With Manipulator Patents (Class 285/308)
  • Patent number: 6634679
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes a connector housing having a through bore adapted to receive a tubular endform. A retainer is transversely mountable through the connector housing into engagement with the endform. A retention clip having at least one angled end projection is carried on the retainer for movement to a final latched position with the endform while enabling the endform to be inserted into the connector housing without substantial contact with the retention clip. The retention clip is in the form of a planar body having at least one angled projection extending therefrom. Preferably, a plurality of angled projections are formed on the retention clip. The retention clip is fixedly secured to the retainer or insert molded in the retainer for movement concurrent with movement of the retainer relative to the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Stieler
  • Patent number: 6626465
    Abstract: A female element of a quick connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid passes wherein the element includes a body defining a housing for receiving a portion of a male endpiece. A retaining device is operable to selectively retain the endpiece in fitted configuration in the female element and includes a push-button which carries a lock for selectively locking the endpiece in the housing or for preventing the introduction of the endpiece in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Lacroix, René Chappaz
  • Publication number: 20030173780
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling which includes a locking ring (20) disposed in an coupling body to co-operate with a catch surface on a tube fitted into the coupling. The ring is elastically deformable to go between an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, in which at least one locking zone (30, 32) co-operates with the catch surface. To this end, the ring is provided with at least one unlocking bridge (22, 24) that protrudes through a slot in the body of the coupling. The ring is constituted by a strip that is plastically deformed to have at least the locking zone and the bridge. The ring forms a closed loop and has two ends (20A, 20B) which overlap, and which are suitable for sliding one over the other while the ring is being elastically deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Pascal Detable, Fabrice Prevot, Nicola Rigollet
  • Publication number: 20030173779
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a body composed of a resin material, a connecting member installed to one end of the body, an insert section inserted into the body, a first deformable section with a reduced diameter as compared with the insert section, and a second deformable section with a further reduced diameter as compared with the first deformable section. A fluid tube, to which a pressure fluid is supplied, is inserted into the other end of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Ezura
  • Patent number: 6612623
    Abstract: A connecting device for pipes conducting pressure medium, having a sleeve-like insert part which can be inserted in a frictional or form-fitting manner into a connecting opening in a connecting body and surrounding a receiving opening for a pipe to be inserted, a sealing element for producing a seal between the connecting body and the pipe, and a holding element with holding arms which extend radially inwardly into the receiving opening. A release sleeve engages displaceably in the insert part in such a manner that by pushing in the release sleeve, the holding element is deformed elastically for releasing the pipe. The holding element is held by an outer circumferential region in an essentially clearance-free manner axially relative to the insert part, so that elastic deformation takes place in the region of the holding arms when inserting or releasing the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Salomon-Bahls
  • Patent number: 6612622
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a housing assembly for receiving one end of a conduit with an enlarged annular flange and a retainer for locking the conduit in the housing assembly. The housing assembly includes first and second housings which are rotatably and non-axially displaceably interconnected. A rigid top hat is fixedly mounted in the bore in the first housing to prevent axial displacement of the first and second housings. An annular recess in the top hat receives the flange on the conduit. The housings can also be incrementally indexable ribs on a stem of one housing fixedly and non-rotatingly engage an inner surface of a flexible conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Andre, George Szabo
  • Publication number: 20030155766
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting hydraulic ducts has a female coupling (1) with a receptacle and a first locking face arranged around a longitudinal axis. A male coupling (2) forms a second locking face, arranged around the longitudinal axis. The male coupling (2) can be inserted in the direction of the longitudinal axis (4) through an opening into the receptacle (3). A holding element (9) has a ring (10) with several spring elements projecting from the ring (10). The spring elements (11) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (4). Locking elements (12) are formed on the free ends of the spring elements (11). The spring elements (11) are, respectively, elastically deformable against a spring force radially out of a locking position into a releasing position. In the inserted condition of the male coupling (2), the first locking face (15) and the second locking (16) face one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Diethard Wolf, Jorg Altenrath, Recep Macit
