Particular Tool-engaging Means Or With Tool Patents (Class 285/39)
  • Patent number: 11946577
    Abstract: A method of installing a plumbing fixture to an outlet of a water supply assembly located behind a wall includes providing a plumbing fixture including an attachment structure. The method also includes providing an adapter configured to couple the plumbing fixture to an outlet of a water supply assembly. The adapter includes an annular body, a plurality of collars, and an engagement structure. The annular body extends between a first end and a second end and defining a bore extending therethrough. The plurality of collars is provided along an exterior of the annular body and spaced inwardly from the first end such that each of the collars is separated from an adjacent one of the collars in a lateral direction by a recess. The engagement structure is provided along the exterior at the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Ball
  • Patent number: 11821268
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a first wellbore tubular to a second wellbore tubular includes a tubular housing connectable to the second tubular and an internal surface facing an internal bore, and a ramp assembly arranged around the surface having a plurality of elongate ramp arrays and a plurality of elongate channels arranged to separate adjacent ramp arrays. The connector includes a slip body which is insertable into the internal bore having an internal surface with at least one slip tooth for engaging the first tubular, an external surface and a ramp assembly arranged around the external surface having a plurality of elongate ramp arrays which grip the first tubular and a plurality of elongate channels arranged to separate adjacent ramp arrays. The ramp arrays of the slip body are each alignable with a respective channel of the tubular housing. The slip body is rotatable within the tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: WELL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY FZCO
    Inventors: Anthony LaPlante, Steven Duthie Nicol
  • Patent number: 11707418
    Abstract: A connector for rotatably coupling an enteral feeding solution supply tube to a circular port of a gastrostomy device wherein the connector comprises a fluid conduit having a first end configured for connection with an orifice defined in the circular port to supply the enteral feeding solution to the gastrostomy device, and a second end configured for connection to the enteral feeding solution supply tube, a pair of arms circumferentially arranged around an outer wall of the first end of the fluid conduit, each arm including a first free end and a second free end, wherein the second free end includes a catch configured to releasably engage with a circumferential rim on the circular port, and a flexible bridge connecting each arm to the first end of the fluid conduit and about which the first and second ends of each arm can be pivoted, wherein the connector is couplable to and decouplable from the circular port by pivoting the first and second ends of each arm at the flexible bridge such that the catch on the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Metis Design BV
    Inventors: Mark David Heynes, Phil Anthony Sampey, William Charles Morris, Lee Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 11613936
    Abstract: A modular tubular system is assembled of a tool handling section and a tubular section. The tool handling section may be made of a material that is suitable for handling by conventional tubular handling tools, such as conventional steel. The tubular section may be made of a different material with desired properties for special applications in a well, such as aluminum, titanium, nickel, or stainless steel alloys, or composite materials. A joint, such as a pin tool joint may be assembled on an end of the tubular section opposite the tool handling section to allow the modular system to be joined with mating tubular products, both conventional and modular. The resulting system provides advantages of the different material of the tubular section while allowing for more robust handling and ease of integration via the handling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Mitchell Z. Dziekonski
  • Patent number: 11486425
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly of a first component (1) and a second component (2) of a wind turbine, the assembly comprises, a paired eccentric cam adjuster (10) adapted for a connection of the first component and the second component of a wind turbine, said components (1,2) each having at least one hole (3,4), the adjuster comprising, a first and second eccentric cam adjuster (7,8), both comprising, a tube (101) with an outer surface and an inner bore (103), with a first central longitudinal axis (321) of the outer surface having an offset (320) from a second central longitudinal axis (322) of the inner bore and a flange (102) arranged at one end of the tube, said cam adjusters (7,8) arranged to be inserted into said holes, and a bolt (5) and a nut (6) arranged to be inserted in the inner bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Peter Mongeau
  • Patent number: 11421488
    Abstract: A drilling tool system includes a drilling tool collar having at least one recess and a sleeve disposed around the drilling tool collar, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one slot configured to align with the at least one recess. The drilling tool system further includes an inner key disposed within the at least one recess, an outer key secured within the at least one slot and at least partially disposed within the at least one recess, and at least one fastener configured to drive the inner key in a first lateral direction and the outer key in a second lateral direction to secure the inner key against a first lateral surface and the outer key against a second lateral surface, and wherein securing the inner key and the outer key restrains rotational movement of the sleeve with respect to the tool collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian David Breaux, James Howell Cobb, Michael Dewayne Finke
