Spring-biased Sleeve Patents (Class 285/316)
  • Patent number: 8267434
    Abstract: Hose coupling incorporates male part and a female part being provided with elements which in corporation with a slide axially displaceable sleeve on the female part renders possible pressure relief at disconnection. These elements are constituted by an angular locking pawl one portion of which is insert able in an axial groove in the female part and has such length that always at least some part thereof is surrounded by the sleeve. The other inwardly directed part of the locking pawl has such length that it extends into the groove of the male part when locking pawl is influenced by the sleeve. The locking pawl is a combined element. To lock the male part when the coupling is connected and lock the male part in an alternative position when it's pressure relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cejn Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Björn Engdahl
  • Patent number: 8256803
    Abstract: A socket that receives and locks a plug has a cylindrical socket body, a plug-locking element provided in a first through-hole of the socket, a sleeve-operating element provided in a second through-hole of the socket, a sleeve, and a collar. The collar is movable between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position where the collar allows radially inward displacement of the sleeve-operating element by the plug inserted into the socket. When the plug is inserted into the socket, first, a locking element-pushing portion of the plug pushes out the plug-locking element into a first recess of the sleeve and causes the plug-locking element to displace the sleeve rearward. As the plug is further inserted into the socket in this state, the plug engages and pushes the collar from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8251407
    Abstract: The female quick coupling element is fitted with at least one locking member (40) movable in a housing (27) between a first position in which a fraction (46) of the locking member projects out from the housing (27) and a second position in which the fraction (46) of the locking member is disengaged from a groove in a male element endpiece (11) engaged in the female element. A control ring that is slidable relative to the body of the female element parallel to its central longitudinal axis (XA-X?A) is suitable for moving the locking member between its first and second positions. The locking member (40) is provided with at least one surface (42, 43) in the form of a portion of a sphere. The locking member moves between its first and second positions by pivoting about a fixed axis passing through the center of curvature (C40) of the surface (42, 43) in the form of a portion of a sphere of the locking member (40) and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (XA-X?A) of the female element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Olivier Pastore
  • Patent number: 8246085
    Abstract: A pipe coupling including a female pipe coupling member (3) and a male pipe coupling member (5). The female pipe coupling member (3) includes a female member body (11), a locking element hole (13), a locking element (15), and an outer cylindrical member (17) for preventing the locking element from being dislodged from the locking element hole (13). The male pipe coupling member (5) includes a male member body (21), a displacement preventing portion (23), an engaging groove (25), and a sleeve (27). A sleeve receiving portion (19) is formed between an outer peripheral surface (12) of the female member body (11) and the outer cylindrical member (17). The sleeve receiving portion (19) has a jam preventing portion (20) on the radially outer side of an opening edge (13b) of the locking element hole opening at the outer peripheral surface (12) of the female member body (11), whereby the locking element pushed by the sleeve (27) is prevented from being jammed between the opening edge (13b) and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8205914
    Abstract: A coupling assembly including an endpiece defining a fluid flow passageway and being adapted to be secured to an outlet of a fluid-flow circuit, and a coupling member including a body defining at least one housing for receiving locking balls, a slider defining an axial wall of the at least one housing, a control member surrounding the body and slider and being provided with a ball-locking element that is movable between a rest position in which it and the slider, in an advanced position thereof, retain the locking balls in an innermost locking position, and a release position wherein the slider is movable to allow the locking balls to move both linearly and outwardly to an unlocked position thereof, and return elements for returning the control member to its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Rene Chappaz, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 8197225
    Abstract: Slip joint clamps are installed against guide ears of diffusers at jet pump slip joints. Clamps may prevent vibration and/or movement in the slip joint while not being rigidly attached to the diffuser. Clamps include a compression flipper pressing against a guide ear of the diffuser in a substantially radial direction, a biasing member between the compression member and guide ear that presses the flipper against the guide ear, and supporting structures that hold the flipper and biasing member to the inlet mixer about the guide ear. Systems of slip joint clamps are installed against several guide ears of a single diffuser. Each clamp may radially stabilize the diffuser and inlet mixer while permitting upward relative movement of the inlet mixer. Placement and tensioning of clamps in such systems may be varied so as to prevent or reduce vibrations and/or oscillations between an inlet mixer and diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventor: John R. Bass
  • Patent number: 8191932
