Spring-biased Sleeve Patents (Class 285/316)
  • Patent number: 11784436
    Abstract: A connector plug comprises two or more pivotable nut members that are configured to engage one or more threads on a receptacle to secure the connector plug to the receptacle in a closed position. A lanyard or merely a pivoting mechanism is configured to cause pivoting of the nut member to disengage the one or more threads in an open position to allow disengagement of the connector plug from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HI REL CONNECTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Torin Lee Bowman, Ramon A. Figueroa
  • Patent number: 11547529
    Abstract: A dental tool, such as an insertion tool for a dental implant, including a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, the tool further including an annular resilient retention member formed of a metal material and connected to the shaft such that at least a section of the member protrudes from a surface of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: STRAUMANN HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Stéphane Courvoisier, Florian Dalla Torre
  • Patent number: 11320042
    Abstract: A planetary gearbox includes a ring gear accommodated in a housing part, the ring gear particularly has on its radially outer surface, in particular its radially outer side, an annular groove, the annular groove, in particular a circumferential annular groove in the circumferential direction, and a spring element is accommodated in the annular groove, which projects at least partially into an annular groove introduced into the housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SEW-EURODRIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Stefan Hannet
  • Patent number: 11143347
    Abstract: A gardening fluid connection device contains a body including multiple retainers, a resilient element, and a fitting sleeve including multiple spaced engagement teeth. The resilient element abuts against the body and the fitting sleeve. The body includes a stop rib, and the multiple spaced engagement teeth are pushed by the resilient element to abut against the stop rib. The body includes at least one retaining element, each retaining element is located on a first side of each spaced engagement tooth, and a width of each spaced engagement tooth is equal to a rotation distance of the fitting sleeve, hence the fitting sleeve is rotated reciprocatingly to open or close of the gardening fluid coupling device by using the stop rib, each retaining element, each spaced engagement tooth and the resilient element, and each retaining element is stopped when moving to a second side of each spaced engagement tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Yuan Mei Corp.
    Inventor: Shun-Nan Lo
  • Patent number: 11128076
    Abstract: A connector receptacle for connecting with a corresponding connector plug coupled with electrodes being used for performing EMG procedure on a patient is provided. The receptacle includes a first ball bearing pressing against a first end of a housing of the plug and, preferably, a second ball bearing pressing against a first end of the housing of the plug when the plug is connected to the receptacle for exerting a retention force against the plug. The first and the second ball bearings are pressed against the first and the second ends respectively by using a spring force generated, for example, by a retention band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Cadwell Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Villarreal, David Lee Jepsen
  • Patent number: 11073244
    Abstract: A filling apparatus capable of suppressing radial movement of a connecting pin of a nozzle, and preventing damages and deformations (recesses and so on) from generating on an outer peripheral surface of the connecting pin, and making the filling nozzle compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: TATSUNO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Takezawa
  • Patent number: 10975994
    Abstract: A coupler assembly includes a valve with a locking ball locking mechanism and a locking sleeve interacting with the locking balls to lock the valve in the connected position. A slider is positioned radially between the ball body and the locking sleeve, and longitudinally inward relative to the locking balls. During a connection operation to a nipple, the slider is moveable along the ball body to permit movement of the locking balls into an inner recess defined by the locking sleeve as the valve moves toward the connected position. The slider is biased to return to the first slider position. During a disconnection operation, the locking sleeve is moved to a second sleeve position. As the nipple moves longitudinally outward, a surface of a locking shoulder of the nipple moves the locking balls into an outer recess of the locking sleeve to permit removal of the nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis C. Zeiber
  • Patent number: 10897104
    Abstract: A connector plug comprises two or more pivotable nut members that are configured to engage one or more threads on a receptacle to secure the connector plug to the receptacle in a closed position. A lanyard or merely a pivoting mechanism is configured to cause pivoting of the nut member to disengage the one or more threads in an open position to allow disengagement of the connector plug from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Hirel Connectors, Inc.