  • Publication number: 20030146623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick connection which comprises two elements, male and female, adapted to fit axially in each other. The body of the female element is equipped with a loaded bolt, mounted to slide in this body and pierced with a central opening for fit of the male element, the wall of this opening being equipped with three teeth offset with respect to one another along a median axis of the opening. The male element is provided with a shoulder adapted to rest selectively against one of the teeth. Means allow the downstream pipe to be placed in communication with the ambient atmosphere when the male element rests by its shoulder against the intermediate tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Lacroix
  • Patent number: 6598907
    Abstract: A fast-action coupler for coupling a first tubular component (1) to a second tubular component (2) includes a spring wire (8) as a retaining unit. The spring wire (8) is secured to the second component (2) and with its end part (12) is resiliently fixed in a locking position for a retaining part (6) on the first component (1). The end part (12) can also be unlocked simply and even from relatively great distances, counter to the spring force of the spring wire (8), by rotation of a tool (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bucher-Guyer AG
    Inventor: Eduard Hartmann
  • Patent number: 6557903
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a male component in the form of a spool fixedly mounted to a fluid conduit and a female component in the form of a housing having a bore open at one end for receiving the male component therein. A latch is rotatably mountable on the spool and is movable relative to a transverse channel in the female component between a first installed position with respect to the channel and a second latched position wherein the latch engages opposed notches in the channel to latch the spool in the housing. At least one latch clip is mountable on the latch and engageable with edges of the channel in the body to resist rotation of the latch from the latched position. An optional secondary latch clip is engageable with the latch clip, the latch and the opposed side edges of the channel to further resist rotation of the latch from the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel H. Walker
  • Patent number: 6557899
    Abstract: The releasable plug coupling is used for connecting fluid lines, particularly, fuel lines of motor vehicles. The plug coupling comprises a tubular plug-in part (3) with an annular retaining lip (4) as well as a coupling housing (1) with a cylindrical receiving space (2) for inserting the plug-in part (3) and a separate retaining element (7) with elastic retaining edges (11) that project radially into the receiving space (2) and that grip behind the retaining lip (4) after the plug-in part (3) is inserted into the receiving space (2). The retaining edges (11) are attached to support bodies (12) that are connected at their ends by elastic connecting pieces (14) that form a V to pressure plates (15). These plates extend outwards through corresponding openings (16) in the housing wall (17) and are pressed together from the outside for releasing the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Daniel Martin-Cocher, Erminio Moretti
  • Publication number: 20030080560
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coupling the end of a fuel feed hose with the opening of feed equipment placed inside a motor vehicle fuel tank. The system is remarkable in teat the end of said hose and said opening have resiliently snap-fastening complementary locking means provided with an elastically-deformable tongue which can be moved to perform unlocking, said tongue being positioned in such a manner that when said equipment is mounted inside the tank, it comes into contact or nearly into contact with a wall zone of the tank in such a manner that unlocking said coupling system is not possible. The coupling system improves fixing between a hose and an opening. The coupling is applicable to the automobile industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Pascal Leymarie, Dieter Belhauser
  • Publication number: 20030080559
    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 virtue of this, mounting and demounting of the catching element (3) are especially simple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Jurgen Hofmann, Rolf-Dieter Schlein
  • Patent number: 6547284
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful fluid conduit coupling apparatus which allows quick connection and disconnection with substantially no introduction of ambient fluids or air into the process fluid. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a quick connect/disconnect coupling for a fluid conduit, the coupling comprising assemblies for attaching to the ends of a conduit to be connected and for subsequently mating together, each assembly comprising a normally closed channel; means for expelling fluid from between the assemblies when the assemblies are to be connected to each other; means for preventing fluid from entering the assemblies from outside when the assemblies are being connected; means for opening the normally closed channels, means operable by the connecting of the assemblies to each other; latch means for securing the assemblies together, the latch means disconnectable by means of a hand operated unlatching means or by the application of a predetermined tensile force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Med-Eng Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Lorney Rose, Anthony Joseph Francis Corriveau, Kirk Alan Dobbs
  • Patent number: 6540263
    Abstract: A rapid-action coupling for hoses or rigid lines with a coupling box, a plug-in nipple and a locking element. The coupling housing has a recess and an opening that extends essentially vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the recess. The plug-in nipple and the coupling housing are connected by introducing the nipple into the recess. The nipple is locked by introducing a locking element into a first end of an opening into engagement with the housing. The locking element includes an arm for releasing the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Andreas Sausner
  • Patent number: 6536807
