Abstract: A sprinkler head assembly having a sprinkler head with a through bore is coupled to a coupling member having a bore in fluid communication with said through bore of said sprinkler head. One of said sprinkler head and coupling member fits within the other. A groove is formed on the inner member for receiving a portion of a set pin slidingly engaged within the outer member. A seal between the inner and outer member provides a fluid-tight connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Allora International, LLC
    Inventors: Dean L. Bentzien, Guido Brusa
  • Patent number: 7014220
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector sealingly latches first and second components, one of which has a through bore and the other has a raised bead spaced from a tip end. A retainer is mountable through a transverse bore in one end of the first component and latched to the first component by projections carried on a pair of legs. A flange on the retainer is positioned to engage a surface of the first component to position the retainer on the first component. Inner disposed arms on the retainer engage a constant diameter portion of the second component and resist movement of the raised bead into or out of the bore in the housing when the retainer is in a fully latched position. The flange on the retainer is spaced from the legs of the retainer to enable the legs to be of minimal thickness for a reduced axial length for the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Anthony Thomas
  • Patent number: 6997486
    Abstract: A low permeability coupling device for coupling a first endpiece (3) extending a tube (2) with a second endpiece (10) carried by the wall (1) of a member to which the tube (2) is connected, in which the second endpiece (10) has two substantially coaxial walls (11, 12) defining between them a blind annular housing (13) for receiving the first endpiece (3), and a sealing element (15) extending between the inside face (11a) of the outer wall (11) of the second endpiece and the outside surface (8) of the first endpiece when it is in place in the above-mentioned housing (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Nobel Plastiques
    Inventor: Pierre Milhas
  • Patent number: 6983958
    Abstract: A supply connection device for a fluid pressure system, the connection includes a head designed to be axially received in a body of a supply intake, and the connection is capable of being locked in a front position axially engaged in the supply intake body by a locking mechanism, which includes a globally symmetrical U-shaped pin with two transverse locking branches. The connection is unlocked from the body, for axially releasing, at least partly, rearward the connection outside the body, by elastic deformation of the locking mechanism which results from the co-operation between at least a part of the locking branches and at least a part of the body under the action of a releasing force exerted on the locking mechanism along a transverse direction. The elastic deformation is obtained by exerting a releasing force thrusting a connecting section of the two braches of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Embrayages
    Inventor: Stéphane Rautureau
  • Patent number: 6981547
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for connecting the tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars. A connector mechanically mates a box end and a pin end of the tubulars together to form the connection. Additionally, mating castellations, surface finishes on the pin end and the box end, torque screws, and a variable pitch groove can provide resistance to relative rotation between the tubulars at the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick G. Maguire, David E. Hirth
  • Patent number: 6964384
    Abstract: A device and a method for positioning the ports and passages of injector parts during an assembly of a fuel injector. The device uses a groove or a keyway with a retaining band having a key portion disposed on the retaining band. The method includes forming grooves on the parts of the fuel injector to be aligned, preventing displacement of the parts by inserting the key portion of the retaining band into the substantially aligned groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Diesel Systems Technology
    Inventor: Ulrich Augustin
  • Patent number: 6942166
    Abstract: A sprinkler to sprinkle water running in a pipeline over both its sides through sprinkler heads mounted on the pipeline, wherein (i) the pipeline comprises first water pipes and second water pipes connected to each other alternately so as to be freely disconnectable and reconnectable, (ii) both end portions of each first water pipe are formed so as to have outer diameter which is equal to the inner diameter of the second water pipes, (iii) a plurality of first engaging protrusions are formed on the periphery of one end portion of each first water pipe, at regular angular intervals around the longitudinal center axis of said first water pipe, and (iv) a plurality of second engaging protrusions are formed at one end of each second water pipe so as to engage with the first engaging protrusions of the first water pipe when the end portion with first engaging protrusions of a first water pipe is inserted into the end with second engaging protrusions of said second water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Atsushi Tanimoto
  • Patent number: 6921114
    Abstract: A coupling assembly including a coupler body having a generally cylindrical shape and an opening at one end. The coupler body has an inner wall with an inner circumference and an outer wall. An abutment extends from the inner wall of the coupler body. The coupling assembly further includes a conduit having a generally cylindrical shape complementary to the coupler body. A coupler key groove extends along the inner circumference of an inner wall of the coupler body and is shaped like part of a parallelogram. The conduit has a conduit key groove and is generally shaped like part of a parallelogram. When the coupler key groove and the conduit key groove are aligned they form a pathway shaped like a parallelogram with two acute angles. An aperture in the wall of the coupler provides access to the pathway for a locking strip or flexible key. The locking key has a cross-section, which is a complementary shaped parallelogram. A sealing groove is also provided along the inner wall of the coupler to hold an O-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Arnco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Washburn, Charles R. Herron
