With Manipulator Patents (Class 285/85)
  • Patent number: 12115317
    Abstract: This invention relates to connectors to be provided into fluid communication or engagement either directly with, or via a component to be associated with, a terminal end of a breathing conduit. In at least one embodiment, the connector comprises a body having a first end and a second end, and an internal lumen for the passage of gas between the ends. The first end engageable with a terminal end of a conduit or a component to be associated therewith. The second end engageable with another connector. An internal surface of the body at the second end comprises internal connection features for connection with another connector to be received internally therein. An external surface of the body comprises one or more external alignment feature(s) for aligning the connector or another connection into an aligned orientation for connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher &Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Chi Lup Lau, Richard Daniel Panara, Laurence Gulliver, Sooji Hope Clarkson, Jason Allan Klenner, Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Brent Ian Laing
  • Patent number: 12063755
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a latch mechanism, applied to a rack-mount server system. The rack-mount server system includes a server and a manifold, and the server includes a casing and a fluid connector. The manifold includes a manifold connector. The latch mechanism includes a fixing member, a fixing frame and a hook member. The fixing member is disposed on the manifold and includes a fixing pin. The fixing frame is secured to the server and includes a shaft. The hook member is rotatably disposed on the shaft and includes a hook portion. By rotating the hook portion to latch with the fixing pin, the fixing frame and fixing member are secured with each other, and the fluid connector of the server is coupled to and in fluid communication with the manifold connector of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Tang Yang, Wei-Chung Chen, Yu-Hao Shen
  • Patent number: 11898667
    Abstract: A locking fitting assembly that can be removably installed in a tapped hole on a housing and resists unintended loosening of the fitting assembly. The fitting assembly maybe installed at a mounting location for receiving the fitting assembly, and includes abase with engagement structure configured to engage corresponding structure adjacent the mounting location to secure the base against rotation. The fitting assembly further includes a nipple fitting received on the base and having first and second oppositely disposed coupling features. The first coupling feature is configured to mate with a complementary coupling feature of the housing, such as the tapped hole, whereby the nipple fitting can be sealingly secured to the housing. Locking structure disposed between the base and the nipple fitting is configured to resist relative rotation between the base and the nipple fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: JPB Système
    Inventors: Denis Messager, Laure Le Bellu
  • Patent number: 11891868
    Abstract: An assembly and a method of performing an operation in a borehole. The assembly includes a plug, and a retrieving head rigidly coupled to the plug in a locked configuration. The retrieving head includes a lock disposed therein comprising a housing, a mandrel, and a ball seat. The ball seat is secured to the housing at a first seat location when the assembly is in the locked configuration. The assembly is conveyed assembly in the borehole. A ball is dropped through the assembly to seat at the ball seat. A fluid pressure created at the ball moves the ball seat to a second seat location within the housing to place the assembly in an unlocked configuration. The mandrel is shifted to allow the retrieving head to move axially in the unlocked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jason Cullum, Andres Sosa
  • Patent number: 11888260
    Abstract: A connector includes a first housing and a second housing to be connected to each other, and a connection assisting member to be mounted into the first housing. The connection assisting member includes a cam groove extending from an entrance to a back end. The cam groove has a connection cam surface to be pushed by a cam pin in a connecting direction of the first housing and a recess connected to an end part of the connection cam surface on the side of the back end and recessed more in the connecting direction than the end part of the connection cam surface on the side of the back end. The cam pin located on the side of the back end of the cam groove is arranged not to contact an inner surface of the recess with the first and second housings connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke Kataoka
  • Patent number: 11879581
    Abstract: A coupling assembly (10) is reconfigurable among three states. In a disconnected state, a spring-biased lock indicator (20) is in a first lock indicator position, and the lock indicator includes a restriction member (40) that in the first lock indicator position retains an actuator in a first actuator position such that a valve is in a closed position and a locking pin is in a retracted position. In a connected/valve-closed state, the lock indicator (20) is in a second lock indicator position in which the restriction member (40) permits movement of the actuator (30), but with the actuator (30) still being in the first actuator position such that the valve is in the closed position and the locking pin (46) is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Koller, Paul E. Lemay, Shawn D. Ellis, Timothy Marquis
  • Patent number: 11542690
    Abstract: Example aspects of a nozzle cap adapter, a nozzle cap assembly, and a method for method for mounting a nozzle cap to a fire hydrant nozzle are disclosed. The nozzle cap adapter can comprise an adapter ring defining a first adapter ring end, a second adapter ring end opposite the first adapter ring end, and an interior void extending from the first adapter ring end to the second adapter ring end; a nozzle connector extending from the second end of the adapter ring, the nozzle connector configured to rotatably engage a fire hydrant nozzle; and a latch coupled to the adapter ring and configured to removably lock the nozzle cap adapter onto the fire hydrant nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Lee Gibson, Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford
  • Patent number: 11535133
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for tubular members may include a latch arrangement having a latch hook attached to a first tubular member and a striker arrangement attached to a second tubular member. The striker arrangement may include a transverse member extending transverse to the length of the second tubular member. The transverse member may be positioned proximate to the latch hook when an end of the first tubular member is positioned adjacent to an end of the second tubular member such that rotation of the latch hook engages the transverse member and effects a clamping force between the first tubular member and the second tubular member in a direction transverse to the rotational axis of the latch hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua Hallock, David Abdella, Sam Blair
  • Patent number: 11300235
    Abstract: A connection apparatus for enabling connection of one or more fluid lines to a flow control system is provided. The apparatus includes, for the or each fluid line, a connector defining a flow channel extending therethrough along an axis. The fluid flow line can be coupled to one end of the flow channel, and the connector further defines a shoulder providing an outer bearing surface extending circumferentially around the axis and curving along the axis. The apparatus further includes first and second plates configured to be clamped together with the connector to fix the connector therebetween. The first and second plates together define, for the or each connector, a space for supporting the shoulder with the connector in situ. The the inner surface of the space is curved to allow the connector to pivot relative to the plates on the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DFx Technology Limited
    Inventor: Alan Wyn-Davies
  • Patent number: 11173295
    Abstract: A dry disconnect device including a first portion defining an outlet and an outlet portion of a fluid pathway and a female valve disposed within the first portion having an extended position, including the female valve being configured to seal the outlet portion, and a retracted position. A second portion defining an inlet and an inlet portion of the fluid pathway is lockingly engageable with the first portion. A male valve is disposed within the second portion including a male valve transition member configured to translate the male valve from an extended position to a retracted position including the male valve being configured to seal the inlet portion. The extended position of the male valve causes the female valve to transition from the extended position to the retracted position and causes the outlet portion and the inlet portion of the fluid pathway to be in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: HeartWare Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley P. Mack, Charles R. Shambaugh
  • Patent number: 10962160
    Abstract: A camlock is for use in a flange assembly. The camlock comprises: a cam member for engaging a flange, the cam member arranged to be rotatable about its rotational axis; and a ratchet mechanism including first and second ratchet members, the first and second ratchet members arranged in a mutual engagement to permit relative movement between the first and second ratchet members in one direction and limit relative movement between the first and second ratchet members in the opposite direction, wherein the cam member and the ratchet mechanism are arranged so that the mutual engagement between the first and second ratchet members-permits rotation of the cam member about its rotational axis in one direction and limits rotation of the cam member about its rotational axis in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: GALL THOMSON ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Neil Cooper
  • Patent number: 10941891
    Abstract: A coupling element for connecting a fluid line includes a locking pin movable in translation between a first position in which it emerges from a support surface and a second position in which it is retracted relative to the support surface. The coupling element further includes a return member for returning the pin to its first position, and an unlocking ring rotatable about a longitudinal axis and surrounding the tubular body of the coupling element. The unlocking ring is mechanically coupled to the pin by means of a ball and a helical groove for guiding the ball in order to transform the rotation of the unlocking ring into a translational movement of the pin from its first position towards its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: STAUBLI FAVERGES
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux
  • Patent number: 10864364
    Abstract: A dry disconnect device including a first portion defining an outlet and an outlet portion of a fluid pathway and a female valve disposed within the first portion having an extended position, including the female valve being configured to seal the outlet portion, and a retracted position. A second portion defining an inlet and an inlet portion of the fluid pathway is lockingly engageable with the first portion. A male valve is disposed within the second portion including a male valve transition member configured to translate the male valve from an extended position to a retracted position including the male valve being configured to seal the inlet portion. The extended position of the male valve causes the female valve to transition from the extended position to the retracted position and causes the outlet portion and the inlet portion of the fluid pathway to be in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Heartware, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley P Mack, Charles R. Shambaugh
  • Patent number: 10344896