    Abstract: A detachable coupling includes a housing having wall, an end that has an inner wall, and a receiving space that has an opening in the end. The opening and the receiving space receives a tubular insertion part that has a retaining rib. An indicating part is removably mounted to the end of the receiving housing and includes a support ring and a lever. The lever has a free end and a inner end and is pivotally mounted to the support ring and extends into the receiving space. A support projection is positioned on the inner end of the lever and contacts the inner wall. Insertion of the tubular insertion part causes the retaining rib to contact the free end of the lever and results in the pivoting of the lever. Pivoting of the lever disengages the support projection from the inner wall and dismounts the indicating part from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Albert Raymond, Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher, Hans-Jurgen Lesser
  • Publication number: 20030052484
    Abstract: The invention concerns a supply connection device (10) for a fluid pressure system, wherein a connection (30) comprises a head (35) designed to be axially received in a body (11) of a supply intake (12), and wherein the connection (30) is capable of being locked in front position axially engaged in the supply intake body (11) by locking means (60), which consist of a globally symmetrical U-shaped pin with two transverse locking branches (62), the connection (30) being unlocked from the body (11), for axially releasing, at least partly, rearward the connection (30) outside the body (11), by elastic deformation of the locking means (60) which results from the co-operation between at least a part (66) of the locking branches (62) and at least a part (17) of the body (11) under the action of a releasing force exerted on the locking means (60) along a transverse direction (T1), the elastic deformation is obtained by exerting a releasing force by thrusting on a connecting section (61) of the two branches (62) of th
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Stephane Rautureau
  • Patent number: 6530605
    Abstract: A quick connector for pipes for pressure or vacuum testing includes a tubular housing extending in an axial direction, a spreadable connecting element mounted within the tubular housing, formed as a sleeve and configured to clamp a pipe in a connected position, and an actuating device configured to act upon the connecting element to release the connecting element. The actuating device includes a hand lever extending in the axial direction of the housing. The hand lever has an actuating push rod that extends through an outer wall of the housing. The quick connector includes further a piston positioned within the housing and configured to be movable in the axial direction by the actuating device, and a compression spring positioned within the housing and configured to bias the piston in a connected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Patent number: 6520546
    Abstract: A release tool for a quick connector with a radially displaceable retainer has a pair of arms extending from a collar which are normally disposed on axially extending surfaces of the housing of the female component of the quick connector when the release tool is mounted on the housing. A retainer engaging surface on each of the arms is movably engageable with projections on side legs of the retainer to urge the projections and the end portions of the side legs of the retainer radially inward to a position where the projections are disengaged from lock edges on the axially extending surfaces of the housing to allow disengagement of the retainer element from the male component of the quick connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: George Szabo
  • Patent number: 6517121
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling assembly includes (a) a female coupling member; (b) a male coupling member including an annular rib; (c) an expandable locking ring carried by the female coupling member, where the locking ring has an unexpanded inner diameter that is less than the maxinium diameter of the annular rib, and has an inner diameter slightly larger than the maxinum diameter of the annular rib when expanded; (d) a rotatable dial carried on the male coupling member; and (e) a mechanical actuator including an axial lever coupled to the dial such that the axial lever extends radially outwardly upon rotation of the dial in a first direction to uncouple the male coupling member from the female coupling member, and retracts inwardly with respect to the male coupling member upon rotation of the dial in an opposite direction to couple the male coupling member to the female coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Cresswell
  • Patent number: 6499772
    Abstract: A radial conduit coupling is provided. The conduit coupling may include a tubular first connector having an exterior diameter, an interior diameter and first and second ends. The first end may be adapted to receive a first conduit. The second end may include at least one locking lug configured to cooperate with at least one shaped cavity associated with a component of a conduit system. The locking lug may extend from at least one tab lock disposed at the second end of the first connector. In one embodiment, a protrusion may extend from the interior diameter and generally separate the first end from the second end. The protrusion may include an interior diameter which generally corresponds to the interior diameter of the first conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Minemyer
  • Publication number: 20020180210
    Abstract: The releasable plug coupling is used for connecting fluid lines, particularly fuel lines of motor vehicles. The plug coupling comprises a tubular plug-in part (3) with an annular retaining lip (4) as well as a coupling housing (1) with a cylindrical receiving space (2) for inserting the plug-in part (3) and a separate retaining element (7) with elastic retaining edges (11) that project radially into the receiving space (2) and that grip behind the retaining lip (4) after the plug-in part (3) is inserted into the receiving space (2). The retaining edges (11) are attached to support bodies (12) that are connected at their ends by elastic connecting pieces (14) that form a V to pressure plates (15). These plates extend outwards through corresponding openings (16) in the housing wall (17) and are pressed together from the outside for releasing the coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel Martin-Cocher, Erminio Moretti