    Abstract: A coupling for liquid and gas applications has a valve cartridge loaded from a front end of the coupling. The valve cartridge includes a valve body, a valve member, and a valve spring. The valve member is within the valve body and the valve spring coaxially surrounds the valve member and is disposed between the valve body and the valve member. An aperture in the valve body allows the valve member to pass through the valve body. A stop ring is disposed between the valve cartridge and the front-end portion to secure the valve cartridge in the valve cavity. The valve cartridge is secured in a valve cavity of the coupling by the stop ring. The valve member includes a valve that is opened when a mating coupling is inserted into the coupling. The valve also operates to shut off the flow when the couplings are disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Dixon Quick Coupling
    Inventor: Thomas Anthony Davis
  • Patent number: 8123258
    Abstract: A female rapid coupling element is adapted to receive a male element by insertion along a longitudinal axis (X-X?) and includes at least one locking member which is movable along an oblique axis and has an end engageable in a groove of a male element. A head of the locking member is provided with at least one lug defining a first surface oriented towards the end and adapted to receive in sliding contact a corresponding surface of a first component. A sliding plane (P1) between these surfaces is inclined at an angle of between approximately 75° and 105° with respect to the oblique axis of translation of the member. The head has two lugs arranged on either side of a rod or stem that extends between the end and the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Antoine Chambaud
  • Patent number: 8007009
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between locking and releasing positions. The locking member includes a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking member is in its locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and axially movable with respect to the body between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Jerome Vogel, Jason W. Dahms, Michael P. Wells
  • Patent number: 7980173
    Abstract: A hydraulic compactor system includes a portable container adapted to be transported by a truck and having a chamber for receiving a waste material to be compacted. The container has a self-contained compacting ram actuated by a hydraulic cylinder, and a remote hydraulic power supply unit is connected to the hydraulic cylinder by flexible hydraulic hoses. Each of the hoses is provided with a breakaway hydraulic coupling having two sections connected by tension releasable coupling means with the sections having spring biased valves which are open when the sections are coupled together and automatically close when the sections separate due to a predetermined tension force on the hoses. Each breakaway coupling compensates for increases in hydraulic fluid pressure to prevent separation of the coupling sections when the fluid pressure increases to actuate the hydraulic compacting cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Catlow, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron D. Carmack, David L. Imler, Kelly Grant Fleener
  • Patent number: 7980599
    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: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Weems Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Schindel
  • Patent number: 7938456
    Abstract: A quick connect and quick release coupling for connecting two pipes, including a male element and a female element that are axially fitted and interlocked one inside the other and wherein a locking mechanism retains the male element in a coupled position and a temporarily retaining mechanism immobilizes the male element, after its release by the locking mechanism, in a position for flushing a pipe connected to the male element. The locking mechanism is controlled by a sleeve that slides relative to a body of the female element. When the temporarily retaining mechanism retains the male element in flushing position, it is subjected to a first force (E1) derived from a pressure (P) of the fluid flowing (F) from the male element outwards and to a second force (E2), opposite to the first, exerted by elastic return means which, when the pressure (P) drops to a safety threshold, moves the temporarily retaining mechanism into a position for releasing the male element from the female element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Antoine Chambaud, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 7926855
    Abstract: A coupling according to the present invention has a socket (2) and a plug (30) that is inserted into and connected to the socket. The socket includes a socket body (10) having a first through-hole (13b) for a plug-locking element (12b) and an elongated second through-hole (13a) for a sleeve-actuating element (50), and a sleeve (50) set around the socket body. The sleeve is urged by a spring member (15) toward a position for pressing the plug-locking element (12b) against a locking recess (34) of the plug to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. The sleeve has a locking surface (50b) that presses the plug-locking element in the position described above. When being inserted into the socket, the plug engages with the sleeve-actuating element to move the sleeve rearward, thereby disengaging the locking surface from the plug-locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7922214
    Abstract: A connector structure securely connectable in a locked state and releasable by an easy operation, comprising a supplying connection part for supplying a fluid and receiving connection part for receiving the supply of fluid. The connector structure also comprises a securing mechanism having an operating member moving according to a connecting operation between the supplying connection part to the receiving connection part, holding the connected state of the supplying part to the receiving part in a securely locked state and releasing the locked state of the supplying part to the receiving part by movement of the operating member according to the next pressing-in operation of the supplying part and an energizing mechanism energizing the supplying part in the separating direction thereof from the receiving part. When in the locked state, the pressurized fluid can be supplied from the supplying connection part to the receiving connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Yasuaki Nakamura, Hideto Usui