    Inventors: Torin Lee Bowman, Ramon A. Figueroa
  • Patent number: 10396493
    Abstract: A connector plug comprises two or more pivotable nut members that are configured to engage one or more threads on a receptacle to secure the connector plug to the receptacle in a closed position. A lanyard or merely a pivoting mechanism is configured to cause pivoting of the nut member to disengage the one or more threads in an open position to allow disengagement of the connector plug from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Hirel Connectors, Inc.
    Inventors: Torin Lee Bowman, Ramon A. Figueroa
  • Patent number: 10292308
    Abstract: A fluid coupling mating apparatus and method. Included is at least one mating member for removably coupling with another mating member for allowing fluid to pass therebetween. A lock is movably coupled to the at least one mating member. Still yet, a holder is coupled to the lock for holding the lock in relation to the holder during at least a portion of the removable coupling of the at least one mating member with another mating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mo Bai, Vadim Gektin
  • Patent number: 10260916
    Abstract: A dismounting device for a cable for dismounting the cable from a wall includes a force receiving member, a sleeve member, an adapter member and a securing element. The sleeve member is mechanically connected to the force receiving member. Each of the adapter member and the securing element is mechanically connected to the sleeve member. The cable is connected to the wall via the adapter member in a mechanically dismountable manner. Furthermore, dismounting of the cable occurs by the flow of force from the adapter member via the securing element onto the sleeve member and from the sleeve member onto the force receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kistler Holding AG
    Inventor: Christian Richard Heer
  • Patent number: 10199767
    Abstract: A plug-in connector comprises a first connecting part with at least one first contact element and a second connecting part with at least one second contact element. The first connecting part is configured for being connected with and disconnected from the second connecting part. The first connecting part comprises a latching element with a snap-in member, and the second connecting part comprises a retaining sleeve configured for accepting the latching element. The latching pin and the retaining sleeve constitute a mechanical mechanism provided in addition to the at least one first contact element and the at least one second contact element. A mechanical interaction between the latching pin and the retaining sleeve enforces a predetermined motion pattern of the at least one first contact element relative to the at least one second contact element during a process of connecting or disconnecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: ODU GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Albrecht Hopf
  • Patent number: 10025164
    Abstract: An add-on lens assembly supporting an add-on lens for a camera includes a locking mechanism actuatable by the user in order to increase the attachment force between the lens and the camera. The add-on lens assembly may include a rotatable lock ring having a cam pin that navigates along a surface of a cam such that when the lock ring is rotated, the cam pin causes the cam to translate axially. Axial translation of the cam may compress a spring within the assembly and increase the attachment force between the lens assembly and the camera. The increased force between the add-on lens assembly and the camera may provide additional support for large or heavy assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: William Weidner, Peter Alan Driscoll, David Alan Smart
  • Patent number: 9997875
    Abstract: A connector includes separate portions that rotatably couple together and form a connector. The portions include elements for defining cavities and or slots therebetween that accept one or more shear elements, such as shear pins for the purposes of coupling the separate portions together in forming a unitary connector. The connector might be used between a cable and another connector or could form part of the connector on a cable. The shear element is configured for engaging the various portions and spanning across the interface for joining the portions together. The shear element is configured for breaking when a sufficient torque force is applied between the connector portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Roe, Hau Tran
  • Patent number: 9929504
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical circular plug-in connector having a plug part and a counter-plug part, which can be releasably locked together by means of a push-pull locking mechanism via at least one locking element that extends axially and can be deflected radially, which element is provided with an inwardly protruding detent, to which an outwardly open latching trap is assigned on the counter-plug part. The locking element is integrally molded on a retaining ring, which is immovably mounted on the plug part between the unlocking sleeve and a front hollow cylindrical plug region of the plug part, and which pulls the plug part and the counter-plug part together in a play-free manner by means of a spring force component acting inwardly in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT CONNECTOR TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Bauer, Markus Michel, Hrvoje Babic
  • Patent number: 9909701