  • Publication number: 20020175518
    Abstract: A tube joint includes a body made of a resin material and having a first end side with an edge. A connecting member inserted into the first end side of the body has an annular expanded section which outwardly projects from an outer circumferential surface of the connecting member and which engages with an inner circumferential wall surface of the body at the first end side. A ring member fitted to an outer circumferential wall surface of the first end side of the body presses the outer circumferential wall surface of the body radially inwardly. The ring member is positioned between the annular expanded section of the connecting member and the edge of the first end side, so that the body and the connecting member are prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Muto
  • Patent number: 6481758
    Abstract: A system for connecting a tube (10) to a flexible hose (14) having an endpiece (12). One of the two parts constituted by the tube and the endpiece is suitable for fitting in the other of said two parts in a coupling situation, in which first and second locking means (26, 30) belonging respectively to the endpiece and to the tube co-operate for locking the connection. The endpiece has first and second rings (16, 18) disposed one after the other on a first of the inside and outside faces (15A) of the hose (14), and a tubular body (22) which is placed on the second of said faces (15B) . A sealing gap (20) is organized between the rings (16 and 18), and the gasket for sealing the connection is formed by a swelling (24) of hose material occupying said gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Michel Andre, Nicolas Rigollet, Pascal Detable
  • Patent number: 6471250
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving together simultaneously male and female coupling members attached to manifold or junction plates is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sloped cam surface on the first or lower junction plate, and a central shaft having a cam follower that moves up the sloped cam surface to urge the two junction plates together, and thereby connect male and female coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6467816
    Abstract: A water pipe joint includes a main body, a control sleeve, and an elastic element. The main body is provided with a plurality of expansion holes and receiving slots. The elastic element is disposed in a receiving gap of the main body. The control sleeve is provided with a plurality of retaining blocks and resilient pieces. The control sleeve is joined with the main body such that the retaining blocks of the control sleeve are slidably received in the receiving slots of the main body, and such that the retaining blocks of the control sleeve are acted on by the elastic element and the resilient piece to extend out of the expansion holes of the main body, so as to be detachably engaged with a water discharging connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Huang-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 6457749
    Abstract: A lock assembly for locking an outer tubular element to an inner tubular element extending through the outer tubular element for holding loads between the tubular member when lowered downhole. The assembly includes a lock mandrel connected to one of the tubular elements and the other tubular element having a recess with at least one inwardly converging side surface. A lock member, having a retracted and an expanded mode, is arranged between the first and second tubular elements. The lock member is movable relative to the recess in the retracted mode and locks against the inwardly diverging side surface when in the expanded mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Publication number: 20020135182
    Abstract: A detachable coupler for a seed carrying conduit comprises a first male portion and a second female portion. The first male portion is provided with a circumferential latching engagement channel. One side of the channel is defined by a circumferential latching rim having an angled surface and a latching surface. The second portion is provided with at least two tongs. The tongs are provided with latches for engaging the latching channel. The second portion is also provided with a seed cut off comprising a sliding gate. The gate is slidably positioned in a slot formed in a tower integral with the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Nathan Albert Mariman
  • Patent number: 6443498
    Abstract: A joint engagement device includes a base board having a plurality of first joints defined therein and two sidewalls extend from the base board. A connection board is connected between the two sidewalls and two slots are defined through the connection board so that two posts of a carrier member movbaly extend therein. An operation frame has two arms each of which is connected between the sidewall and the post. An engaging board has a plurality of second joints and is engaged with between the two posts of the carrier member. The carrier member carries the engaging board to move toward the base board to engage the second joints with the first joints when pivoting the operation frame toward the base board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Aerospace Industrial Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ing-Fang Liao
  • Publication number: 20020109351