  • Patent number: 6913293
    Abstract: A pipe joint apparatus and method using spiral groove halves formed on the nested surfaces of male and female pipe ends. The exterior half of the spiral groove is connected to an exit port. The interior half of the spiral groove has a proximal end recessed from edge of its pipe. Alignment of the pipes and partial insertion of the spline allows for a threaded pipe connection that may be screwed or unscrewed to overcome the pressure for the gasket seal. Full insertion of the spline to engage the exit port locks the spline in position and the interior half's proximal end prohibits the unscrewing of the pipe joint. The pipe ends may be easily disconnected by pulling the spline out of the exit port to unscrew the pipe sections or fully removing the spline to separate the pipe ends. A gasket is used to form a sealed joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Pipelife Jet Stream Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Filer
  • Patent number: 6908121
    Abstract: A connector arrangement used for connecting and locking tubular members. The connector consists of two tubular members and a coupling member. The tubular members are threaded together to create a threaded connection. The locking arrangement is provided by a pathway formed on the tubular member whereby a locking member can be inserted in to the pathway to lock the threaded connection. The locking arrangement is also provided by a plurality of castellation members disposed on each tubular member. The connector also has a separate coupling member which has opposite right-hand and left-hand threaded ends to threadedly mate with the threads of the two tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: David Eugene Hirth, Tarald Gudmestad, Mark J. Murray, Gerald Dean Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6908119
    Abstract: A detachable hose coupling includes an improved female coupler piece. The female piece is generally cylindrical female sleeve piece having a pair of coaxially aligned bored open surfaces which are in opposing generally equidistant positions and displaced from a vertical plane passing through a central longitudinal axis of the female sleeve piece. A grooved surface extends partially into an outer surface of the female sleeve and extends between the bored open surfaces. A male piece is provided and a staple is provided for use in connecting the male piece to the female piece, wherein the staple fits through the bored open surfaces and seats in the grooved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Lewis-Goetz and Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Murken
  • Patent number: 6905143
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector adapted to be releasably mounted in a bore in a fluid use component. The quick connector includes a housing having a through bore releasably receiving a tubular endform. A retainer is mountable in the housing to latch the endform in the housing. A latch member carried on the housing is releasably engagable with a complementary latch receiver in the fluid use component. In one aspect, a latch member is carried on the end of at least one arm extending from the housing. Seal members are mountable in the bore in the fluid use component and retained in place by a top hat mountable in the quick connector housing. The top hat maintains the latch member in engagement with the latch receiver an the fluid use component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary O. Klinger, Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 6902206
    Abstract: A quick connector for establishing a connection between a flexible tube and an interior chamber of a vessel. The vessel has a wall structure through which a mounting bore extends. A canister assembly associated with the quick connector includes a housing is adapted for installation in the mounting bore, a retainer coupled to the housing that adapted to accept and retain a port connector of the hose therein, and a spring clip for coupling the housing to the wall structure. Flanged ends of the spring clip are retained in, and project outwardly from, corresponding apertures formed through a leading end of the housing. Upon installation of the housing into the mounting bore, the end flanges are deflected inwardly until the leading end of the housing extends beyond the mounting bore. Then the flanged ends return to their expanded condition, thereby coupling the canister assembly to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Jed W. Zenko, Duane Eckard
  • Patent number: 6893051
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe coupling, which can connect pipes in a sealed condition. The pipe coupling includes: a connector body having pipe locking jaws having the same diameter as the inner diameter of a pipe inserted into the pipe coupling, and a taper part gradually reducing the inside space toward a free end of the pipe coupling and opened at a portion of the outer circumference in which a snap ring insertion hole is formed; a packing member inserted and mounted at the lower end of the taper part; a jaw coupling inserted and mounted into the taper part, and having a number of coupling holes for coupling fixing jaws and a seating hole formed in the upper portion thereof; a snap ring located in the seating hole of the jaw coupling, the outer circumference of the snap ring being compressed and inserted into the snap ring insertion hole, both ends of the snap ring being bended in a separated condition and exposed to the outside; and an elastic member interposed between the packing member and the jaw coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Join Top Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chul Park, Eounjin Ko, Jongjae Shin, Jiyoung Bang
  • Patent number: 6866303