  • Patent number: 7887104
    Abstract: A quick connect and disconnect coupler (QCDC) having a coupler plug and a coupler socket. The coupler plug has an input that is connected to a fluid source and an output. The coupler socket has an input that is connected to the coupler plug's output, and an output that is connected to a hose from where the fluid is applied to a fire. The coupler socket features a front and rear gripping flange that together allow a person to safely, quickly, and easily attach the coupler socket to the coupler plug. The QCDC also features a safety lock that is normally in a locked position, which prevents the socket from being attached or detached to and from the plug. The safety lock is released from its locked position only after a determination has been made that it is safe to attach or detach the coupler socket from the coupler plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Hollis Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110012344
    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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: OPW ENGINEERED SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Mark J. Tausch, Jeffrey W. Reichert
  • Patent number: 7770940
    Abstract: A coupling part for a plug connector arrangement is provided. The coupling part having a coupling body comprising a receptacle into which a plug-in part can be plugged into in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the receptacle, in order to produce a fluid-tight connection. The coupling part has two spaced-apart locking elements which, in a locking position, penetrate laterally, opposite one another, into the receptacle in order to engage behind the plug-in part and which can be moved into a release position in order to release the plug-in part. A spring element is integrally formed with and connects the locking elements together. In order to develop the coupling part so that it is easier to handle, the coupling part is provided with an actuating element which is adapted to be moved relative to the coupling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Joerg Schmid
  • Patent number: 7766393
    Abstract: A female element for a coupling that includes a body having a duct for receiving a male element along a coupling axis (X-X?) and a locking member including a locking portion, a connecting portion, and a control portion, wherein the locking member extends along the axis (X-X?) and is movable between a locked and an unlocked position, and wherein an annular element moves the locking member from the locked to the unlocked position and a resilient member urges the locking member to the locked position, and the female element includes a lateral guide for the connecting portion and the control portion, and a surface of the locking portion that is to come into contact with the male element generally having a shape of a portion of a surface of revolution and a width, in a circumferential direction, that is greater than a width of the control portion and the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux
  • Patent number: 7762593
    Abstract: A ball coupler having a longitudinal axis and including a male tubular endpiece; a female tubular endpiece; and a tubular sleeve extending the female endpiece and presenting slots for forming a cage for retaining balls for blocking the male endpiece in the female endpiece. A grip is coaxial about the sleeve and mounted to turn about the longitudinal axis of the coupler between at least two angular positions relative to the sleeve, the grip having a housing for each ball. A resilient return device urges the grip into its first position, including in the grip, a ring that is constrained to turn with the grip and that is movable axially relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventors: Nicolas Le Bars, Jean-François Vallet
  • Patent number: 7753415
    Abstract: This connection comprises two elements, male and female, adapted to fit axially in each other, the body of the female element being equipped with a lock mounted to slide and pierced with at least one opening for the fit of the male element. The wall of this opening is equipped with at least one element in relief adapted to cooperate with a corresponding element in relief of the male element in order to retain these elements in fitted configuration. The lock is in two parts and comprises a first part on which may be exerted, from outside the body, an effort of displacement, as well as a second part mobile with respect to the first part and bearing the aforementioned element in relief. A safety member is adapted to block the first part against the effort of displacement, without preventing the displacement of the element in relief with respect to the first part of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Antoine Chambaud
  • Patent number: 7731243
    Abstract: A female coupling element includes two superposed coaxial rings, a locking ring and safety ring which are rotatably mounted about a body of the coupling element. The locking ring is axially immobilized with respect to the body while the safety ring is able to slide with respect to the locking ring and with the body. The locking ring (2) has at least one locking slot for receiving a projection of a second element inserted within the coupling element and a notch to lock the projection axially with respect to the coupling element, and the safety ring includes at least one safety slot having a notch which locks the projection circumferentially in the notch of the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux, Serafim Marques Barroca
  • Patent number: 7717362
