Cam Lever Patents (Class 285/312)
  • Publication number: 20120235402
    Abstract: A preconditioned air connector (PCA) may be provided with a hollow body configured to pass a fluid flow, and a first mount assembly coupled to the hollow body. The first mount assembly may include a first cam joint with a first arcuate path of motion in a first plane generally tangential to the hollow body, a first mount coupled to the first cam joint, and a first lever coupled to the first cam joint. The first lever may be configured to actuate the first mount via a first transfer of motion through the first cam joint to draw the first mount inwardly toward the hollow body. In addition, the first mount may be configured to draw the hollow body and a mating component inwardly toward one another to pass the fluid flow between the hollow body and the mating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Janis, Folkert Fred Koch, Wolfgang Ott, Christopher Robin Drake, Brian Michael Piety, Mark David Resendes
  • Patent number: 8240718
    Abstract: A quick-connect sanitary fluid connector system provides for connection of a sanitary fluid system to an industry standard, flanged sanitary fitting. The standard fitting is placed in abutting relation to a sanitary gasket and to a first fitting of the quick connector, and at least two eccentric cams operated by cam levers press against the back surface of the standard connector flange, thereby applying pressure to the juncture and forming an abutted sanitary seal which avoids fluid entrapment within the connector. The joining pressure can adjustable by threaded rotation of the first fitting within a connector body. The cam levers can include locking holes and pins for locking the levers in their locking positions. Insertion of the standard fitting can automatically open the cams, and springs can automatically return the cam levers to their locking positions. Spring retracted telescoping cam levers can be automatically latched in their locking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: HITCO, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Morton, George Carmichael
  • Patent number: 8235425
    Abstract: A lever arm coupling for detachably connecting hose lines has a first connection part and a second connection part, the coupling operable by way of at least one lever arm. The lever arm comprises a pressure application section that is mounted pivotably about a pivot bolt that defines a pivot axis, the pressure application section reaching through a radial opening into a receptacle space of a receptacle housing. A securing disk is pivotably disposed on the pivot bolt parallel to the pressure application section. The securing disk is mounted pivotably between stops at the second connection part and can be carried along with the lever arm, wherein a pivoting of the securing disk can be executed in such a way that a secured pressure release position of the lever arm coupling is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Dieter Eich
  • Patent number: 8186718
    Abstract: A tubular connection structure having a tubular connection body, having a tubular space, each of the two sides of which has an open slot extended to form a pivotal base, the bottom of the tubular connection body extended to form a fastening base; a clasp lever pivotally connected to the pivotal bases, one end being a pressing portion, the other end being a stirring portion having a stirring lever accommodating base; a stirring lever accommodated in the stirring lever accommodating base, the top of the stirring lever being a stop convex portion configured to fasten the fastening base; a reset component one end of the reset component urged towards the stirring lever, the other end being urged towards the clasp lever; and at least two fixing members, connected to the clasp lever and the pivotal bases and connected to the stirring lever and the stirring lever accommodating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Tsan-Jee Chen
  • Patent number: 8172271
    Abstract: A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Randy J. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8146958
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a preconditioned air connector has a hollow body configured to route a fluid therethrough and a hook member configured to mate with a cooperating element to draw the hollow body into fluid communication with a mating component. The preconditioned air connector also has a pivotable member actuatable along an arc tangential to the hollow body to direct axial translation of the hook member from a first position to a second position to draw the hollow body into fluid communication with the mating component. The pivotable member has an arcuate camming surface having a locking portion that secures the connector in a fully engaged position with respect to the mating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Janis, Folkert Fred Koch, Wolfgang Ott, Christopher Robin Drake, Brian Michael Piety, Mark David Resendes
  • Patent number: 8146957
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a polyethylene body, wherein the polyethylene is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The polyethylene body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the polyethylene body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Janis, Folkert Fred Koch, Wolfgang Ott, Christopher Robin Drake, Brian Michael Piety, Mark David Resendes
  • Patent number: 8123256