  • Patent number: 11381067
    Abstract: An explosion-proof line bushing and method for producing the line bushing. A prespecified amount of elastomeric material is applied to a line and completely surrounds the line in a flat section in the circumferential direction. The line is inserted into a passage opening of a bushing body. The bushing body is preferably plastically deformed. After the plastic deformation, the elastomeric material substantially fills the volume remaining between the formed bushing body and line. The elastomeric material is elastically deformed and presses both against the line and the formed bushing body so that flame-proof gaps are formed between the bushing body and the line. The applied mass of the elastomeric material is determined depending on the inner volume between the formed bushing body and the line remaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: R. Stahl Schaltgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Semrau, Maxim Kutsch
  • Patent number: 11287071
    Abstract: A quick connection device for fluidly connecting tubular members is provided. In one example aspect, the connection device includes a housing defining a pass-through opening. Locking rings having a plurality of locking pins are disposed within the pass-through opening and are operable to engage tubular members received therein. The housing includes opposing connection ends each having threaded portions. Collets each having a sleeve can be threadingly engaged with the connection ends of the housing via the threaded portions. The collets can be threaded onto the connection ends such that their sleeves engage the locking pins of the locking rings. The engagement of the sleeves with the locking pins causes the locking pins to deflect, which allows the tubular members to be inserted/removed into or from the pass-through opening without need for a user to apply a continuous force on the locking ring and without scratching the tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan John Prince
  • Patent number: 11267143
    Abstract: A port structure of a containment apparatus is capable of providing a highly reliable port by means of a structure with which a port can be formed in any size at any position and high airtightness thereof can be maintained. The port structure has: a port formation hole that is formed in a transparent synthetic resin sheet defining at least a part of a chamber; an inner ring member disposed on the inner surface side of the port formation hole; an outer ring member disposed on the outer surface side of the port formation hole; and a fastening member that joins the inner ring member and the outer ring member to each other while having a rim portion of the port formation hole held therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: NARA MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Arizono
  • Patent number: 11105423
    Abstract: A mechanical sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sealing ring (13) attached to a protrusion (11a) protruding from a housing (11); a mating ring (23) attached to an end portion of a rotary shaft (21); a welded bellows provided around the protrusion (11a) and located between the housing (11) and the sealing ring (13). The welded bellows (15) presses the sealing ring (13) in an axial direction to cause the sealing ring (13) to be in contact with the mating ring (23), thereby ensuring high pressure force, and in particular, uniform pressure force along its entire circumference, so as to achieve high liquid tightness, while maintaining the sizes in axial and radial directions small. Furthermore, the welded bellows (15) works as a sealing member of blocking a liquid leaked out through the O-ring (14), thereby achieving assured liquid tightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignees: SHIMADZU CORPORATION, EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kengo Aoki, Hiroki Honda, Hidekazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11077260
    Abstract: A catheter system may include a luer adapter, which may include an outer surface having threading or a recess. The catheter system may also include a flow control plug, which may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the flow control plug may include a filter element permeable to air and not to blood. The distal end of the flow control plug may include a cylinder and a taper-shaped luer tip spaced apart from the cylinder. An inner surface of the cylinder may include a protrusion engaged in a snap-fit with the recess or corresponding threading mated with the threading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Sakthivel Karthikeyan, Sudarsan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 11077533
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle can be used with a power tool having a housing that includes a first notch and a second notch. The auxiliary handle includes a shaft, a first clamp coupled to the shaft and having a first protrusion configured to engage the first notch, a second clamp arranged on the shaft and having a second protrusion configured to engage the second notch, and a grip coupled to the shaft. When the first protrusion of the first clamp engages the first notch and the grip is rotated relative to the second clamp, the second clamp is moved toward the first clamp, such that the first protrusion engages the first notch and the second protrusion engages the second notch to couple the auxiliary handle to the housing of the power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignees: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION, TECHTRONIC POWER TOOLS TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kurt Limberg, Ryan T. Harrison, Mark A. Kubale, Mark D. Hickok
  • Patent number: 11046171