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector sealingly latches first and second components, one of which has a through bore and the other has a raised bead spaced from a tip end. A retainer is mountable through a transverse bore in one end of the first component and latched to the first component by projections carried on a pair of legs. A flange on the retainer is positioned to engage a surface of the first component to position the retainer on the first component. Inner disposed arms on the retainer engage a constant diameter portion of the second component and resist movement of the raised bead into or out of the bore in the housing when the retainer is in a fully latched position. The flange on the retainer is spaced from the legs of the retainer to enable the legs to be of minimal thickness for a reduced axial length for the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Anthony Thomas
  • Patent number: 6857667
    Abstract: A fluid quick connect includes a body having a conical, split end retainer slidably mounted in a recess in at least one end of the body. The retainer has a leading edge extending into a through bore in the body which is engagable with an annular flange on an endform inserted into the housing forcing the retainer angularly outward in the recess to allow passage of the annular flange of the endform past the retainer. A biasing force on the retainer due to the expansion of the diameter of the retainer moves the retainer back to a position in which the leading edge extends behind the trailing edge of the annular flange on the endform to latch the endform in the housing. The retainer and conical recess maybe used at one end of the housing for connection with one end form or at both ends of the housing to fluidically couple two end forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Malone
  • Patent number: 6854771
    Abstract: Fittings configured as quick-connect couplings or valve assemblies utilize an O-ring to lock a male member within a female member. The O-ring engages a shoulder to both effect a seal and to prevent axial motion of the male member with respect to the female member. In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, pressure within lines coupled by the quick-connect couplings is used to effect locking of the couplings and in accordance with another embodiment, pressure within a container with which the valve assembly is used effects locking of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Darwin Olson
  • Patent number: 6851725
    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 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew David Lutzke
  • Patent number: 6851721
    Abstract: A fast coupler for a fluid connection includes a male part and a female part. The female part having a staged counterboring whereof the cross-section of larger diameter can receive an outer flange of the male part, beyond a mobile lock in a housing transverse to the counterboring. The coupler also includes a connection indicating device locked on the female part by a device partly housed in the housing and deactivated by the flange of the male part when it is inserted into the counter boring. The indicator device may include a member for permanent connection to the closed fluid circuit by the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Philippe Poder
  • Patent number: 6848723
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling for connecting a fluid conduit to a header tank includes first and second engaged and sealed coupling parts. The first coupling part includes a radially inner hollow cylindrical wall with a radially outer surface and diametrically opposite, axially directed fingers spaced radially outward of the cylindrical wall and attached thereto. The second coupling part includes a generally circular radially inner wall sized to be axially received between the cylindrical wall and the fingers and has an interior surface facing the radially outer surface of the cylindrical wall. A radially inwardly opening groove is located in the interior surface and a circular seal is disposed therein to sealingly engage the radially outer surface of the cylindrical wall when the coupling is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Bernhard Lamich
  • Patent number: 6848722
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting a vacuum line to a body such as an autoclave to be evacuated, the coupling having a first part adapted to be sealingly engaged by welding upon the wall of the autoclave about an aperture therein, and having an internal bore which thus communicates with the interior of the autoclave, and a second part also having an internal bore for communication with the bore of the first part. The second part thus serves as a removable cartridge which is slidably engaged within the first part with sealing rings radially and axially sealing the two-parts together to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. The cartridge includes a spring-loaded valve. A circlip enables separation of the cartridge from the first part, and a circlip enables removal of the valve parts from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: James Jeory, Christine Patricia Jeory and Stephen Gerard Ward T/A Premier Hydraulics & Pneumatics
    Inventor: James Jeory
  • Patent number: 6846023
    Abstract: In a single-piece connector clamp for flange connections of pipe sections wherein the clamp has a U-shaped spring back with opposite legs and spring arms extending from the legs in spaced relationship and forming spring arm pairs disposed at opposite sides of a reception space for the connector flanges, the connector clamp includes in the center area of the web a cutout area which extends from the base of a spring arm to the adjacent spring arm base so that the spring arms of the single piece connector clamp are supported resiliently for independent clamping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: CTS Fahrzeug - Dachsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Günther Ebinger, Alexander Roser
  • Patent number: 6846021