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a safety lock for a cam lock fitting contained in a housing mounted onto the outside of the cam lock fitting so that the housing is in close proximity to the cam lever so that when the cam lock fitting is pressurized and the lever is in a down position a pin can extend from the housing so as to secure the lever in a downward position and therefore prevent operation or release of the male and the female portions of the fitting. The housing has a piston therein which moves along a bore so that the piston can be moved by the pressure of fluid contained inside the cam lock fitting so that in a low pressure condition the pin is retracted so that the cam lever can then be raised. The pin is connected to the piston with an L-shaped arm which has a pivot point so that when the piston is in the down position the pin is in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hartman
  • Publication number: 20110316272
    Abstract: An easily unlatchable cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes a cam arm pivotally mounted or a female tubular coupler and extending thereinto for locking a male tubular end of one of the tubular members, a spring-loaded latch bolt movably mounted in the cam arm to engage a cavity of the coupler so as to lock the cam arm at a locking position, and a releasing lever pivotally mounted on the cam arm and coupled to the latch bolt such that, when the releasing lever is turned from a latched position to an unlatched position, the latch bolt is retracted and disengaged from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Waterson CHEN
  • Patent number: 8083265
    Abstract: An easily unlatchable cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes a cam arm pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler and extending thereinto for locking a male tubular end of one of the tubular members, a spring-loaded latch bolt movably mounted in the cam arm to engage a cavity of the coupler so as to lock the cam arm at a locking position, and a releasing lever pivotally mounted on the cam arm and coupled to the latch bolt such that, when the releasing lever is turned from a latched position to an unlatched position, the latch bolt is retracted and disengaged from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Publication number: 20110221188
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices and methods to partially, substantially or completely alleviate premature wear-and-tear and damage to fittings used in conjunction with industrial hoses during repeated use. In one embodiment, a device includes one or more rings adapted to position about a portion of the fitting. In one embodiment, the ring may include one or more notches corresponding to one or more features on the fitting. In another embodiment, the ring does not include any notches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: John Fuller, Michael Casey
  • Patent number: 7988200
    Abstract: A fluid system component includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other to define a fluid passageway. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured to be received in a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a pin controlled by a crank arm assembly adjacent a collar handle. The crank arm assembly includes a crank arm handle that rotates to withdrawn the pin from the second element and which facilitates rotation of the first element relative to the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hiltap Fittings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Patent number: 7984930
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a PCA connector has a nylon body, wherein the nylon is durable, corrosion resistant, and exhibits excellent strength over a large range of temperature and moisture conditions. The nylon body may be described as a single structure with integral features, such as a bearing portion, a latch housing portion, a latch guide portion, and so forth. Thus, the number of parts is significantly reduced by the one-piece design of the body. In addition, the PCA connector may include a latching mechanism configured to secure the PCA connector to an aircraft. For example, the latching mechanism may include a pair of levers, which engage a pair of latches on opposite sides of the nylon body. In some embodiments, the levers may be rotated in opposite directions relative to one another to impart movement of the latches in the same direction, e.g., an axial direction. Also, some embodiments of the latching mechanism include a cam between the levers and the latches, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Janis, Folkert Fred Koch, Wolfgang Ott, Christopher Robin Drake, Brian Michael Piety, Mark David Resendes
  • Patent number: 7976072
    Abstract: A connector for a high amperage, AC or DC connection comprises a plug and a receptacle configured to a securely mate and lock with each other. Connector receptacles comprise a locking mechanism having a bottom latch bracket having two slots, a top latch bracket having arcuate grooves and being pivotally coupled to the bottom latch bracket, and a latching rod configured to engage a plug and having guide pins extending through the slots and arcuate grooves. When the top latch bracket is in an unlocked position, the distance between the guide pins is at a maximum. Upon turning the top latch bracket, the guide pins move cooperatively within the arcuate grooves and the distance between the guide pins is minimized and the latching rod securely engages the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Edward Parrish
  • Publication number: 20110095525
    Abstract: A lever arm coupling (1) for detachably connecting hose lines is described, comprising a first connection part (4) and a second connection part (5), said coupling operable by way of at least one lever arm (11). The lever arm (11) comprises a pressure application section that is mounted pivotably about a pivot bolt (51) that defines a pivot axis, said pressure application section reaching through a radial opening (52) into a receptacle space of a receptacle housing (50). A securing disk (10) is pivotably disposed on the pivot bolt (51) parallel to the pressure application section. The securing disk (10) is mounted pivotably between stops at the second connection part (5) and can be carried along with the lever arm (11), wherein a pivoting of the securing disk (10) can be executed in such a way that a secured pressure release position of the lever arm coupling (1) is attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Dieter Eich