    Abstract: A tube coupling to receive and hold a tube includes a coupling body (10) having a throughway to receive a portion of a tube. A collet (17) in the coupling body has legs (21) with outer surfaces that engage with a tapered surface (24) in the coupling body which urges the legs inwardly to resist withdrawal of the tube. A biasing member (26) provides a biasing force without the tube inserted to urge the legs axially onto the tapered surface. The collet (17) can grip a large variety of pipe diameters. The coupling may be supplied with a number of inserts (30A-D) for sealing with the inner diameter of a pipe, the inserts having different diameters. A tool (50) for preparing the end of a pipe to receive the coupling is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Steven Guest
  • Patent number: 9705248
    Abstract: A docking structure of a push-and-lock electrical connector includes a first connector, a second connector, and a locking part used to lock the first and second connectors. The locking part has at least one flexible locking arm having a locking portion and a latching block extending from the locking portion and protruding into the mouth of the second connector. An elastic spacing is formed between the latching block and the flexible locking arm. Thus, when the first connector is inserted into the mouth of the second connector, the latching block is latched in the latch groove of the first connector and an inner wall of the sliding shell sleeved around the second connector is pressed against the locking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignees: KUNSHAN AMPHENOL ZHENGRI ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., AMPHENOL LTW TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kun-Te Ko
  • Patent number: 9570853
    Abstract: The invention is a circular rapid-joint connector comprising a sliding bush; an elastic element provided on the inner edge of the sliding bush; a holding unit joined with the sliding bush movably; and a connector plug penetrating into the sliding bush and joined with the holding unit. Thereby, in assembling, direct docking with a connection socket by the connector plug is available for the connection socket to push away the sliding bush. After the connection socket and the connector plug are snap-fitting, the sliding bush is pushed back by the elastic element automatically, such that the sliding bush is locked to the outer edge of the connection socket to complete the operation of assemblage. In disassembling, the sliding bush is pulled backwards such that the sliding bush is not limited to the outer edge of the connection socket any more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: T-CONN PRECISION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chien-Yi Yu
  • Patent number: 9543061
    Abstract: A connector apparatus for connecting to a cable assembly that comprises coaxial cable and at least one wire and/or fluid conduit and/or further layer, wherein the connector apparatus comprises a housing that houses a connector and at least one further connector, wherein the connector is configured to electrically connect to the coaxial cable when the connector apparatus and the cable assembly are in an engaged state, the at least one further connector is configured to connect to the at least one wire and/or fluid conduit and/or further layer when the connector apparatus and the cable assembly are in the engaged state, the connector is configured to allow free rotation relative to the connector of the coaxial cable around an axis when the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the connector in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: EMBLATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Eamon McErlean, Gary Beale
  • Patent number: 9481461
    Abstract: A dual release lanyard connector includes first and second lanyard rings coupleable to first and second lanyard cables, a coupling sleeve coupled to the first lanyard ring and movable between a first position and a second position, and a locking ring configured to engage the coupling sleeve and movable between the first position and the second position, the locking ring having a first ring groove. A two-piece housing of the lanyard connector includes a plug housing with first and second plug housing grooves and a secondary housing coupled to the second lanyard ring and having a secondary housing groove, the secondary housing movable between a third position and a fourth position. The secondary housing is configured to engage the coupling sleeve such that movement of the secondary housing to the fourth position causes a corresponding movement of the coupling sleeve and locking ring to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Patrick John Laughlin
  • Patent number: 9404611
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling comprising a first (3, 3?) and a second (5,5?) coupling part being adapted for coupling together and uncoupling along a centre axis (CL) extending through the coupling (1), an outer surface (7) of the first coupling part (3, 3?) comprising at least a recessed helical slot (9), an inner surface (11) of the second coupling part (5, 5?) having at least one projection (13, 13?, 13?) extending inwards for engagement with the said slot (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CEJN AB
    Inventor: Jörgen Ekström
  • Patent number: 9391401
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes an inlet assembly and a plug assembly. The inlet assembly has a first electrical contact member. A plug assembly has a second electrical contact member. The plug assembly is movable to an inserted engaged position with the inlet assembly such that the first and second electrical contact members engage one another, and a retracted position such the plug assembly is retracted from the inlet assembly. The connector assembly includes an active locking device for retaining the plug assembly in the inlet assembly. A secondary locking device temporarily retains the plug assembly in the inlet assembly prior to activation of the active locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Brantley Natter, Paul Castellani, Slobodan Pavlovic, Juan Lopez
  • Patent number: 9377095