    Abstract: An air guide seal arrangement adapted to be located between a bumper fascia and a cooler of a vehicle. The air guide seal arrangement includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first irregularly shaped edge portion, shaped to seal against an inner surface of the bumper fascia, and a second regularly shaped edge portion being located opposite to the first edge portion. The second member has a first regularly shaped edge portion and a second edge portion, being located opposite to the first edge portion, shaped to seal against a forwards-facing surface of the cooler. At least one of the first member and the second member is resilient. The first member and the second member form two separate members adapted to be held together solely by being pressed together in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lönn Jaldelid, Mikael Torgilsson
  • Patent number: 11045636
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively coupling a first tube and a second tube allows easy separation and connection of tubing in cases of accidental or forceful removal of the tube. A first connecting member and a second connecting member can be easily connected and disconnected as needed to prevent and allow fluid flow to and from a patient. The apparatus can be applied to prevent the accidental removal of patients undergoing extended treatments involving tubes entering the body in the clinical, geriatric, or other care settings. The apparatus also allows for the purposeful detachment and sealing of tubes entering the body to allow for increased patient mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Keith Joseph Watza, Zachary William Murdock, Samuel Jacob Luethy, Cody Matthew O'Cain
  • Patent number: 10982881
    Abstract: A water heater fitting for draining water from a water heater that has a threaded heating element opening configured to threadably receive and support a heating element. The water heater fitting includes a body having opposite first and second ends. The body defines a fluid passage extending between and opening out of the first and second ends. The body includes a water heater connector defining the first end. The water heater connector includes a male threaded portion configured to be threadably received in the threaded heating element opening to form a threaded connection with the threaded heating element opening when the heating element is removed from the threaded heating element opening for draining water out of the water heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Craig Wofford
  • Patent number: 10947790
    Abstract: A connector for a coiled tubing end anchors internally and seals externally. The anchor profile is split with a gap to clear an internal spline without need to remove the spline to allow a seal to enter the coiled tubing since the seal is mounted internally to a sleeve that envelops the end of the coiled tubing. Component relative rotation extends the internal anchor radially against the coiled tubing inner wall to secure the connection with the seal engaged to the coiled tubing outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Alexander, Levi B. Oberg, Erik van Steveninck, Brian Voisin, David C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10927665
    Abstract: A communication system, comprises a composite slickline including an electrical conductor surrounded by an electrically insulating structural material, a downhole tool; and a sensing element. The composite slickline is mechanically and electrically coupled to the downhole tool and extends from the downhole tool to the sensing element. The composite slickline and the sensing element are capacitively coupled so as to permit relative movement therebetween and so as to permit an electric field to extend from the electrical conductor of the composite slickline to the sensing element through the electrically insulating structural material of the composite slickline for the transmission of an electrical and/or an electromagnetic signal between the downhole tool and the sensing element via the composite slickline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PARADIGM TECHNOLOGY SERVICES B.V.
    Inventor: Andre Van Der Ende
  • Patent number: 10890281
    Abstract: An adjustable length pipe connector having an axially extending and hollow pipe body with internal threads provided therein. The pipe body includes external threads provided on outer portion thereof for coupling the connector to a pipe connection. Further, the pipe body includes a washer provided within the pipe body. The washer is adapted to be moved axially within the interior portion. Also, a first and a second length adjustor peg is provided within the pipe body. The first and the second length adjustor pegs can be moved and positioned adjacent to the washer so as to achieve a desirable length of the adjustable length connector. Upon achieving the desirable length, the washer is juxtaposed relative to the first peg and an excess portion of the pipe body adjacent the second end is removed. The washer may be cylindrical. The washer may have a wire mesh to block impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: Kumar Gupta Swadesh
  • Patent number: 10881848
    Abstract: A connector is connectable to a medical device that includes a female connector portion. The connector includes: a main body member including: a cylinder portion that is insertable into the female connector portion, and a lock portion configured to, upon insertion of the cylinder portion into the female connector portion, pass over part of the medical device and then move in a predetermined locking direction to lock the medical device; and a lock member that is movable with respect to the main body member. When the main body member is in a state in which the lock portion locks the medical device, the lock member is moveable to a lock position at which the lock member limits movement of the lock portion in a predetermined unlocking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 10816121
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling having a female part with a throughbore for receiving a tube having an annular extending bead. A latch is supported in the female part in communication with the throughbore. A verifier is provided in stacked arrangement with the latch. Insertion of the tube results in extending sides of the latch expanding outwardly and likewise expanding the extending sides of the verifier. Upon passage of the bead past the latch, the latch seating in the engaged position, with the verifier held open by alignment with the annular bead. The verifier subsequently being displaced to a fully engaged position to indicate that the fluid coupling is fluidly and fully connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Martinrea International US Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Kerin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10760564