    Abstract: A tube end having an outwardly projecting ridge is secured in a fitting having a body formed with a seat centered on an axis and open axially rearwardly. The tube end is coaxially engageable in the seat, and a retaining clip on the body extends secantally across the seat and can move between an outer spread position engaging a respective inner surface of the seat and an inner retaining position spaced radially inward from the respective inner surface. The tube end when fully axially inserted in the seat is engaged axially outward of the ridge by the clip. A latch element can move between an outer freeing position generally clear of the clip and an inner locking position engaged outward of the clip between same and the respective inner surface and preventing the clip from moving from the inner retaining position to the outer spread position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Ti Automotive (Fuldabruck) GmbH
    Inventors: Reiner Rohde, Andreas Rose, Torsten Thomke, Andreas Szczepaniak, Kurt Apel
  • Publication number: 20040251684
    Abstract: The invention consists of a remotely actuated quick-release coupling having a male assembly and a female assembly. The female assembly has an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, with the male assembly being removably insertable into the inner sleeve. A spring-loaded latching mechanism is located in the female coupling and is automatically engaged when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly, connecting the coupling. The cylinder defined by the inner and outer sleeve can be pressurized through an external port using either air pressure or hydraulics. When the cylinder is pressurized, the latching mechanism is disengaged, allowing the male assembly to be removed from the female assembly, disconnecting the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Gerald Dyck, Paul Dries, Bryce Bendickson
  • Publication number: 20040245778
    Abstract: A system for coupling a plurality of pipes end-to-end in a locked configuration to thereby form an enclosed conduit comprising a first pipe having a receiving end and an insertion end, a first annular ring track formed on an inner surface of the receiving end; a second pipe, the second pipe having an insertion end and a receiving end, an opposing annular ring track formed on an outer surface of the insertion end; the receiving end of the first pipe sized to tightly receive the insertion end of the second pipe; an anti-reversing locking ring having a partial conic profile, the ring having a leading edge formed on a larger diameter opening of the ring, the ring having a trailing edge formed on a smaller diameter opening of the ring; and the ring positioned in the first ring track of the first pipe with the leading edge of the ring closer to the receiving end than the insertion end, such that when the insertion end of the second pipe is inserted into the receiving end of the first pipe, the trailing end of the r
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert M. Adams
  • Publication number: 20040232694
    Abstract: The connecting element for transporting gaseous, liquid or solid substances consists of a tubular coupling (3) which has on the inside a cylindrically running first recess (3c), in which a corrugated tube (1) is arranged, and which has a cylindrically running second recess (3b) which adjoins the first recess (3c) and in which an annular seal (4) is arranged adjacent to the first recess (3c) and an expanding ring (2) is arranged adjacent to the annular seal (4). The expanding ring (2) has, on the outside, a first projection (2b) which points toward the coupling (3) and engages in an encircling groove (3a) arranged in the second recess (3b). With its projection (2a) which points toward the corrugated tube (1), both the expanding ring (2) and the annular seal (4) are in each case in engagement with the corrugated tube (1) from outside. The subject matter of the invention is also the use of the connecting element as a subassembly in windshield washer units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Uwe Martin
  • Publication number: 20040232693
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for connecting one end of a pipe to a bore provided in a fluid transport circuit element, the device comprising a tubular body (10) defining an inner channel (11) for receiving the pipe end, means (17) for retaining the pipe end in a predetermined axial position in the inner channel and means (23) for fixing the tubular body in the hole in a predetermined axial position, means (22) for stopping the pipe end mounted on the tubular body designed to be mobile between a projecting position in the inner channel so as to counter the drive-up of the pipe end to its axial position and a retracted position so as to clear the passage for the pipe end towards its predetermined axial position, the stop means (22) being designed to co-operate with the element such that they shift from their projecting position to their retracted position when the tubular body is driven in the hole up to its predetermined axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Olivier Legeay
  • Publication number: 20040222630
    Abstract: A connecting structure and method for affixing an open end of a tube composed from thermoplastic resin material(s) to a tube connecting portion of a quick connector having a cylindrical geometry and at least one annular stopper on the cylindrical outer circumference thereof with said tube connecting portion being adapted to be press fitted into said open end of said resin tube. The connecting structure comprises; an annular band composed of elastomeric rubber which surrounds the open end of said resin tube adjacent the location of attachment to said quick connector having a length at least about equal to the diameter of the cylindrical outer circumference of the quick connector and a diameter such that a tightening force is applied to the resin tube upon press fitting said tube connecting portion into the open end of said resin tube to prevent disengagement therefrom. The connecting structure forms an integrated assembly with the tube connecting portion of the quick connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Kazutaka Katayama, Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 6810569