    Abstract: An spray head includes a spray engine and a metal shell retained on the spray engine. The spray head is assembled by fitting the shell onto the spray engine and seating the shell against a cushioning ring. A retaining device is attached to the spray engine to secure the shell is position. A surface finish is applied to the outer surface of the shell to achieve a desired appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Brasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Beh, Vinh Vu
  • Patent number: 7712794
    Abstract: A rapid coupling device couples a hydrogen storage canister and a fuel cell. The rapid coupling device includes first and second coupling assemblies. The first coupling assembly includes a base, and a communicating member coupled to the fuel cell, and carrying a first ejector, a separating member embracing the base, a moving member reciprocating longitudinally inside the base, and elastic members therebetween. The base is provided with abutting members which, depending on the respective positions of the moving member and the separating member control interconnection between the first and second coupling assemblies. The second coupling assembly includes a body carrying a second ejector and lockable inside the base for connection of the first and second ejectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jefferson Y S Yang, Yao-Sheng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100078934
    Abstract: A connector includes a female member, and a checking member. The female member has a housing being provided with paired windows. The checking member is assembled outward with and retained onto the housing from the axially perpendicular direction, and has a letter “C”-shaped portion and paired locker protrusions. The locker protrusions have a first locker, a leading-end contact, and an inclined second locker, respectively. The first lockers inhibit an assembly-line worker or robot from pulling the checking member from out of the housing. The leading-end contacts expand the letter “C”-shaped portion diametrically when a male member is inserted into the female member completely. The inclined second lockers inhibit elastic force, which arises in the letter “C”-shaped portion, from removing the checking member from the housing. The housing further has a fitting dent. The checking member's letter “C”-shaped portion has a fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting dent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: TOKAI RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji MATSUNAGA
  • Patent number: 7681925
    Abstract: Improvement in a quick disconnect coupling that includes a tubular coupler half, having a radially outwardly-directed roller on an outer surface portion thereof; a tubular nipple half, having a push-to-connect mechanism, including a cup-shaped member, concentrically surrounding a nipple body portion, this mechanism including a locking device having a basically L-shaped contoured slot including a helically-directed ramp inlet and a locking slot portion; the improvement comprising that the push-to-connect mechanism includes the rotatable journaling of the cup-shaped member, for limited rotational pivoting relative to the nipple half; this mechanism also including a biasing member for concurrently normally biasing the cup-shaped member to an at-rest position relative to the nipple body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannfin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd D. Lambert, Shawn D. Ellis, Brian K. Forner
  • Publication number: 20100066079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety coupling, for the releasable connection of a nozzle to a duct system, which nozzle and duct system form part of an extraction system. The safety coupling comprises a coupling member having a first coupling part, which is adapted for fitting in the nozzle, and a second coupling part, which is adapted for fitting in the duct system. The first and second coupling parts are adapted to be brought together for connection of the nozzle to the duct system. In the joined state of the coupling parts, the coupling member is adjustable between a coupled position, in which the coupling parts are coupled together to lock the connection of the nozzle to the duct system, and a decoupled position, in which the coupling parts are separable to allow release of the nozzle from the duct system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: AB PH. NEDERMAN & CO
    Inventors: Fredrik Bergling, Curt Persson, Lennart Stromberg
  • Patent number: 7673911
    Abstract: A safety type quick connector has a body, a socket base, a moving base, a pushing assembly, an outer sleeve, multiple springs, multiple first balls and second balls. The socket base is connected to the tubular body and has an inserting end, a connecting end, multiple ball slots and ball bores. The moving base is movably mounted in the socket chamber and has a closed end, an open end, a sealing flange, multiple ball holes and at least one vent. The sealing flange is formed around the closed end and abuts against and closes the connecting end of the socket base. The pushing assembly is movably mounted in the moving base. Accordingly, the moving base can be kept stationary when a plug is inserted into the connector and pushes the pushing assembly to move, and this can keep air from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Hsiu-Hsiung Liu
  • Patent number: 7661724
    Abstract: A quick coupling comprises a male element (2) which can be threadably assembled to a female element (3), housing an inner tubular supporting body (8) in turn housing a bearing (11) thereon the female element (3) bears, the female element (3) including a plurality of radially extending holes (20) in which are engaged ball elements (21) which can be fitted in a circumferential slot formed in the male body (2) and being adapted to be radially locked by an enlarged portion (16) formed on an inner side of a ring nut which can be driven against an urging spring (17) pertaining to the female element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Faster S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Arosio