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting two members is provided that includes a first “male” member and a second “female” member. The first member includes a release sleeve moveably mounted thereon having a rigid release portion and a flexible sealing portion. The second member comprises at least one of an integral coupling member integrated into an apparatus, such as a pump, and an independent coupling member. Upon connection of the first and second members, the flexible sealing portion sealingly engages a mating surface on the second member to substantially inhibit the entry of contamination into an area between the first and second members when connected. The present invention provides an improved release sleeve that releases the male member from both an independent female member and an integral female member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: David S. Densel, Stephen D. Hargett, Philip C. VanRiper, Todd J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6428055
    Abstract: A connection unit of a releasable quick coupling that includes a cylindrical housing head, connecting sleeve, support sleeve and a ceiling ring. The cylindrical housing head defines a receiving space and includes a retaining element having movable edges that are directed into the receiving space. A tubular inserting part having a encircling retaining rib is insertable into the receiving space such that the retaining rib is engaged by the retaining element. The connecting sleeve is molded an end of the housing head and is adapted to be inserted into the end of the pipeline. The body of the connecting sleeve and detents of the housing head form a mounting space that is adapted to receive and secure an edge of the pipeline. Additionally, a support sleeve is mounted on the connecting sleeve at a second end opposite said housing head. Finally, a sealing ring is disposed within the support sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Erminio Moretti, Albert Raymond, Gilles Perrin
  • Publication number: 20020093194
    Abstract: This invention relates to a female element of a rapid connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid passes, said element comprising a body defining a housing for receiving a part of a male endpiece and means for locking said endpiece in fitted configuration in said female element. The locking means are controlled by a press-button which bears controlled means, such as a cylinder controlling a bolt, for selectively blocking the locking means in configuration of hold of said part of the endpiece in the housing and/or in a configuration opposing the introduction of a part of an endpiece in said housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Lacroix, Rene Chappaz
  • Publication number: 20020079698
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a male component in the form of a spool fixedly mounted to a fluid conduit and a female component in the form of a housing having a bore open at one end for receiving the male component therein. A latch is rotatably mountable on the spool and is movable relative to a transverse channel in the female component between a first installed position with respect to the channel and a second latched position wherein the latch engages opposed notches in the channel to latch the spool in the housing. At least one latch clip is mountable on the latch and engageable with edges of the channel in the body to resist rotation of the latch from the latched position. An optional secondary latch clip is engageable with the latch clip, the latch and the opposed side edges of the channel to further resist rotation of the latch from the latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel H. Walker
  • Patent number: 6402204
    Abstract: A quick connect retainer having a pair of angularly disposed latch fingers extending radially inward from arcuate collars connecting a pair of legs extending axially from an annular base has a recess formed on a radially inner surface. The recess provides a substantially constant cross-sectional thickness to each latch finger between opposed ends of each latch finger. The recess forms a back-draft outer edge for mating with complimentary projections on a mold part to retain the latch fingers in position during separation of the mold halves during molding of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Stuart, Jamie T. Weinert
  • Publication number: 20020063427
    Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner wand has an inner tube formed with an axially extending row of radially outwardly open recesses, an outer tube, and a latch base part fixed to the outer tube and formed with an elastically deformable web carrying a latching block displaceable radially into and out of the recesses. The base part also is formed with a pair of radially outwardly projecting guide walls forming radially inwardly directed guide edges. A movable latch part fitting over the base part is formed with a pair of radially inwardly projecting guide walls forming radially outwardly directed guide edges sliding on the guide edges of the base part for sliding between axially offset latched and unlatched positions. A radially inwardly projecting actuating bump formed in the movable part bears in the latched position radially inward on the block and holds the block in the inner position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: FROH HOUSE TECH GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Schiemann, Hartmut Kiel
  • Patent number: 6390511
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling generally comprises a housing having an axial bore extending inwardly from an entrance and increasing in diameter moving into the housing. A tube has a tube bead of increased diameter spaced from an inner end of the tube and is insertable into the bore. A generally annular radially expandable collet disposed within the bore expands upon insertion of the tube and contracts onto the tube outwardly of the tube bead. The collet functions as a wedge between the tube bead and the increasing diameter portion of the housing, thereby retaining the tube within the housing. In one embodiment, a spring disposed within the housing biases the collet toward the entrance of the housing, ensuring proper position of the collet in extreme conditions. The inventive collet allows smaller tube bead diameters to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: CooperStandard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kargula
  • Patent number: 6386596