    Abstract: A reciprocating compressor is provided. The reciprocating compressor may include a connector coupled to a discharge hose and a discharge pipe, a cutout formed in the connector or the discharge pipe, and a clamp inserted into the cutout. The connector and the discharge pipe may be supported by the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Dowan Kim, Jaeho Cho, Inyong Choi
  • Patent number: 10473682
    Abstract: Provided is a flow meter that determines a liquid flow rate based on temperature. The flow meter has a cylindrical measurement tube having an internal flow passage, and a temperature detecting substrate including a heating resistance element a temperature detecting resistance element formed on a detection surface thereof. The measurement tube has a flat surface facing the detection surface of the temperature detecting substrate, and a pair of recesses arranged so as to sandwich the internal flow passage at a position where the heating resistance element is arranged. The flat surface and the detection surface are bonded together to form two bonding area. A width of the first bonding area is narrower than a width of the second bonding area so that heat, transmitted through the measurement tube from the heating resistance element is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Abo, Koji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10344900
    Abstract: Coupling device and method of forming coupling device. The coupling device includes a first part with a first connection region, and a second part with a second connection region. A sealing ring arranged between the first part and the second part radially extends into the first connection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: NORMA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Bauer
  • Patent number: 10094500
    Abstract: A push fitting joint packaging arrangement includes embodiments with a pusher locking member having at least one nipple member extending radially into a locking member opening, and a release pusher having a wing extending radially outwardly around the circumference of an inner wall, wherein the inner wall includes at least one access channel and at least one stop channel, wherein the at least one access channel and the at least one stop channel are engageable with the at least one nipple member of the pusher locking member. A push fitting joint packaging arrangement includes separate embodiments with a tamper-resistant release pusher configuration, employing a retaining clip that is slidably engageable with a pusher locking member, and wherein a release pusher is removably or releasably securable to the pusher locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias
  • Patent number: 10086518
    Abstract: A universal gripper includes a set of pivoting fingers on pins mounted uniformly around a fixed ring. The fingers attached by springs to a movable ring are able to rotate inward, toward the center, until they meet an object and stop. Multiple universal grippers could be stacked to allow for different contours throughout objects and facilitate the pivoting fingers conforming and wrapping around a centerline of the objects. Once the universal gripper fingers are in contact with the surface of the object, they stop moving and springs attached to the fingers elongate as the movable ring continues to move over its full range of motion. An alignment tool can be used for staging and acquiring objects in a repeatable and consistent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M Fromm, Jeffrey J Bradway, Erwin Ruiz, Linn C Hoover
  • Patent number: 10036357
    Abstract: A fuel tube system having a tube, a fastening portion, a threaded portion, and a tool connecting surface is presented. The fastening portion is connected to and extends outwardly from the tube. The fastening portion of the fuel tube has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the tube of the fuel tube. The threaded portion is disposed on the outer diameter of the fastening portion. The tool connecting surface is formed in the end of the fastening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: TAJM LLC
    Inventor: James M Laws
  • Patent number: 9857009
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for a pipe, especially for water conduits, includes a coupling sleeve receiving the pipe end, includes a sealing ring which is inserted into the coupling sleeve, and includes a locking ring which is mounted upstream of the sealing ring in the plug-in direction of the pipe end and forms retaining claws which protrude with respect to the pipe end and are inclined in the plug-in direction. The plug-in coupling also includes an annular body which is similarly mounted upstream of the sealing ring and is supported axially in the plug-in direction in relation to the coupling sleeve. The annular body includes a protective ring for surrounding the face end of the pipe end from the outside, which protective ring is connected via a predetermined breaking connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KE KELIT Kunststoffwerk Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Elmar Ratschmann, Werner Linzner
  • Patent number: 9845906
    Abstract: A release clip for a tube connector is provided for use in a system with flowing fluid. The tube connector includes a housing with an opening through which the flowing fluid passes, and is arranged for secure and sealing connection with a tube which is inserted in the connector. In the housing there is mounted a circular gripper ring which grips the tube. The release clip has a tubular circular release body which is split along its longitudinal axis and includes an integral hinge, thus enabling it to be mounted around the tube that has to be released and the length of the release body in its longitudinal direction is at least equal to the distance extending from the housing's opening to the gripper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AS