    Abstract: In a differential device, an outer tube portion is formed in one of a side gear and a sleeve, and an inner tube portion fitted to an inner periphery of the outer tube portion is formed in the other. An engagement portion is provided in the outer tube portion. A key member movable between a first position where the member is detached from the engagement portion to allow withdrawal of the sleeve and a second position where the member is engaged with the engagement portion, is attached to the inner tube portion. The member is forcibly held at the second position by a drive shaft when the shaft is fitted and inserted into the sleeve to be spline-fitted to the gear. Accordingly, a differential gear mechanism is disassembled by removing the sleeves from the gears and when the shafts are attached, connection between the sleeves and the gears is ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoichi Yanase
  • Patent number: 9270048
    Abstract: A weather resistant connector system includes a connector housing having a first open end, a second open end and a first interior space defined within. A boot has a first open end, a second open end and a second interior space defined within. The second open end of the boot is attached to the first open end of the connector housing. At least one engagement element is formed on the connector housing for engaging with a complimentary structure proximate a port. In one aspect, the boot is flexible and bi-stable, having a first at-rest shape and a second at-rest shape, with the first at-rest shape having the first open end of the connector housing located closer to the first open end of the boot, as compared to the second at-rest shape. In another aspect, the boot is flexible and has a first at-rest shape and the boot can be moved to a second, unstable shape, when a manual force is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Frank A. Harwath, Ronald A. Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 9203182
    Abstract: A connector for interconnecting or mutually isolating two or more electrical circuits is provided. The connector comprises first and second inter-engageable connector parts. A first part comprises a spigot and first contact pins for connection to an electrical circuit. The second connector part comprises a socket and second contact pins for connection to an electrical circuit. The second part has a lock ball projecting into the socket. The first part defines a groove for receipt of the lock ball. The first contact holder has a first shroud disposed around the first contact pins. The first shroud extends beyond the first contact pins. The second contact holder has second shrouds disposed around the each second contact pin. The second shrouds extends beyond the second contact pins. The contact holders are arranged such that when the spigot is received in the socket, the connector parts are moveable between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ROTA ENGINEERING LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael John Fawcett
  • Patent number: 9145989
    Abstract: An extendible coupling for replacing damaged sections of tubing used in underground sprinkler systems is disclosed. The disclosed coupler includes a pair of telescoping sections and a threaded connection between the two sections. The threaded connection is used to cause the telescoping sections to move relative to one another, causing the coupler to extend and causing nipples used at ends of the coupler to extend into the sections of tubing being joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Dwayne Van Kooten
  • Patent number: 8955544
    Abstract: An improved grease coupler 3 allows for positive, coupling and uncoupling from a grease nipple 4 via a manually operated trigger mechanism 30. The coupler includes a replaceable seal 13 and has an elongate body 10 with a grease passage 11 through the length of the body. A floating barrel plunger 42 acts as a check valve to prevent grease leaking from the discharge end of the elongate body 10 upon disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Gurtech (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Stillard Gurney
  • Patent number: 8955823
    Abstract: A product transfer valve (1) includes a valve body (3), an inlet port (2), an outlet port (18). A safety interlock mechanism includes a segmented collar (22) with internal threads (23) for mounting the valve to a connection. A safety collar (6) is axially movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and causes movement of the segmented collar. An interference member (12) engages the safety collar (6) to prevent inadvertent radial outward movement of the internal threads on the segmented collar until the safety collar is moved to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 8931807
    Abstract: A connector for use as a bend stiffener in a marine application comprising male and female connectors respectively provided with a downwardly dependent frusto-conical extension and a cylindrical extension. The female connector includes a hollow cylindrical body defining a through bore and surrounded by a spring loaded sleeve movable axially with respect to the body. Spring loaded latches extend through respective apertures to coact with grooves in the body. Hydraulic rams are disposed to push the sleeve against the spring loading which brings an internally wider diameter position of the sleeve adjacent locking balls extending through but retained by stepped apertures. The latches, rams and locking balls coact to lock the male and female connectors together or to enable their release and thus the locking together or release from that locking together of connected extensions. This in turn facilitates the operation of the connector in hazardous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Balltec Limited
    Inventor: Richard Taylor
  • Patent number: 8864178