  • Patent number: 7661725
    Abstract: A coupling has a socket and a plug that is inserted into and connected to the socket. The socket has a locking element and a sleeve actuating element that are radially displaceable to lock the plug as inserted into the socket. A sleeve is provided over the outer peripheral surface of the socket. The inner peripheral surface of the sleeve has a locking surface that presses the locking element from the radially outer side into a lock position. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve has an inclined surface extending in the circumferential direction thereof. As the plug is progressively inserted into the socket, the sleeve actuating element is pushed radially outward by the plug while engaging the inclined surface, causing the sleeve to be displaced in the circumferential direction. Thus, the inclined surface radially aligns with the locking element, and the locking element is pushed radially outward while engaging the inclined surface by the plug inserted progressively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kouda
  • Patent number: 7661726
    Abstract: A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter Barnes Moyes
  • Publication number: 20090267346
    Abstract: A socket for a fluid-transfer coupling device (5) that communicates a flow path in the socket with a flow path in a plug (70) since the socket (10) and the plug are connected to each other, includes a mount panel attachment (17) arranged in the vicinity of an entry (19) of the socket allowing the plug to be inserted, and attaching the socket to a mount panel (18) and a support (35) arranged in a different position from the entry and supporting the socket. Consequently, the socket can be stably supported on the mount panel even if the flow rate of fluid is large. It is preferable that at least one part of the socket is constructed in a spigot-and-socket manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Masahiro Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 7588059
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing tool assembly includes an upper tool unit having an evacuation port and a fluid inlet port with fluid actuated poppet valves selectively controlling the flow through each port to a center passage within the upper tool unit. The assembly also has a lower tool unit connected to the upper tool unit by a quick-release coupler and includes a center tube member projecting into the passage and also into the inlet portion of a fluid receiving system. The tube member is shifted axially by a fluid actuated piston within the lower tool unit to form a fluid-tight seal with the inlet portion after a second coupler secures the tool assembly to the inlet portion. A fluid-tight seal may be formed between an annular seat on a plastic inlet portion of the receiving system and an annular shoulder on the tube member within the lower tool unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Production Control Units, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy S. Robinson, Chad E. McKee, Matthew A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7585001
    Abstract: A quick disconnect latching device for use in a liquid conduit coupling has two halves: a pin half and a release half. The pin half includes a casing sleeve into which a latch pin is slidably retained. The latch pin is spring biased into a retracted position within the sleeve. Latch pin dogs are located at the ends of arms extending from the latch pin to interact with a catch within the release half. A hollow nose casing is tapered to cam the arms inward when a sufficient separating axial force is applied to one or both of the pin half and the release half, so that the latch pin dogs release the catch. The amount of force required to separate the latch halves can be adjusted by varying the spring bias using an adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Flight Suits
    Inventor: Joseph L. Rose
  • Patent number: 7533908
    Abstract: A coupling assembly having male and female coupling members that are connectable and separable from each other. The coupling assembly utilizes a resiliently expandable locking element, which is provided on the male coupling member, to connect the male and female coupling members together by trapping the locking element, in its expanded position, between respective locking surfaces of the male and female coupling members. A locking sleeve, which is movable between unlocked and locked positions, is employed to move the locking element to its expanded position. In this position, the locking element prevents the withdrawal of the male coupling member from the female coupling member by creating a positive lock therebetween. To maintain the locking sleeve in its locked position, a retainer can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Todd J. Vogel, Michael P. Wells
  • Publication number: 20090121478
    Abstract: In a female member 12 comprising a female member body 22 and a locking element retaining member 26 that is inserted and installed in the body to retain locking elements 24, it is made possible to install the locking elements 24 in all slits provided in the locking element retaining member 26, and it is also made easy to insert the retaining member into the female member body 22. The locking element retaining member 26 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking element retaining slits 36 extending rearward from the forward end in the direction of insertion of the locking element retaining member into the female member body 22. Each locking element retaining slit receives a locking element from radially outside. The locking element is engaged and retained with both side wall surfaces 56 of the slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Satoshi Tsujita
  • Publication number: 20090085348