  • Publication number: 20100289260
    Abstract: A quick-connect sanitary fluid connector system provides for connection of a sanitary fluid system to an industry standard, flanged sanitary fitting. The standard fitting is placed in abutting relation to a sanitary gasket and to a first fitting of the quick connector, and at least two eccentric cams operated by cam levers press against the back surface of the standard connector flange, thereby applying pressure to the juncture and forming an abutted sanitary seal which avoids fluid entrapment within the connector. The joining pressure can adjustable by threaded rotation of the first fitting within a connector body. The cam levers can include locking holes and pins for locking the levers in their locking positions. Insertion of the standard fitting can automatically open the cams, and springs can automatically return the cam levers to their locking positions. Spring retracted telescoping cam levers can be automatically latched in their locking positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: HITCO, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Morton, George Carmichael
  • Patent number: 7762246
    Abstract: A paintball gun preferably includes an adjustable, clamping feed tube. The feed tube can, for instance, include a lever for closing and opening a clamp, thereby tightening or loosening a receiving end of a feed tube to secure or release a hopper neck. The feed tube also preferably includes a finger adjustable nut for adjusting the size of the receiving end to accommodate differently sized hopper necks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward S. Telford
  • Patent number: 7703812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick coupling comprising a base plate and a support plate, with the mounting frame being guided movably at the base plate and having means for connection to the support plate. In accordance with the invention, the support plate is moved toward the base plate by means of the mounting frame to close the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hydraulikbagger GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Asam, Roland Wachter, Christian Walter
  • Patent number: 7543857
    Abstract: A coupling for joining conduits together is disclosed, the coupling having male and female fitting portions held in engagement by a self-locking roller cam positioned on the female portion. The roller cam has a cam body rotatable about an axis offset from the center of the cam body. An annular roller surrounds the cam body and is rotatable relatively to it. An outwardly facing surface on the roller engages an opposing concave surface on the male portion of the coupling. Reaction forces between the roller and the opposing surface operate along a line of action initially positioned to one side of the offset axis to create a torque opposing rotation of the cam into engagement with the opposing concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 7523963
    Abstract: A split ring assembly for maintaining a releasable pipe coupling, of the type having a female portion having two pivoted opposite cam lever arms and a circumferentially grooved male portion, in an engaged position comprising: two generally semicircular ring portions hinged together on one side and provided with a latch mechanism on a diametrically opposite side; wherein each ring portion is notched to receive a swinging end portion of one of the cam lever arms; and wherein each ring portion is sized to closely surround the female portion of the pipe coupling. Then when the ring assembly surrounds said female portion and the pivoted arms, closing the latch mechanism visibly ensures that the coupling portions remain locked together. The split ring assembly is a rugged visibly convincing assurance that a coupling will not inopportunely open. It can be manipulated by an operator wearing heavy gloves in subzero weather or during a snow storm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventors: Garry D. Draper, Robert T. Valiquette
  • Patent number: 7520538
    Abstract: A purge gas introduction system for an orbital tube welding setup is provided, configured to inject high purity inert purge gas to the interior volume of a tube or tubular component. An o-ring is interposed between an annular base and an annular ring, their junction forming an annular o-ring groove, each part forming one sidewall, with the o-ring fully recessed within the groove, protecting the o-ring during the insertion and removal of a tube. The annular base and an annular ring are configured to receive a tube terminus. The sidewalls of the o-ring groove are divergent one to the other, wherein as the annular ring is drawn towards the annular base, the o-ring is forced partially out of the groove, forming a substantially leak tight seal between the tube and the o-ring. A purge gas from an external source is transmitted to the annular base through a purge connector, then, in turn, introduced to the interior volume of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin David McGushion
  • Patent number: 7434781
    Abstract: A water flushing system for a pressurized subterranean water distribution system includes an inlet conduit for receiving pressurized water from the subterranean water distribution system; an outlet fluidly connected to the inlet conduit for discharging pressurized water in the inlet conduit downwardly towards a drain; and a control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized water in the inlet conduit. The water flushing system further includes one or more of the following features: a freeze protection assembly, a detachable coupling system, a dechlorination system, and a backflow prevention system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas M. Taylor, David Goslin