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for quick connect fittings and couplings of a computer system environment. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve with a hollow center is provided that once disposed around the quick connect fittings will protect against leakage of liquids flowing into quick connect fittings during mating and unmating of them. The sleeve comprises an actuation collar area that extends over unmated portion of the quick connect fitting and a flare area disposed over the actuation collar to provide an additional gripping area for actuating the quick connect fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady
  • Patent number: 8851446
    Abstract: A product transfer valve (1) includes a valve body (3), an inlet port (2), an outlet port (18). A safety interlock mechanism includes a segmented collar (22) with internal threads (23) for mounting the valve to a connection. A safety collar (6) is axially movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and causes movement of the segmented collar. An interference member (12) is supported on the cam operated mechanism (8) and engages the safety collar (6) to prevent inadvertent radial outward movement of the internal threads on the segmented collar until the safety collar is moved to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 8844980
    Abstract: Device for connecting a tube to a circuit element, including a cartridge type tubular body provided externally with a washer for anchoring the body in a well of the circuit element and provided internally with a retainer for the tube, characterized in that the anchor washer is mounted on an end portion of the tubular body designed to lie at the level of the opening of the well when the connecting device is in use, the end portion being elastically deformable between a deformed state enabling the washer to be placed on the body and a rest state for retaining the washer on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Manufacturing France SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Le Quere
  • Publication number: 20140117664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling comprising a first (3, 3?) and a second (5,5?) coupling part being adapted for coupling together and uncoupling along a centre axis (CL) extending through the coupling (1), an outer surface (7) of the first coupling part (3, 3?) comprising at least a recessed helical slot (9), an inner surface (11) of the second coupling part (5, 5?) having at least one projection (13, 13?, 13?) extending inwards for engagement with the said slot (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: CEJN AB
    Inventor: Jörgen Ekström
  • Patent number: 8690198
    Abstract: A connector for high amperage, AC or DC connection includes a plug and a receptacle configured to securely mate and lock with each other. Connector receptacles include a locking mechanism having a sleeve unit having a plurality of openings configured to receive a plurality of alignment members, a control unit in communication with the alignment members, and at least one extension member coupling the sleeve unit to the control unit. The control unit is configured to bias the alignment members to engage a groove in a plug in a locked position. Upon rotation of the control unit, the control unit engages the sleeve unit and allows the alignment members to freely move, thus allowing a user to connect or disconnect the plug from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Michael John Saber, Joseph Edward Parrish
  • Patent number: 8646811
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a socket-shaped main body, and penetrating containing holes formed around the periphery of the main body for containing a first latch element for fixing an external tool connector. The first latch element is controlled by a first control element to fix or loosen the external tool connector. The main body includes aslant penetrating U-shaped slide grooves formed above the containing holes, and each slide groove includes a second latch element pushed by a spring that is sheathed on the periphery of the main body to displace the second latch element in the slide groove and in an axial direction of the main body. The second control element is disposed above the first control element, and the first and second control elements control the latch elements respectively to execute two-stage actions of removing the connector and prevent accidents caused by a possible shootout of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Su Bei Guang Corporation
    Inventor: Jen-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 8635849
    Abstract: A preferred of operating a gas turbine engine having an inlet for receiving a stream of air to be compressed includes providing a first and a second set of interchangeable spray nozzles. Each of the nozzles in the first set is capable of discharging fluid supplied to the nozzle at a first pressure at a first flow rate. Each of the nozzles in the second set is capable of discharging fluid supplied to the nozzle at the first pressure at a flow rate that is different from the first flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce A. Tassone, Wayne Tassone
  • Patent number: 8628119
    Abstract: A tube connector that allows for a secure connection between a plug and a socket is provided. An accommodation space is provided such that, when the plug is inserted into an insertion hole of the socket while a sleeve is lifted upward to a base-end position, if a ball rolls on an outer periphery of the plug so as to come into abutment with a projection, the accommodation space entirely accommodates the ball at a side adjacent to the socket relative to the outer periphery of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hasunuma, Hiroshi Imai
  • Patent number: 8602457