    Abstract: This connection comprises two elements, male and female, adapted to fit axially in each other, the body of the female element being equipped with a lock mounted to slide and pierced with at least one opening for the fit of the male element. The wall of this opening is equipped with at least one element in relief adapted to cooperate with a corresponding element in relief of the male element in order to retain these elements in fitted configuration. The lock is in two parts and comprises a first part on which may be exerted, from outside the body, an effort of displacement, as well as a second part mobile with respect to the first part and bearing the aforementioned element in relief. A safety member is adapted to block the first part against the effort of displacement, without preventing the displacement of the element in relief with respect to the first part of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Antoine Chambaud
  • Patent number: 7503592
    Abstract: The coupling (1) is for coupling a hose (T) to a mold (M). Its male portion has a male plug (6) for insertion into a female portion (2) of the quick coupling and for being locked therein by balls (11). A locking ring (10) for driving the balls (11) is movable relative to the male plug (6) between a first position in which the balls (11) can be retracted radially inside the locking ring (10), and a second position in which the balls (11) are constrained to project laterally from the locking ring (10). The male plug (6) carries a visual indicator (13) which is at least partially uncovered when said locking ring (10) is in its second position, and that is masked by said locking ring (10) when said locking ring (10) is in its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Christophe Durieux, Alain-Christophe Tiberghien
  • Patent number: 7494158
    Abstract: In order to provide a connecting coupling whose structure has increased stability and which is used for transmitting gaseous and/or liquid fluids, especially for filling the petrol tank of vehicles, comprising a sliding sleeve (18) which is used to lock collet chucks (15) above a connecting nipple, a guide sleeve (38) with longitudinal grooves is provided between the sliding sleeve (18) and the collet chucks (15). The collet chucks are guided inside the longitudinal grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Publication number: 20090008927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling part for a plug connector arrangement, the coupling part having a coupling body comprising a receptacle into which a plug-in part can be plugged, in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the receptacle, in order to produce a fluid-tight connection, and the coupling part having two spaced-apart locking elements which, in a locking position, penetrate laterally, opposite one another, into the receptacle in order to engage behind the plug-in part and which can be moved into a release position in order to release the plug-in part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Binder, Joerg Schmid
  • Patent number: 7472842
    Abstract: A pressurized fluid delivery apparatus, such as a pressure washer or sprayer, includes a pump for providing a pressurized fluid, a conduit fluidly connected with the pump to receive the pressurized fluid, a fluid accessory fluidly connected with the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid from the conduit, and a quick-disconnect assembly selectively fluidly connecting the fluid accessory and the conduit. The quick-disconnect assembly includes a male fitting coupled to one of the fluid accessory and the conduit. The male fitting includes a male component and a non-circular outer surface. The quick-disconnect assembly also includes a female fitting coupled to the other of the fluid accessory and the conduit. The female fitting includes a female component having an opening for receiving the male component and a non-circular inner surface coupled to the non-circular outer surface to prevent rotation between the male fitting and the female fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick, Barry Fay, Neil R. Gansebom, Brian Beutter
  • Patent number: 7472930
    Abstract: This connection comprises two elements, male and female, adapted to fit axially in each other, the body of the female element being equipped with a lock mounted to slide and pierced with at least one opening for the fit of the male element. The wall of this opening is equipped with at least one element in relief adapted to cooperate with a corresponding element in relief of the male element in order to retain these elements in fitted configuration. The lock is in two parts and comprises a first part on which may be exerted, from outside the body, an effort of displacement, as well as a second part mobile with respect to the first part and bearing the aforementioned element in relief. A safety member is adapted to block the first part against the effort of displacement, without preventing the displacement of the element in relief with respect to the first part of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Antoine Chambaud
  • Publication number: 20080298019
    Abstract: A system of cooling and method of use that includes a connector having a data reader capable of reading a wireless identifier and/or a breaker box capable of routing liquid cooling to at least one server. In a preferred embodiment, both the quick connector and the breaker box are used in conjunction with a liquid coolant such as refrigerant or water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LIEBERT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian SPEARING, Timothy J. SCHARDER
  • Patent number: 7452006
    Abstract: A pipe coupling is disclosed which comprises a plug (14) and a socket (12). When the plug is inserted into the socket, the plug first urges sleeve actuators (28) radially outward to axially move a sleeve (22) and, thereafter, urges locking elements (20) radially outward to move the sleeve further. Eventually, the locking elements and sleeve actuators are fitted within a locking recess (14-2) of the plug to securely connect the plug and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kohda
  • Patent number: 7431346