  • Patent number: 7354077
    Abstract: A coupler with an elongated inner member with an axial channel therethrough that is adapted to be removably disposed within a passage extending through an outer member. The inner member has a surface at one end that is adapted to engage and seal on a surface of the outer member and a recess on the outer surface that accommodates a plurality of cams pivotally mounted on axes exterior to the outer member. The outer member has a slot extending therethrough confronting each cam, and each cam has a lever arm extending therefrom, each lever arm having a closed position in which the lever arm is disposed adjacent to the outer member and an open position outwardly of the outer member. A strap is mounted on a lever arms that has hooks on one side and loops on the other side, the hooks and loops adhering together when pressed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jude Jumonville
  • Patent number: 7083201
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously moving male and female coupling members attached to manifold or junction plates together or apart includes sloped cam surfaces on the first or rear junction plate, a central shaft having cam followers that move up the sloped cam surface to urge the two junction plates together, and thereby connect male and female coupling members and corresponding sloped cam surfaces on the opposite side of the first junction plate with cam followers that move across the sloped cam surface to disconnect the coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6791031
    Abstract: A fitting for an electrical conduit uses a cam lock arrangement. The fitting has an annular pocket for receiving the end of a conduit section. An opening through the wall of the fitting intersects the pocket. The cam lock is mounted so that a cam portion projects through the opening. A lever projecting above the body of the fitting rotates the cam lock to cause it to engage and indent an inserted conduit section to lock the conduit section in place. A method is provided by which conduit sections can be joined using only a single tool, such as a pair of slip joint channel pliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: James C. Manning
  • Publication number: 20040164550
    Abstract: A preferred apparatus for connecting a fitting to a conduit section comprises a rigid insert designed to be affixed to the fitting and one or more retainers designed to fit over the external surface of the conduit section. A preferred insert includes at least two axially-spaced, raised detents. Suitable retainers include rigid, one-piece collars and clamps. An especially preferred method for connecting the coupler fittings and the section of pipe comprises the steps of positioning a one-piece collar over the external surface of the conduit section; pressing the insert into a receiving end of the conduit section; and pushing the one-piece collar along the external surface of the conduit section toward the receiving end to substantially align the one-piece collar between two axially-spaced, raised detents on the insert. Most preferably, a seal is positioned between the two axially-spaced, raised detents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Charles Newton Knowles, James Paul Orban, Sasenjko Radzepagic
  • Publication number: 20040155461
    Abstract: A coupler includes a coupler member having two ears extended outward to form a channel between the ears, each of the ears includes an orifice, a lever includes one end received in the channel of the coupler member, and has an aperture for aligning with the orifices of the ears. An integral one-piece locking pin is engaged through the orifices of the ears and engaged through the aperture of the lever, to pivotally secure the lever to the ears, the locking pin includes one end having a head to engage with one of the ears, and an opening formed in the other end and defined by a peripheral wall. The peripheral wall of the locking pin will be expanded and deformed radially outward to engage with the other ear, to solidly secure the locking pin to the ears, and to rotatably secure the lever to the coupler member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent Huang, Jim Huang
  • Patent number: 6752434
    Abstract: A junction for connecting first and second adjacent sections in a guideway carrying pressurized fluid comprises female end portions on a first section, male end portions on a second section partially received within the female end portions, and a vessel. The vessel comprises a plenum bounded at one end by a piston. The plenum is in flow communication with a pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Cummins
  • Publication number: 20030193192
    Abstract: A ferrule for coupling an attachment to a rotary hand tool unit of the type that has a housing with a nose portion through which a rotary output shaft extends. The nose portion has at least one groove extending generally circumferentially around at least a part of the nose portion, so that a groove portion is located on opposite sides of the nose portion. The ferrule includes a generally hollow cylindrical body with interior and exterior surfaces with an open mounting end portion and a smaller opposite end portion to which the attachment is mounted. The open mounting end portion fits on the nose portion of the housing when the ferrule is coupled to the rotary hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: S-B Power Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Talesky