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a workpiece, such as an automotive fuel tank, that includes a connection between a male connector and a female connector, one of which includes a tab that is only removable following the connection. The tab includes a computer-readable code that is read by the computer. During manufacturing, the workpiece is loaded into a workstation, the connection is made, and the tab is removed. The tab is presented to a computer to verify the connection. In the event that a command is received to release the workpiece and the computer has not verified the connection, the computer issues an alert. In a workstation that comprises a computer-controlled release mechanism, a preferred alert comprises a refusal to release the workpiece prior to verification of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Engle, Harold E. Cunningham, Larry D. Land, James F. Potter
  • Patent number: 6808211
    Abstract: In a coupling for the connection of a washing-liquid pipe in a motor vehicle to another component, a catching element (3) designed for connecting two coupling parts (1, 2) has a shell (9) of C-shaped cross section intended for gripping. Catching noses (6) project radially inwardly from the shell (9). By this, mounting and demounting of the catching element (3) are especially simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Hofmann, Rolf-Dieter Schlein
  • Patent number: 6805383
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a connector housing having a through bore adapted to mate with an endform. An electrical contact is mountable in the bore of the connector housing and includes contact members in the form of projections to provide a secure electrical connection between the endform and the connector housing when the male endform is mounted in the connector housing. In one aspect, the electrical contact is formed as the spacer or top hat in the quick connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ostrander, Rick C. Kelley, George Szabo, Darrell Wilczynski, Kevin Kreiner
  • Publication number: 20040189001
    Abstract: The invention concerns a quick connector comprising 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 consisting of 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 said bore. The invention is characterised in that the lock further comprises 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 said passage orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Philippe Poder
  • Publication number: 20040183301
    Abstract: By attaching a socket to an end of one pipe to be connected, attaching a plug to an end of other pipe and inserting the plug into the socket, the both members are constituted to fit to connect. An inner periphery of the socket is provided with a seal ring 50 for sealing an interval between the inner periphery of the socket and an outer periphery of the plug in airtight and a hold ring 49 for restricting movement of the seal ring 50 in an axial direction. The hold ring 49 includes a groove 81 in a ring-like shape for constituting a burr storing space at an outer periphery thereof and is welded to the inner periphery of the socket by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Naoki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040178629
    Abstract: A socket is attached to an end of one pipe to be connected and a plug is attached to an end of other pipe. The socket is provided with a pair of notched grooves at peripheral faces on both sides opposed to each other and a stopper constituting a gate-like shape is mounted to the notched groove. The plug is provided with a first taper portion, a flat portion, and a second taper portion continuously from a front end side thereof in a sectional shape thereof along an axial direction and a groove fit with the stopper is formed at a ridge portion of the second taper portion. An inner periphery of the socket is arranged with a seal ring for sealing an interval between the inner periphery of the socket and an outer periphery of the plug in airtight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Naoki Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20040169371
    Abstract: A novel speed lock fitting with a threaded drive pin that obviates any shock or vibration to the piping system, and can also be used in tight spaces where no one could practically swing a hammer. Assembly of the connecting fitting with drive pins as shown in the illustrations can be accomplished with a cordless electric driver or hand tool such as a wrench or socket wrench. Disassembly is then simply the reverse of assembly. The drive pin can be applied with greater net force to the pipe wall, thus making it a good choice for standard and heavy wall pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Howard H. Hagiya
  • Publication number: 20040155462
    Abstract: A connector for securing tubular members or conduits in sealed end to end relationship is disclosed. A split ring biased to an unlocked position is carried on the pin connection member in a recess. After the connection is made, the split ring is expanded through a window in the box connection member and locked in place. Alternative embodiments showing a split ring biased to a locked position and a split ring with an articulated joint are shown. A fourth embodiment that allows preloading of the split ring is shown also.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis P. Nguyen, Delbert E. Vanderford
  • Patent number: 6767280
    Abstract: In a method of exhausting an interior room to atmosphere through a corrugated conduit, the use of a connector which is attached to the corrugated conduit by tongues seated in the recesses of the conduit corrugations as a result of a telescoping together of the connector and conduit, the tongues preventing opposite direction untelescoping and obviating leakage-promoting crushing of the corrugations as might result from using a clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Edwin L. Berger
  • Publication number: 20040135371