    Inventors: Egil Pedersen, Kristoffer Dale, Henning Rud, Jan E. Sangro
  • Patent number: 9847629
    Abstract: A monolithic lead separator includes a primary lead tube defining a primary channel, a plurality of secondary lead tubes formed monolithically with the primary lead tube, and an instrumentation lead splitter. A cap is positioned in an aperture in the instrumentation lead splitter in a fluid-tight manner. Each of the secondary channels intersects the primary channel. The instrumentation lead splitter is situated at the intersection of the primary channel and the secondary channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dorel M. Moisei, Michael D. Greenberg, Stephen N. Koren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9827404
    Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Onset Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Nance, Jay Lenker, George F. Kick, Hyun T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9644472
    Abstract: A well tool has a pressure sensor disposed in an interior space. The pressure sensor has at least one sensing element estimating a pressure parameter of a fluid in the interior space and a transponder configured to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals representative of the estimated pressure parameter. A data retrieval module receives the RF signals transmitted by the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Karsten Fuhst, Jan C. Bertke, Andreas Peter
  • Patent number: 9429262
    Abstract: A coupling for conveying fluid between a component of a fluid system and an insertion end of a conduit may include tapered inward protrusions. The coupling may also include a stop surface disposed at a generally perpendicular angle with respect to one or more planar surfaces of the tapered inward protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Scot W. Hoskisson
  • Patent number: 9388921
    Abstract: A plug-in piece 1 for sealing connection of two mutually assigned cylindrical surfaces includes an essentially tubular support body 2, which on its ends exhibits annularly encircling sealing elements, which can be made to engage to produce a sealing connection with the cylindrical surfaces to be sealed, wherein at least one of the sealing elements is configured as an annularly encircling sealing bead 3, 30 on the outer surface of the support body 2, with a spherically curved sealing surface. Provision is made that the spherical radius of the sealing surface (3, 30) is chosen so that the center of the sphere is roughly at the axis of support body (2) symmetry. Thus, the compression forces are ensured to remain largely constant, independent of the angular setting over the entire surface of the sealing bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Hans Unger, Ralf Heldmann, Ingo Stephan, Markus Clemens, Carsten Hartmann, Ernst Jakob, Stephan Reddig
  • Patent number: 9303800
    Abstract: A torque limiting fluid connector system which can be hand screwed to a maximum tightening torque and be hand loosened, including: an outer member having a front opening, a back opening, and a plurality of outwardly flexible portions separated by axially extending slots; an inner member having a front opening, a back opening, an interior threaded surface and a plurality of outwardly extending projections dimensioned to be received within the axially extending slots when the inner member is received within the outer member; a connector having one end received within the inner member and an opposite end extending out of the back end of the inner member; and a washer mounted onto the end of the connector that is received within the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Collin, Dale Carruthers, Patrick McGrath
  • Patent number: 9295809
    Abstract: Fixation and protective components for use with implantable medical devices, such as access ports and catheters, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve is employed about a catheter so as to distribute compressive loads and ensure patency of the catheter lumen, even in areas prone to pinch-off. A catheter assembly in one embodiment thus comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen. A protective mesh sleeve is disposed about an external portion of the catheter tube so as to cover at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube. The protective sleeve is configured to distribute a compressive load on the catheter tube so as to ensure patency of the at least one lumen of the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Sheetz
  • Patent number: 9261214
    Abstract: A tube coupling includes a body (1) to receive a tube (22). The body has lateral recesses (12) extending outwardly from an internal wall. An O-ring (3) is retained by the body distally of the recesses. A collet (5) includes a ring (6) and collet legs (7) to be received in the lateral recesses and having a tooth (8) facing the passageway. Proximal movement of the collet with respect to the body causes the fingers to deflect inwardly. A tube support (10) includes a ring (12) and has a key to align with the body. Castellations (13, 14) extend proximately from the tube support ring and are complementary to the collet legs to align the collet with respect to the body as the collet is inserted into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Steven Guest
  • Patent number: 9151427