  • Publication number: 20030151252
    Abstract: A coupling for joining conduits together is disclosed, the coupling having male and female fitting portions held in engagement by a self-locking roller cam positioned on the female portion. The roller cam has a cam body rotatable about an axis offset from the center of the cam body. An annular roller surrounds the cam body and is rotatable relatively to it. An outwardly facing surface on the roller engages an opposing concave surface on the male portion of the coupling. Reaction forces between the roller and the opposing surface operate along a line of action initially positioned to one side of the offset axis to create a torque opposing rotation of the cam into engagement with the opposing concave surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas R. Dole
  • Patent number: 6543812
    Abstract: A self-locking quick release coupler includes a handle and a lever. The first distal end of the handle is adapted to be secured to a side face of the groove adapter. The handle has a head formed on the first distal end thereof. The head is extendable into a side face of the groove adapter so as to secure a tube inserted into the groove adapter. The lever partially extends through the handle to be pivotably received in the handle. The lever has a hook formed on a first distal end of the lever to adapt to hook a pin of the groove adapter and a press formed on a second distal end of the lever. The pivotable movement of the lever allows the hook of the lever to selectively hook the pin so as to secure the handle relative to the groove adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: King Chang
  • Patent number: 6508274
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a dust plug for insertion into a fluid conduit system. The dust plug is comprised of an insertion end, removal means, and a hollow central body located between the insertion end and the removal means. The insertion end of the plug is formed as a solid flat end so that when the plug is inserted into the fluid conduit system, the hollow interior of the plug does not communicate with the interior of the system. Additionally, the removal means is preferably formed as a continuous lip about the end of the hollow central body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: David Gene Street
  • Patent number: 6505861
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel adapter-coupler that is to be positioned between a conventional fixed drop elbow on the end of a hose of a tanker truck for an underground storage tank. The other end of the swivel adapter-coupler attaches to the pipe adapter (either the fill pipe or the vapor pipe) of the underground storage tank, in the conventional quick-connect type connection. The swivel adapter-coupler permits loops and kinks in the hose to be removed by rotating the swivel adapter-coupler in the proper direction. Likewise, the invention relates to a rotatable drop elbow to replace the conventional fixed drop elbow at the end of a hose on a tanker truck. The rotatable drop elbow eliminates loops and kinks in the hose by merely rotating the drop elbow in the proper direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Syltone Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: Eric John Butterfield, Peter C. Goodier
  • Patent number: 6447016
    Abstract: A passive locking Cam & Groove female coupling, consisting of a locking latch mounted straddling the exterior of each cam arm attached to the coupling. The latch interlocks with a stop on the coupling body to provide a passive lock when the arm is closed. To open the cam arm, an intentional movement is applied to the latch so that the latch will pivot back and clear the stop thus allowing the cam arm to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: National Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Tom P. Collier
  • Patent number: 6412827
    Abstract: A QCD coupling in which a rotating subsidiary locking means is provided which is both positive in its locking action, locks all of the levers simultaneously, and does not involve any small or readily losable parts, as the subsidiary locking means is itself securely attached to the coupler part of the QCD coupling. As all of the levers are locked simultaneously, the subsidiary locking means cannot be locked unless all of the levers are in the fully “locked” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ritepro Corporation
    Inventors: Denis Barclay, Paul Major, Elie Banon
  • Patent number: 6371523
    Abstract: A position-recoverable pulling device is adaptable for attachment to a lock bolt of a fitting for coupling two tubular members, and includes an anchoring member with a cam surface, and a coiled pulling member including a plurality of loops which are biased to abut against each other. The coiled pulling member is hooked on the anchoring member, while an outer segment thereof is disposed outboard to the cam surface. A bent portion of the outer segment is slidably contacted by a normal spot of the cam surface and is bent away from the adjacent loop to relieve the biasing action of the loops. Once the coiled pulling member has been swung to move the bent portion from the normal spot to reach a swung spot, the bent portion will be brought to slide back to the normal spot, thereby moving the coiled pulling member back to a normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Patent number: 6364369
    Abstract: A tube connecting device comprises a housing, a socket formed in the housing for receipt of a pipe to be releasably secured therein and a securing arm pivotally mounted to the housing. The securing arm is pivotable from a first, locked position in which a portion of the arm projects through an associated aperture in the wall of the socket to engage a complementarily-shaped portion of the pipe to be retained, to a second unlocked position in which the projecting portion of the securing arm is withdrawn from the socket. The device further comprises an actuator mounted on the arm and a locking member located in a chamber within the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fort Vale Engineering Limited