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for non-rotatably connecting a hose to a male stem member is made of plastic and in accordance with a first embodiment includes a plastic fitting body on which is mounted a plastic annular cap having depending lugs. The cap is welded or otherwise fixed to the end of the fitting body. A collet is slid into the annular cap. The collet has depending arms which nest between the lugs on the annular cap so that the collet does not rotate. Detents on the arms seat in a groove on the male stem member to retain the stem member within the fitting body. In accordance with a second embodiment, the fitting body is in the form of a unitary female member which utilizes a substantially C-shaped resilient detent inserted radially through a slot in the female member to retain the male stem member therein by seating in a circumferential groove in the male stem member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Darwin Olson
  • Publication number: 20020053798
    Abstract: A pipe joint assembly includes a cylindrical pipe and a pipe element having a generally cylindrical terminal portion for receiving the end of the pipe. The terminal portion is formed with a roughly straight open ended channel extending in a direction tangential to, but intersecting, the cylindrical pipe. A lock pin is insertable along the open ended channel so as to cause local inward deformation of the end, thereby locking the end and the pipe element together. The lock pin has a parallel-sided shaft portion of minimum transverse dimension d and a tapered portion of length l tapering to a point, where l is no less than twice d and is no greater than four times d. This geometry facilitates insertion of the lock pin through a combined linear and rotational displacement which is highly effective for ensuring effecting and reliable interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph R. Mehr
  • Patent number: 6354635
    Abstract: A cuff (10) for joining together an inner and outer pipe (16, 14), the cuff being slideable along at least part of the inner pipe to allow nesting of the pipes. The cuff (10) comprises a housing (12) and an interlocking member (28). The interlocking member (28) lies, in use, in a plane extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the pipes. The interlocking member has an actuator and an interengaging portion for interengaging with the inner pipe (16). In use, the interengaging portion lies on the side of inner pipe (16) remote from the actuator portion (30) so that, when the interlocking member (28) is translated within the plane on actuation, the interengaging portion is released from the inner pipe. A pair of diametrically opposed lugs (not shown) are located on the interlocking member (28) and a compression spring (not shown) acts between each lug and the housing (12) so as to bias the interengaging portion into engagement with the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Notetry Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Michael David Ganderton
  • Publication number: 20020000720
    Abstract: A washdown system with a hose, nozzle fitting and water supply connection assembly. The hose includes a generally helical central portion and end portions extending generally axially from the central portion. The water supply connection assembly may include female and male portions. The male portion connects to a water supply fitting. When connected to the female portion, the male portion can be swiveled substantially 360°. The female portion may include a quick-disconnect assembly to reversibly couple the male portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: L. James Knowles
  • Patent number: 6332773
    Abstract: A handle (1) for gas burners, wherein a plug insert is locked in an axial direction by means of a lock (10) and rotation of the plug insert is fixed at a particular position. When the lock (10) is activated, the rotational locking can be released so as to modify the rotational position of the plug insert, without having to remove the plug insert from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: J. Lorch Gesellschaft & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20010045748
    Abstract: A ring member and ring members made of metal are tightened and installed to the outer circumferential surface of a body made of a resin material. Accordingly, the body is prevented from outward deformation. When a tube joint is used in a high temperature atmosphere, even if any force acts on a fluid tube in the direction to cause detachment from the tube joint due to any external force or the pressure fluid flowing through the inside of the tube joint, then the fluid tube and a connecting member inserted into the body are reliably prevented from disengagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: MASAAKI MUTO
  • Publication number: 20010045749
    Abstract: A quick coupling device between a pipe and a rigid element including an external body (12), a gripper (13) which can be positioned in a cavity (18) of the external body (12) within which one end of the pipe (22) is able to be placed, and a gasket (14), a ring-shaped projection (19) being provided in a middle area of the cavity (18), radially protruding inwards and suitable to hold one end of the gripper (13) in the cavity (18) sliding between the projection (19) and the bottom (24) where the gasket (14) is placed, in which the gripper (13) carries an additional pair of gaskets (15, 16) in an end portion placed in an area of the cavity facing an end opened outwards, suitable to ensure the seal of the gripper (13) both as regards an external surface of the inserted pipe (22) as well as an internal surface of the cavity (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Giovanni Camozzi, Gianluca Gnutti