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vertical ratcheting anti-rotation device includes a ratchet mechanism pivotally coupled at a proximal end to a first tubular member in a first recessed area located on a shoulder of the first tubular member. A distal end of the ratchet mechanism includes a first plurality of angled teeth and a spring allowing the ratchet mechanism to pivot in a vertical direction within the first recessed area. The anti-rotation device may also include a toothed insert mechanically coupled to a second tubular member in a second recessed area located on a shoulder of the second tubular member. The toothed insert may include a second plurality of angled teeth positioned to engage the first plurality of angled teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The spring is compressible during coupling of the tubular members to allow the ratchet mechanism to move vertically over the second plurality of angled teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott P. Ellisor, Christopher C. Mayer, John E. Nelson, Mark Manning
  • Patent number: 9853390
    Abstract: A housing for a plug-type connector includes a first housing part and a second housing part configured to be connected to the first housing part. The second housing part has a fastening device for fastening an electric cable to the housing. The second housing part is to be attached to the first housing part in an attachment direction in order to connect to the first housing part, and, in a connected position, is mechanically connected to the first housing part so that the second housing part is held on the first housing part counter to the attachment direction. The housing includes a resiliently adjustable locking element arranged on one of the housing parts, the locking element assuming a locking position in the connected position of the housing parts, in which locking position the locking element is engaged with an engagement portion of the other of the housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Diessel, Dennis Sprenger
  • Patent number: 9279526
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a connection to a conduit may include a first part configured to be threadably attached to a second part. The first part can include a male threaded section spaced axially apart from a ratchet section having radially protruding teeth. The second part can be at least partly formed by an elastically deformable material and includes a female threaded section spaced axially apart from at least one pawl that is configured to engage the radially protruding teeth. When the at least one pawl is engaged with the teeth, relative rotation between the first part and the second part may be allowed in a tightening direction and prevented in a loosening direction or may be allowed in the tightening and loosening directions. When the second part is deformed by at least one radially inward force, the at least one pawl disengages the teeth of the ratchet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 9044544
    Abstract: A medical fluid or dialysis system includes an auto-connection mechanism that connects connectors from the supply bags to dialysis cassette ports or cassette supply lines. The system provides for multiple, e.g., four, supply bags, which can be connected to a manifold of the auto-connection mechanism. Tip protecting caps that protect the supply line ends and cassette ports or cassette supply line ends are made to be compatible with the auto-connection mechanism. The auto-connection mechanism removes all the caps and connects the supply lines to the cassette. At least one roller occluder is provided that occludes the supply tubing prior to the tip protecting caps being removed. The roller occludes prevent medical dialysis fluid from spilling out of the supply lines between the time that the caps are removed and connection to the cassette is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Ying-Cheng Lo, Yuanpang Samuel Ding
  • Patent number: 8505982
    Abstract: In a connection apparatus for a corrugated tube a sealing sleeve, a coupling part, and an insertion part that can be inserted into the coupling part and comprises outwardly protruding latching portions on its outside surface, the coupling part is provided on an outside surface with cooperating latching portions. The coupling part comprises an inner holding device through which the corrugated tube can be guided in the direction towards the insertion part and performs elastically resilient radial movements thereby securing the corrugated tube against withdrawal. The corrugated tube extends into the sealing sleeve sitting in the interior of the insertion part having an axial flow passage, and with the holding device protruding axially into the opening of the insertion part in a coupled state. The outwardly protruding latching portions exposed on the outside of the connection apparatus when in the coupled state. The holding device compressing the sealing sleeve when in the coupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Schlemmer GmbH
    Inventors: Yanning Lei, Michael Gerking
  • Publication number: 20130127155
    Abstract: A threaded coupling wherein external threads of the male body of the male coupling half are in mating engagement with internal threads of the female sleeve of the female coupling half. The female sleeve includes an interior hook and the male body includes a locking lever receptacle recessed therein. The locking lever pivotally resides in the receptacle and interlocks circumferentially spaced recesses in the generally cylindrically-shaped hook of the female sleeve uniting the male and female. A tensioning O-ring secures the locking lever to the male body. A locking sleeve extends circumferentially about the male body and prohibits the release of the hook of the female sleeve from a recess in the locking lever unless a window is aligned with the locking lever. A process for locking the threaded coupling is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: PARKER-HANNIFIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: LEONARD J. NICK, DENNIS ZEIBER
  • Publication number: 20130125377