    Inventor: David Bailey
  • Publication number: 20010045745
    Abstract: A passive locking Cam & Groove female coupling, consisting of a locking latch mounted straddling the exterior of each cam arm attached to the coupling. The latch interlocks with a stop on the coupling body to provide a passive lock when the arm is closed. To open the cam arm, an intentional movement is applied to the latch so that the latch will pivot back and clear the stop thus allowing the cam arm to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Tom P. Collier
  • Patent number: 6290267
    Abstract: The invention is an improved cam-lock fitting having grooves in the outer surface of the fitting for accepting cams of a mating fitting. The grooves are provided without forming indentations or obstructions in the interior flow through passage of the fitting. The cam-lock fitting includes a body with an interior flow path having a first opening and a second opening. The second opening is provided by a boss having a distal end with a transverse cross-section that is circular about the external surface and a transverse cross-section that is elliptical about the internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Spears Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Douglas R. Swingley
  • Patent number: 6224113
    Abstract: A locking device for a quick release coupling includes a coupling, a lever and a sleeve containing an arcuate groove therein. The sleeve is attached to the coupling and the lever is pivotally mounted on the coupling. The coupling includes at least two pairs of supports with each pair containing a groove therein to receive the lever. A pivot pin penetrates the lever to pivotally mount the lever on the support and a locking pin is attached to the pair of supports and received in the groove of the support. The lever includes a cam formed on one end to abut the arcuate groove of the sleeve and a recess formed in the other end to receive a linkage. The recess of the lever contains an opening to allow the linkage to extend through the lever and has an indentation to receive the locking pin when the lever is pulled down flush to the coupling. A torsion spring is pivotally mounted on the lever by the pin and has a first end abutting the first end of the linkage and a second end abutting the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Piao Chien
  • Patent number: 6206431
    Abstract: A safety locking coupling assembly in which pull rings on the female coupling unit of a male coupling unit/female coupling unit assembly serve both to release the coupling assembly and to maintain the coupling assembly locked against unintentional disconnection. The pull rings are attached to cam arms which engage the male coupling unit to lock the coupling assembly and are disengaged from the male coupling unit to release the coupling assembly. In the locked condition of the coupling assembly, the pull rings abut against ears on the housing of the female coupling unit to oppose unintended movement of the cam arms from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms. Upon intentional removal of the pull rings from abutment with the ears by an operator and pulling on the pull rings, the cam arms can be moved from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms to disconnect the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: David G. Street
  • Patent number: 6155611
    Abstract: A connector (1) for connecting two tubes (5, 6) by cooperation between a first element (3) fixed to a first tube (6) and a second tube (2) forming a sleeve for a second element (5) fitted at its end with a flared part (50, 51, 52, 53) by a claw (4) including a spring (44) compressing the said flared part. The said claw (4) forms a first cylindrical guide ring (40) sliding on the external cylindrical surface (32) of the first element (3) and has a recess (41) forming a cage for the spring (44). A second cylindrical guide ring (42) is fixed to the first ring (40) and sliding on the external surface (21) of the second element (2), and including a device (43) for locking/unlocking the second element (2) and the second cylindrical ring (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Trefimetaux
    Inventor: Jean Lemire
  • Patent number: 6120065
    Abstract: An improved structure of quick coupling comprises mainly a main connecting body, press rods, stoppers and flange press portions. Each of two lateral sides of the main connecting body is extended to form a pair of flanges, which is provided with circular holes. A traverse pin is used to penetrate these two flanges and the press rod to fix the press rod at the main connecting body. When another connector is jointed to the improved quick coupling, the press rods are in parallel with the main body and meanwhile, an arc head at front end of the press rod is fastened to another connector for consolidating the combination, and the stopper in a reception cavity at front end of the press rod will insert in a circular hole that accommodating the flange press portion to ensure the press rod will not bounce up owing to pressure of flowing liquid in pipe or external vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Tsan-Jee Chen