    Abstract: Quick connect apparatuses and methods of operating a quick connect apparatus are provided. Embodiments include a first tubular element to house a portion of a second tubular element inserted into the first tubular element; a quick connect coupling to lock the first tubular element to the second tubular element, the quick connect coupling including: a locking collar; a semicircular wedge; a rocker arm, the rocker arm to change a radial distance of the semicircular wedge relative to center of the first tubular element in response to a movement of the locking collar in a direction parallel to direction of insertion of the second tubular element into the first tubular element; a beveled washer surrounding the first tubular element; and a spring to apply a preload force to the beveled washer, the parallel movement of the beveled washer changing an amount of the preload force applied by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Boraas, Eric A. Eckberg, Scott A. Shurson
  • Publication number: 20130320673
    Abstract: The female coupling half includes: a body, a plurality of locking bars, a spring, a locking ring, and, a cam. The body includes a plurality of grooves, an exterior, and an internal longitudinal bore. The cam, locking ring and locking bars are movable between first and second positions. The cam in the first position permits the locking ring in first position, urged by the spring, to force the locking bars to a first position in the grooves of the body and to extend the locking bars into the internal longitudinal bore locking the male and females coupling halves. The cam in the second position engages and forcefully urges the locking bars to a second position in the grooves toward the exterior of the body and the locking bars urge the locking ring to a second position further compressing the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: DOUGLAS F. HOPSON
  • Patent number: 8596689
    Abstract: A short-body connector for fluid couplings made of a sleeve-shaped body. In the sleeve-shaped body an internal thread is provided, by which the connector can be screwed onto a threaded connection. Relative to axial extension, the locking groove and locking rib serving to hold the connector in the coupler are located at the height of the thread. That is, the locking rib and locking groove located ahead of the thread in the state of the art have moved to the region of the thread in the arrangement according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Mfg. Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Simon, Stefan Witt
  • Publication number: 20130292591
    Abstract: A quick-release coupling includes a socket defining a first passage in a connection port thereof, a locking member mounted in a front end of the socket and adapted for locking an inserted external male mating connector, an air valve control device mounted in a rear end of the socket, and a leak-proof device having a stopper mounted in the front end of the socket and defining therein a second passage, which is kept in communication with the first passage upon insertion of an external mating male connector into the front end of the socket to move the stopper backward, or blocked from the first passage after removable of the inserted external mating male connector and a forward movement of the stopper by the air valve control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: SUN-WONDER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Chun Chang
  • Patent number: 8555624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection device (1) for at least one media line (2), such as for a urea-water solution for exhaust gas after-treatment in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine. The connection device comprises a connection part (4) having a socket (6) for the circumferentially sealed insertion of a line-side plug section (8), and retention means (10) for locking the inserted plug section (8) in place to prevent detachment. The retention means (10) is configured in such a way that starting from a normal operating position the inserted and locked plug section (8) can be moved over a specific travel path relative to the connection part (4) in opposition to a return force (F), in order to enlarge an internal volume inside the connection part (4) to which the medium is admitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: VOSS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lechner, Marco Isenburg, Olaf Offermann
  • Patent number: 8469407
    Abstract: A bottom loading coupler includes a coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock is positioned in a slot in the body sidewall and pivotally coupled to the coupler body such that each interlock has an engaged position and a disengaged position with each interlock biased to the disengaged position. A coupler sleeve is slidably positioned around the coupler body and comprises a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body and a second, extended position relative to the coupler body. A biasing element is positioned between the coupler sleeve and the coupler body and biases the coupler sleeve to the second, extended position relative to the coupler body. The interlocks are in the disengaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the first, retracted position and in the engaged position when the coupler sleeve is in the second, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Tausch, Jeffrey W. Reichert
  • Patent number: 8469406