    Abstract: A threaded coupling wherein external threads of the male body of the male coupling half are in mating engagement with internal threads of the female sleeve of the female coupling half. The female sleeve includes an interior hook and the male body includes a locking lever receptacle recessed therein as well as first and second slots for receiving first and second pins of the locking lever. The locking lever pivotally resides in the receptacle and interlocks with the hook of the female sleeve uniting the male and female. A tensioning O-ring secures the locking lever to the male body. A locking sleeve extends circumferentially about the male body and prohibits the release of the hook of the female sleeve from a recess in the locking lever unless a window is aligned with the locking lever. A process for locking the threaded coupling is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SNAP-TITE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: LEONARD J. NICK, DENNIS ZEIBER
  • Publication number: 20130106095
    Abstract: A cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes an actuatable lever having a head pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler, an angularly positioning member coupled to be turned with the head, and leading and trailing releasably retaining members independently disposed on at least one of the head and the angularly positioning member such that, during turning of the actuatable lever to an unlocked position, the trailing releasably retaining member can be held in partially locking engagement with a male tubular coupler to prevent complete removal of the male tubular coupler from the female tubular coupler while permitting gradual relief of internal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Patent number: 8225809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a pig into a fluid system is provided. The method comprises providing a coupling in a fluid system. The coupling itself can include a sleeve coupled to a pipe and an end cap. The end cap may include a collar handle and at least one engagement member. The engagement member facilitates selective engagement of the end cap with the sleeve. The end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to disengage the engagement member from the groove and to open the end cap relative to the sleeve. The groove is configured so that the engagement member can be opened only when the line is de-pressurized. A pig is inserted through the sleeve and into the pipe. The end cap is then coupled to the sleeve by engaging the engagement member with the sleeve and rotating the end cap relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hiltap Fittings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Patent number: 8186718
    Abstract: A tubular connection structure having a tubular connection body, having a tubular space, each of the two sides of which has an open slot extended to form a pivotal base, the bottom of the tubular connection body extended to form a fastening base; a clasp lever pivotally connected to the pivotal bases, one end being a pressing portion, the other end being a stirring portion having a stirring lever accommodating base; a stirring lever accommodated in the stirring lever accommodating base, the top of the stirring lever being a stop convex portion configured to fasten the fastening base; a reset component one end of the reset component urged towards the stirring lever, the other end being urged towards the clasp lever; and at least two fixing members, connected to the clasp lever and the pivotal bases and connected to the stirring lever and the stirring lever accommodating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Tsan-Jee Chen
  • Patent number: 8123256
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a safety lock for a cam lock fitting contained in a housing mounted onto the outside of the cam lock fitting so that the housing is in close proximity to the cam lever so that when the cam lock fitting is pressurized and the lever is in a down position a pin can extend from the housing so as to secure the lever in a downward position and therefore prevent operation or release of the male and the female portions of the fitting. The housing has a piston therein which moves along a bore so that the piston can be moved by the pressure of fluid contained inside the cam lock fitting so that in a low pressure condition the pin is retracted so that the cam lever can then be raised. The pin is connected to the piston with an L-shaped arm which has a pivot point so that when the piston is in the down position the pin is in a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hartman
  • Patent number: 8083265
    Abstract: An easily unlatchable cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes a cam arm pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler and extending thereinto for locking a male tubular end of one of the tubular members, a spring-loaded latch bolt movably mounted in the cam arm to engage a cavity of the coupler so as to lock the cam arm at a locking position, and a releasing lever pivotally mounted on the cam arm and coupled to the latch bolt such that, when the releasing lever is turned from a latched position to an unlatched position, the latch bolt is retracted and disengaged from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Publication number: 20110272039
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates With the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: ANTHONY MARTINI, Lawrence Guerra
  • Publication number: 20110260444
    Abstract: A safety locking device includes a locking lever pivotally connected to a pipe connector for locking a coupling member, a retaining plate pivotally connected to the pipe connector for stopping the locking lever in the locking position, a lock pin axially movably mounted in a lock hole in the locking lever for engagement with the retaining plate to stop the retaining plate and the locking lever in position, a spring member mounted in the locking lever to force the lock pin into engagement with the retaining plate, and a pull ring for pulling the lock pin from the retaining plate to unlock the locking lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Shen-Chih Lee
  • Patent number: 8006713