    Abstract: A socket of a fluid coupling device includes a housing with a cavity centered on an axis. A pawl, attached to the housing, is pivotable about a pivot location relative to the housing, and has a catch section located axially outward from the pivot location. A spring biases the catch section radially inward. A plug is configured to move axially into the cavity while sliding against the catch section to move the catch section radially outward, against bias of the spring, out of the way of the plug. After an axially-outwardly facing catch surface of the plug passes the catch section, the catch section can pivot radially inward and abut the plug catch surface to capture the plug in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Campbell Hausfeld/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Frost, Jeffery G. Ricker, Roger E. DeYoung, Thomas A. Burdsall
  • Patent number: 7399004
    Abstract: A universal attachment for capturing and utilizing exhaust gas from pneumatic power tools having a conventional pressurized gas line connection and a conventional exhaust gas port, includes an inner sleeve member having at least one exhaust outlet and being configured to accommodate a conventional gas line assembly there within. An outer sleeve member is configured to accommodate the inner sleeve member there within. At least one spring is disposed between the inner sleeve member and the outer sleeve member. In use with a pneumatic power tool, the outer sleeve member is securely held against the tool by way of coupling the conventional gas line assembly, placed within the inner sleeve member, to the conventional pressurized gas line connection of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Lance W. Wiborg
  • Patent number: 7390030
    Abstract: A pipe joint is provided that includes a first length of pipe having a first flange and a second length of pipe having a second flange. The first flange includes a ramp extending outwardly and away from a leading exterior surface and a first locking surface extending inwardly and away from the ramp. The second flange includes an interior portion sized to receive the first flange. The interior portion includes a second locking surface and an inwardly facing annular groove adapted to receive a resiliently expandable locking member. The second locking surface is positioned within the interior portion such that, upon insertion of the first flange into the second flange, the resiliently expandable locking member expands as it travels up the ramp and then contracts to become positioned between the first locking surface and the second locking surface to prevent withdrawal of the first flange from the second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Brian E. Lamm
  • Patent number: 7387725
    Abstract: A one-touch fitting type adapter and a filter assembly are provided in which the filter assembly used for machinery, such as a bidet or a refrigerator, is easily assembled with or disassembled from the adapter through a one-touch fitting manner such that the filter assembly is easily adapted for the machinery. A multiple adapter capable of coupling a plurality of adapters in series is provided such that a plurality of filter assemblies used for a water purifier, a water ionizer or a functional water maker are detachably engaged with the multiple adapter through a one-touch fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Picogram Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-Rim Choi, Seok-Bong Bang
  • Patent number: 7318609
    Abstract: A chuck includes an annular ring portion, a first engaging portion which extends along a central axis of the annular ring portion and which engages with the first tube joint member, and a second engaging portion which extends from the annular ring portion along the central axis of the annular ring portion and which elastically engages with a second tube joint member. A-three-dimensionally shaped portion, which is an end of the second engaging portion, includes a pair of expanded portions on a metal plate. The annular ring portion is formed by rounding the metal plate with both ends, which are not fixed to one another so that both ends are displaceable circumferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichiro Naito, Yoshimoto Taneya, Taku Tomita, Hitoshi Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 7316424
    Abstract: A plug connection for fast-fit coupling of two appliances forming part of a medical handpiece system includes a first coupling fitting on one of the appliances and a second coupling fitting on the other of the appliances. The first coupling fitting has a movable locking element and the second coupling fitting has a projecting element projecting toward the first coupling fitting. The projecting element comprises an end portion of a media line or an end portion of an electrical contact and is positioned to engage a surface of an opening in the locking element to move the locking element between lock and unlock positions when the first and second coupling fittings are moved toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: W&H Dentalwerk Burmoos GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Kardeis, Wolfgang Wendtner
  • Patent number: 7309083
    Abstract: A female element for a quick connection for removably joining pipes of fluid under pressure and which is adapted to receive a male element. The female element includes at least one locking member movable within a guide channel that extends transverse with respect to an axis of fit of the male and female elements and which member has one end which is configured and adapted to be cooperatively engaged in a peripheral groove of the male element. The locking member is also provided with a tab which projects radially with respect to a body of the female element and which is cooperatively engaged by two portions of a control ring that is movable over the body of the female element in order to move the locking member within the guide channel between an inner locking position and an outer release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Antoine Chambaud