    Abstract: In a resin pipe joint having a configuration where, by a screw advancement of a union nut caused by screwing an internal thread to an external thread in a state where a tube is externally fitted to an inner cylinder to form a flared portion, a flaring changing region is pressed by a seal pressing portion, a torque varying portion in which projecting portions of a joint body and recess portions of the union nut are fitted to or unfitted from each other by a flexural displacements of the projecting portions in the direction of the axis in accordance with fastening rotation of the union nut from the vicinity of a portion in front of an end of the screw advancement, the screw advancement being caused by pressing of the seal pressing portion against the flaring changing region is configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryo Imanishi, Masateru Yamada, Kazukiyo Teshima, Takehiro Nakamura, Takayuki Kishimoto, Akihiro Masuda, Takeshi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 9121535
    Abstract: A coupling unit having at least one tubular section; a casing; at least one detent ring, which is arranged radially between the casing and the at least one tubular section when the at least one tubular section, is inserted in the casing, wherein the at least one detent ring, the casing, and the at least one tubular section are configured to adapt to one another such that the tubular section is inserted axially into the casing in a first relative rotational position of the tubular section and the casing, wherein the tubular section is secured by the detent ring against axial withdrawal, the casing and tubular section can be rotated relative to one another, and wherein for decoupling purposes, the tubular section can be withdrawn axially from the casing in a second relative rotational position of the casing and the tubular section that differs from the first rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar Ammon, Thomas Fallscheer, Ralf Frommer, Annett Overheu, Thomas Pröttel, Jürgen Stehlig
  • Patent number: 9103474
    Abstract: A fire hose coupling includes a substantially annular body having a first end adapted to connect to a fire hose and a second end having male threads. The annular body has a central bore. The coupling includes circumferentially spaced-apart lugs extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the first end of the body. The coupling further includes a protective shoulder extending radially outwardly from the body between the male threads and the lugs. The protective shoulder has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the male threads to thereby protect the male threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Mercedes Textiles Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Richardson
  • Patent number: 9086179
    Abstract: A quick coupling pipe fitting system is disclosed that connects two ends of two different pipes together in a fluid tight manner. It is designed for convenience in installation, high strength, compact size, easy manufacture with a low production cost, high efficiency and does not require the use of special tools for installation. The coupling utilizes a grab ring module that has a grab ring made with embedded stainless steel, thereby strengthening the fixing force and allowing for quick installation. A flaring surface on a retaining flange has an angle that corresponds to a tapering surface of the grab ring module. When the flaring surface and the tapering surface contact each other, the grab ring module compresses the surface of the pipe. Because the grab ring module has an outer plastic body with a small inner part, the grab ring module can be compressed to the pipe without causing fatigue of any members inside of the fitting. A specialized tool allows for quick and easy dismantling of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Naris Komolrochanaporn
  • Patent number: 8939470
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly includes a retainer to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A sleeve extending between a fluid sealing member and the retainer includes a rearward abutment surface in abutting contact with the retainer. The retainer locking arms include forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the tube upset and forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the sleeve. An insertion verifier includes a ring portion with axially extending legs positioned in the slots between the retainer locking arms. At least one leg includes a releasable latch engaged with the retainer in the slots between the locking arms. Guide elements on the retainer and insertion verifier align the verifier legs and retainer slots on insertion of the verifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 8844974
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, a device that can fit around a fitting retention compartment of a pipe fitting, apply axial pressure to a pipe insertion component so as to flex the teeth of a fastening ring inwardly, which permits smooth insertion and removal of piping elements. In embodiments, the device comprises a two-piece device with mating threads that permit the pieces to move toward and away from one another with minute adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias
  • Patent number: 8814222
    Abstract: A self-sealing and self-centering tube made of metal, having a tube axis, and configured to form part of a secondary system in a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The self-sealing and self-centering tube includes a tube having a tube wall, an inward end, an outward end, a first seal section located towards the inward end, a second seal section towards the outward end, and an extension section located between the second seal section and the outward end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Carl Brill
  • Patent number: 8814219
    Abstract: A disconnection tool for disconnecting pipes which are connected. The disconnection tool is preferably a two piece cylinder with a leading edge and handles opposite the leading edge, and, can be positioned around a male end of a male pipe that is within a female end of a female pipe. The disconnection tool initially inserts into a clearance between the interior surface of the female end and the exterior surface of the male end while the pipes are connected. As the disconnection tool is further inserted, its leading edge contacts and disengages one or more locking members extending through the clearance thereby allowing the male pipe to be disconnected from the female pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Bilfinger Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hennemann, Garth Saul, Dean Brabec