    Abstract: A fuel pipe joint having excellent fuel permeation resistance, particularly a fuel pipe joint for use in automobiles, which can greatly reduce the amount of fuel permeated through the wall and exhibits excellent rigidity and fuel barrier property even at high temperatures, the fuel pipe joint using a joint material comprising a polyamide (nylon 9T) consisting of a dicarboxylic acid component and a diamine component, with 60 to 100 mol % of the dicarboxylic acid component being a terephthalic acid and 60 to 100 mol % of the diamine component being a diamine component selected from 1,9-nonanediamine and 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine. The joint material preferably further comprises a reinforcement and/or an electrically conducting filler. The electrically conducting filler preferably has an aspect ratio of 50 or more and a short diameter of 0.5 nm to 10 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicants: Kuraray Co., Ltd., a Japanese corporation, Ube Industries, Ltd., a Japanese corporation
    Inventors: Haruhisa Masuda, Yuji Munesawa, Koichi Warino, Noriyuki Isobe, Hideki Fujimura, Yoshiro Iwata, Koji Nakamura, Kozo Tamura
  • Publication number: 20040135369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrugated pipe connecting arrangement comprising a corrugated pipe with corrugations extended transverse to its longitudinal axis, which can be arranged at substantially identical distances from each other, wherein said corrugated pipe is formed with a one-piece plain region at at least one end, said plain region comprising an abutment section, and can engage with a connecting element which may be merged with said plain region and said abutment section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Soren Schroter
  • Publication number: 20040130151
    Abstract: A pipe connection, consisting of a pipe (10), a holding plate (14) and a connection piece (18). The pipe is provided with a collar (12) which serves as an abutment for the holding plate, and the connection piece is provided with a groove (18b) into which the holding plate engages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Eckart Op Den Camp
  • Publication number: 20040124635
    Abstract: The invention is comprised of a means of quick connecting a male and female member, typically used to transmit fluid or gas under pressure, using only a standard internal retaining ring while still allowing for disassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: CHECKFLUID INC.
    Inventor: Bernard Hall
  • Patent number: 6755169
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intake system for an internal-combustion engine having an air conduit, particularly an air pipe, whose end is captively and releasably fastened to an opening of a component of the internal-combustion engine. Receiving elements for fastening devices are provided at the opening of the component, which fastening devices reach through bearing sleeves fastened to the end of the air conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Storz
  • Patent number: 6748915
    Abstract: A cuff is clamped to a boss on an air resonator. The cuff has an inner leg with an o-ring seal sized to provide a seal against an inner periphery of the air resonator boss. A throttle body has a boss to be received within the inner leg of the cuff, and will also deform the o-ring seal. The inner leg preferably includes a second forward seal which also contacts the throttle body boss. Preferably, this second seal includes a spring for biasing the second seal against the throttle body boss. The cuff is initially placed on the air resonator which may then be mounted within the engine compartment. The throttle body may be then simply snapped into the cuff. In this way, no space around the connection is necessary, while a dust-free connection is still provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Roderic Cole, Mark Letourneau, Frances Warren
  • Patent number: 6739630
    Abstract: A coupling member has an internally threaded end portion and an opposite socket end portion with a pair of axially-spaced internal circumferential grooves. The internally threaded end portion receives an externally threaded end portion on a pipe, while the opposite socket end portion receives an end portion of another pipe that has an external circumferential groove aligned with one of the pair of internal grooves. A spline is inserted into the aligned grooves through a transverse hole in the wall of the opposite end portion of the coupling member to hold the coupling member and the other pipe against relative axial movement. The spline is a wire rope to provide high shear strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventor: Charles H. Riedy
  • Patent number: 6739629
    Abstract: Aligned circumferential grooves between a bell and spigot form a passage for receiving a locking strap that is insertable into the passage through an entrance opening in the wall of the bell. The locking strap has at least one projection adjacent the tail end portion thereof for engaging a surface of the passage to resist withdrawal of the locking strap from the passage. The entrance opening and the tail end portion of the locking strap have cooperating abutment and shoulder surfaces to releasably lock the strap within the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Charles H. Riedy, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20040090066
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for fluidic systems, in particular for CO2— and fuel-conducting systems, comprising a housing (1) and a plug (2) which can be inserted into the housing (1), it being possible for the plug (2) to be inserted by means of a plug stem (3) into a receiving opening (4) of the housing (1) in a manner sealed by at least one circumferential seal (5, 5a, 5b) and, when inserted, for it to be locked therein against release by means of a locking device comprising at least one latching element (7) arranged on the plug (2) and a latching shoulder (8) interacting with the latching element (7), and the housing (1) being of two-part design by comprising an inner housing part (1a) and an outer housing part (1b), which can be connected releasably to the inner housing part (1a) and essentially surrounds the inner housing part (1a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Martin Hoffmann