  • Patent number: 6318764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable rapid-action coupling device designed to receive a tubular plug-in element (3) having a circular retaining rib (4). Said device comprises a receiving housing (1) having a cylindrical receiving space (6) for introducing the plug-in element (3) and a separate retaining element (2) made of hard-elastic plastic material and having elastically expandable retaining edges (17) facing inwards in the shape of an arc of a circle, which edges serve to engage the retaining rib (4) from behind after the plug-in element (3) has been introduced. The retaining element (2) can be pushed in from the outside in an opening (11) of the housing wall (5) to release the plug-in element (3). The receiving space (6) consists of three stepped sections. The housing (1) is embodied as a two-part structure. In order to move the opening (11) for pushing in and releasing the retaining element (2) into a better position, if necessary, when only limited space is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Michael Trede, Erminio Moretti, David Letort
  • Patent number: 6312019
    Abstract: A pipe joint is provided in which a simple means improves the sealing performance produced by an elastic sealing member housed in a joint body. At one end of a fluid passage 4 that penetrates through the inside of a joint body 1, there is disposed an enlarged diameter recess 8 in which the inner rear side thereof is made into a housing for sealing member 5 and the mouth side thereof is made into a housing for tube holding mechanism 7 having an engaging groove 6 for a tube holding mechanism 2. This joint body 1 is constructed as a cold-forged component of a metal material. An elastic sealing member 3 is housed in the above-mentioned housing for sealing member 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Nakazumi, Shizuo Mori
  • Patent number: 6308995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick release coupling device comprising an annular groove (4) formed on the inner face of one of the hollow bodies, a projecting part (6) formed on the other hollow body (2) and a force transmitting member (5) engaged with the groove and the projecting part (6). A shoulder (23) is provided for fixing the force transmitting member (5) to hinder the loosening of the coupling under loading. The inventive device is advantageous in that its design and use are straightforward while meeting the requirements related to safety and ease of cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Simson Innovationen
    Inventor: Dionizy Simson
  • Patent number: 6305721
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for pressure application systems, including a receiving component, a connector component with a connecting shaft, an expanding cylinder supported on the connecting shaft between a radial step and a limit stop, and a spring unit initially supported on the expanding cylinder. The receiving component defines an opening and has a holding element, which is biased in a closed position and movable to an opened position. The connecting shaft of the connector component can be inserted into the opening of the receiving component along an insertion direction thereby engaging the radial step with the holding element to prevent loosening of the connector component from the receiving component. In this position, the expanding cylinder is located between the spring unit and the limit stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co
    Inventors: Gundolf Heinrichs, Manfred Berg
  • Patent number: 6231089
    Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling having a female coupling member, a male coupling member, and a clip member slidably mounted on the female coupling member for retaining the female and male coupling members together in a coupled state. The clip member is designed to prevent inadvertent actuation thereof, thereby preventing accidental disconnection of the female and male coupling members once they are in the coupled state. The clip member must be actuated from a lock position to an unlock position before the clip member can be actuated from its connect position to its disconnect position. Thus two separate movements of the clip member are required before the coupling can be disconnected and/or connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: Charles Peter DeCler, David W. Meyer
  • Patent number: 6199918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in rapid-action coupling device (10) for corrugated tubes (12) which have recesses (22) provided at unit spacings on the outer circumference, having a coupling body (14) with an opening (16) which passes through symmetrically and has an axis (20), having a plug-in region (18), within which the corrugated tube (12) can be arranged, and having at least one elastically deformable latching unit (30) which is provided, in the plug-in region (18), on the wall of the coupling body (14), which is arranged so as to be inclined in the direction toward the axis (20), and which, in the plugged-in state of the corrugated tube (12), latches into a recess (22) which is provided correspondingly on the corrugated tube (12), with the result that the corrugated tube (12) is secured against being drawn out, and said plug-in rapid-action coupling device (10) is distinguished in that, in the plug-in region (18), at least two slits (36), which are spaced apart essentially parallel to one another, are
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Adam Gerich
  • Patent number: 6186561
    Abstract: The present invention provides a retainer for a pipe connecting device, capable of being disengaged from a pipe without using any special disconnecting tool when disconnecting the pipe from the connector housing, and of remaining on a connector housing without being separated together with the pipe from the connector housing when the pipe is disconnected from the connector. A retainer (17) of an elastic material is interposed between a pipe (14) and a connector housing (15) in a known manner. When the pipe connecting device is in a connecting state, first catching edges (26a) of a pair of flexible catching parts (26) formed in a middle part of the retainer (17) are in engagement with a stopping protrusion (18) formed on the pipe (14), second catching parts (26b) lie in openings (20) formed in the connector housing (15) and are in engagement with support bars (19). Parts near the pair of second catching edges (26b) are connected integrally by fixed walls (28) serving as a spacing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuo Kaishio, Masao Ueno