  • Patent number: 6099044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device, in particular for a male coupling, with a substantially cylindrical housing, a clamping member mounted to be axially displaceable therein, and an actuation member which is arranged on the rear end of the housing, linked to the clamping member for axial displacement, pressurized by a compression spring and can be actuated by a hand lever. To increase the axial clamping force while operational force and production costs are kept low, it is provided that the actuation member has a holding bolt arranged centrally on the rear of the housing. A radially expanded stop flange for supporting the compression spring is provided on that end of the holding bolt which is inside the housing, and the hand lever is pivotably mounted on that end of the holding bolt which is outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Weh GmbH, Verbindungstechnik
    Inventors: Wolfgang Weh, Erwin Weh
  • Patent number: 6089619
    Abstract: A locking cam-type coupling for rapidly coupling two pipe sections together. A spring-biased lock pin is provided for each cam lever arm that has a positive locking action when the cam lever arm is moved to the closed position. Each cam lever arm is grooved to allow the spring-biased lock pin to contact the cam lever arm and control its position. The lock pin has two different diameters, one for locking the fitting to the complementary part of the pipe coupling to couple the pipe sections together, and a second, open position so the pipe sections can be released and decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Green Leaf, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Goda
  • Patent number: 6053540
    Abstract: Fluid conducting coupling includes a coupler having a first end, a second end for receiving a free end of a connector having a catch disposed on the free end, a flow passageway extending through the first and second ends of the coupler, and a side opening extending transversely through the second end of the coupler. An arm has a first end pivotably connected to the coupler at the opening and a second end extending therefrom. A protuberance is disposed at the first end of the arm for engaging the catch. The arm is pivotable between a coupled position in which the second end of the arm is closer to the coupler and in which the protuberance extends through the side opening in order to engage the catch and obstruct movement of the connector toward and away from the second end of the coupler, and an uncoupled position in which the second end of the arm is further from the coupler and the protuberance does not obstruct movement of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Ernest Meyer
  • Patent number: 6047995
    Abstract: A pipe connector comprises a plug having a groove on the outer periphery of the distal end portion thereof, a socket having an axial hole to receive the distal end portion of the plug and a radial hole, a sealing member attached to the socket and sealing the plug and the socket, a lever pivotally mounted on the socket adjacent the radial hole and having a cam engagable with the groove through the radial hole, the lever being movable to a connected position, a half-connected position and a separated position. The cam is engaged with the groove and the sealing member is pressed, while the lever remains in the connected position, the cam is partly engaged with the groove and the sealing member is free from pressure, while the lever remains in the half-connected position, and the cam is disengaged from the groove, allowing the plug and the socket to move relative to each other, while the lever remains in the separated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoyuki Kotake
  • Patent number: 6015168
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a cam arm of a coupling member in a locked position to prevent inadvertent rotation of the cam arm. The locking mechanism includes a locking member that is pivotally connected to the cam arm and is adapted to selectively interface with a portion of a coupling member. The locking mechanism is easy to clean and maintain and allows for the unlocking of a cam arm in one continuous motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Dover Corp.
    Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
  • Patent number: 5988693
    Abstract: A safety locking coupling assembly in which pull rings on the female coupling unit of a male coupling unit/female coupling unit assembly serve both to release the coupling assembly and to maintain the coupling assembly locked against unintentional disconnection. The pull rings are attached to cam arms which engage the male coupling unit to lock the coupling assembly and are disengaged from the male coupling unit to release the coupling assembly. In the locked condition of the coupling assembly, the pull rings abut against ears on the housing of the female coupling unit to oppose unintended movement of the cam arms from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms. Upon intentional removal of the pull rings from abutment with ears by an operator and pulling on the pull rings, the cam arms can be moved from the locked position of the cam arms to the released position of the cam arms to disconnect the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Campbell Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Street
  • Patent number: 5984371
    Abstract: In the device, the male connection members (3) are carried by a plate (11) provided with a pair of identical downwardly-extending side prongs, each of the prongs being provided with a recess (101) having a forwardly-facing shaped edge, whereas the female members (4) are carried by an upwardly open housing (2) in which a locking shaft (5) is mounted to rotate and guided in rotation, the shaft being provided with two cam-forming portions (50), each of which is suitable for co-operating with the recessed shaped edge of a respective prong (10). Hydraulic connection, e.g. between a machine and a hydraulic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Souete d'etude et d'Innovation Dans le Materiel Agricole
    Inventor: Loic Mailleux