    Abstract: A socket that receives and locks a plug includes a cylindrical socket body having a plug-receiving part, a first through-hole, and a second through-hole rearward of the first through-hole, a plug-locking element movable in the first through-hole between a locking position for preventing the plug from being pulled out and an unlocking position for allowing the plug to be pulled out, a sleeve-operating element movable in the second through-hole, a sleeve provided around the socket body and urged to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, and a collar urged in the socket body. The socket body has a guide portion located forward of the collar and adjacent to the forward end edge of the collar to prevent the forward end of the plug as inserted into the socket from engaging with the forward end surface of the collar and to guide the forward end of the plug into the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8434735
    Abstract: A bottom loading coupler may include a coupler body and a plurality of interlocks. Each interlock may be positioned in a corresponding slot in the body sidewall and have an engaged position and a disengaged position with respect to the coupler body. A coupler sleeve formed from a first material may be slidably positioned around the body sidewall of the coupler body. A wear ring formed from a second material may be disposed on the inner circumference of the coupler sleeve. The wear ring and the coupler sleeve may form an interlock retaining seat. The coupler sleeve may have a first, retracted position relative to the coupler body, wherein the interlocks are biased to the disengaged position and retained in the interlock retaining seat. The coupler sleeve may also have a second, extended position relative to the coupler body, wherein the wear ring biases the interlocks to the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Tausch, Jeffrey W. Reichert, Krzysztof Wejdman
  • Patent number: 8430431
    Abstract: A coupler and plug system for air line uses which identifies properly mating components by the colors of the components. The coupler of the system includes a sleeve which is made in a chosen color. The plug of the system is made in the same color as the sleeve of the coupler. The plug and coupler sleeve may be anodized aluminum dyed in the same color. By choosing a plug which is of a matching color to the sleeve of a coupler, the user will choose a plug which properly mates with the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Weems Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Schindel
  • Publication number: 20130015656
    Abstract: A high-pressure connection device for pipe and hose lines with a connection body and a pipe-like end piece insertable into the connection body, including a union nut externally mounted to the connection body, which can be rotated between a released position and a mounted position. Form-locking designs, which act like a bayonet coupling, are arranged on the connection body and union nut in the form of projections on the union nut as well as in the form of interlocking contours formed on an end extension of the connection body for the locking reception of the projections when rotating the union nut. A security element is movable between a secure position and a release position for rotation of the union nut in order to prevent unintentional reverse rotation of the union nut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Dieter Ehrke, Carsten Schippers, Thomas Müller, Oliver Neiske
  • Patent number: 8342481
    Abstract: Coupler bodies with pivot rings for use in bottom loading couplers and bottom loading couplers comprising the same are disclosed. The coupler body for a bottom loading coupler may include a body sidewall having a fluid channel extending between an adapter end and a supply end. A plurality of slots may extend through the body sidewall of the coupler body. A pivot ring may extend substantially around the outer circumference of the coupler body. A plurality of interlocks may be positioned in corresponding slots in the body sidewall and pivotally engaged with the pivot ring. The interlocks are pivotable about the pivot ring between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Tausch, Jeffrey W. Reichert
  • Patent number: 8297658
    Abstract: A coupling device comprising a tubular body defining a channel and axially subdivided into an anchor section provided on the outside with an anchor member associated with a cover mounted on the body to have both an actuator end for actuating the anchor member and a drive end, and so as to be movable between an inactivation position and an activation position, a resilient return member urging the cover towards the activation position being mounted in a chamber defined by the cover and the body, the cover having a holder device for holding it in the inactivation position, which holder device is arranged to be declutchable when the cover is moved into a declutching position beyond its inactivation position in a direction away from the activation position, and the device including a passage for putting the chamber into communication with the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Philippe Le Quere
  • Patent number: 8272670
    Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for providing an insulating housing and a protective sleeve for quick connect fittings and couplings of a computer system environment. In one embodiment, the insulative housing has a hollow center to be placed around the couplings and further comprises an insulative sleeve having a plurality of complementary parts that fit together around the coupling as a singular unit and a fastener to open and close the sleeve such that the coupling is at least partially exposed. In an alternate embodiment, a protective sleeve with a hollow center is provided that once disposed around the quick connect fittings will protect against leakage of liquids flowing into quick connect fittings during mating and unmating of them. The sleeve comprises an actuation collar area that extends over unmated portion of the quick connect fitting and a flare area disposed over the actuation collar to provide an additional gripping area for actuating the quick connect fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Francis R. Krug, Jr., Robert K. Mullady