  • Patent number: 8801045
    Abstract: In a pipe joint, a release bush includes a cylindrical portion and a flange portion for pressing, provided along an outer edge of the cylindrical portion. A movable portion including a part of the flange portion and a part of the cylindrical portion is formed to move with respect to a main portion including the remaining part of the flange portion and the remaining part of the cylindrical portion, via an elastically deformable portion. The cylindrical portion of the movable portion can be moved to be aligned with the cylindrical portion of the main portion along the same circumference, by an external operating force exerted on the movable portion, while the movable portion remains in a position opposing a main body of the pipe joint when an operating force is not applied, thereby inhibiting the release bush from being pressed into a chuck despite the flange portion being pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Muto, Hiroshi Hanne, Kouichirou Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 8789854
    Abstract: A flow regulated quick-connect fitting has a polymeric first connector and a polymeric second connector, the first connector being either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting or the female fitting being the second connector. The female fitting has a longitudinal cylindrical cavity therein, and the male fitting has a generally cylindrical body having an end opening. The cylindrical body of the male fitting is positionable within the cylindrical cavity of the female fitting forming the connection. A clip is pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting. A replaceable flow regulator in the male fitting end opening regulates flow through the quick-connect fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Mercury Plastics, Inc., Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Earl Christian, Jr., William Blue, Scott R. Gardner, William Shane Hochstetler, Matthew L. Kemp, DeWayne Davis
  • Patent number: 8757670
    Abstract: A pipe connector constructed in the interior of a joint pipe. In the pipe connector, an O-ring made of a flexible rubber, a stop ring which is in tight contact with and supports the outer circumference of the pipe inserted into the joint pipe, and an elastic stopper are installed in sequence such that the pipe connector can be pressed and fixed to the outer circumference of the pipe, which is inserted into and connected to the joint pipe, in order to provide air tightness and water tightness to the pipe. Consequently, the pipe is inserted into the joint pipe with one touch without being detached or dislodged, is coupled such that water tightness can be maintained, and is separated by pressure in the direction in which the pipe proceeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Lucky Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8678443
    Abstract: A clamping connector for pipes and/or tubes (2) made of a polymer material has at least two pipe/tube connecting elements (3). At least one connecting element (3) includes a plug-in region (5) which is provided with peripheral ribs (4, 4a, 4b), for slidingly connecting to each of a pipe and/or tube end (2a) against which a flange projection (6) abuts. At least one tooth-like projection (7) is disposed on the side of the flange projection (6), which is located opposite to the peripheral ribs (4, 4a, 4b). A free space (8) is provided between the flange projection (6) and the at least one tooth-like projection (7). A plurality of tooth-like projections (7) are disposed so as to be distributed across a periphery of the polymer connecting piece (4). In addition, gaps (9) are disposed between the individual tooth-like projections (7). In addition, the object is solved by means of a clamping connector for pipes and/or tubes (2) made of a polymer material comprising a polymer connecting piece (1) as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rehau AG + CO
    Inventors: Ehrenfried Bonhag, Karl-Heinz Haunstetter
  • Publication number: 20140056652
    Abstract: A pipe assembly may have one or more pipe segments that are coupled together or coupled to a drive socket by a coupler. The coupler may have a body with a generally tubular shape with an interior surface and an exterior surface. First and second flanges may extend outward from the exterior surface to engage the drive socket, thereby providing enhanced stability and coaxiality. The interior surface may have an upper receiving feature that can receive the bottom end of an overhead pipe segment, and a lower receiving feature that can receive the top end of a subtending pipe segment. The upper receiving feature may have an upper threaded bore with a lead-in portion that facilitates alignment of the overhead pipe segment with the upper threaded bore. The interior surface may also have a stop feature that prevents over-insertion of the top end and/or the bottom end into the coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Paul W. Suver
  • Publication number: 20140049035
    Abstract: A clamp (12) is usable with a pipe assembly (10) including a first pipe segment (14A), a second pipe segment (14B) and a coupler (16) that couples together the pipe segments (14A, 14B), the coupler including a coupler engagement member (20). The clamp (12) comprises a first clamp section (28) that selectively engages the coupler (16), and a second clamp section (30) that selectively engages the coupler (16). The second clamp section (30) is coupled to and movable relative to the first clamp section (28). Further, at least one of the first clamp section (28) and the second clamp section (30) includes a clamp engagement member (42) that engages the coupler engagement member (20) of the coupler (16). In one embodiment, the coupler engagement member (20) includes a groove and the clamp engagement member (42) includes a projection that fits within and engages the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher Stewart, Randy Norman