    Abstract: A hydrant coupling assembly includes a hydrant valve and a hydrant coupler, including a coupler body and a coupler actuating collar assembly having an actuating collar movable axially relative to the coupler body. The actuating collar includes at least one movable latching lug that is selectively moved into place around a mating feature on the hydrant valve adapter by lifting or lowering the actuating collar. A locking mechanism is installed within the coupler actuating collar and includes a coupler plunger, a collar plunger, a coupler plunger check ball, and a collar plunger cheek ball. The coupler plunger and the coupler plunger check ball are adapted to lock the actuating collar in a disconnected state and the collar plunger and the collar plunger check ball are adapted to lock the actuating collar in a connected state. A hydrant coupler for use in a hydrant coupling assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Tak-Yiu Wong
  • 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: 7909365
    Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines at least one groove. Correspondingly, the second element includes at least one engagement member configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a line pressure in the passageway substantially forecloses disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has decreased to a predetermined magnitude. A handling and locking mechanism for selectively securing the second element relative to the first element is included. The locking mechanism includes a movable pin controlled by a pin handle adjacent a collar handle. The pin and collar handles can be gripped simultaneously by the same hand of a user to release the first element relative to the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hiltap Fittings, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lee A. Krywitsky
  • Publication number: 20110057439
    Abstract: A cam and groove coupling is provided for fluid transfer applications at elevated fluid pressures e.g. 1000 psi. This coupler also allows a user to connect and disconnect hoses and guns without the use of tools. The profile of the cam is such that it will not allow the male section to be disconnected or released from the female section unless both handles are in the full open position. In addition, the cam profile is such that, when subjected to pressure, it requires substantial force to release the levers making it difficult to manipulate the handles under pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kariniemi, Chad R. Taszarek
  • Publication number: 20100270791
    Abstract: A safety locking device includes a locking lever pivotally connected to a pipe connector for locking a connection member to the pipe connector, a retaining plate pivotally connected to the pipe connector for stopping the locking lever in the locking position, a lock pin axially movably inserted through a longitudinal through hole on a protruding block of the locking lever for engagement with the retaining plate to stop the retaining plate and the locking lever in position, a spring member mounted in the longitudinal through hole to force the lock pin into engagement with the retaining plate, and a pull ring connected to the bottom end of the lock pin for a user to pull to disengage the lock pin from the retaining plate and to further unlock the retaining plate and the locking lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Shen-Chih Lee
  • Patent number: 7543855
    Abstract: A hose coupling includes two coupling halves which take a coupling end position by relative rotation against each other about a coupling path of no more than 180°. The hose coupling further includes a locking mechanism that prevents an unintended opening of the coupling. The locking mechanism comprises a latching mechanism, in particular a latching pin mechanism. The latching mechanism is automatically activated in the coupling end position and prevents a relative rotation of the coupling halves against each other. The latching mechanism is preferably configured such that, already before reaching the coupling end position, the latching mechanism is activated so far that it counteracts a relative rotation of the coupling halves in an opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Max Widenmann KG Armaturenfabrik
    Inventor: Johann Ambrosi
  • Publication number: 20090101219
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 7503596
    Abstract: A fluid line connector to establish fluid communication with a conventional male luer fitting. The fluid line connector includes a housing with a hub member having a proximal opening adapted to receive a distal portion of the male luer fitting, a threaded profile circumscribing the proximal opening, and a cam member. The cam member engages the threaded surface of the male luer fitting collar to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the male luer fitting from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy T. Rome, Sandra J. Rome
  • Patent number: 7455543
    Abstract: An electric plug connector includes a guide sleeve, a plug connector part attachable to the guide sleeve, a bayonet ring on the connector part for rotatably engaging with the guide sleeve to move between unlocked and locked positions, and a locking button arranged on the bayonet ring to slide with the ring as the ring moves. While the connector part is attached to the guide sleeve the ring locks the attachment by engaging with the guide sleeve when the ring is in its locked position. The button is displaceable relative to the guide sleeve between inactivated and activated positions. The button includes a latching hook and a pin that interact with the sleeve to enable the button to move between its inactivated and activated positions. The latching hook and the pin engage with the sleeve when the button is in its activated position to secure the locking of the attachment with the end of the pin engaged in a receptacle formed on the surface of the sleeve to prevent rotation of the bayonet ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kostal Kontakt Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Brantley Natter, Peter Epe
  • Patent number: 7347458
    Abstract: A locking luer fitting for connecting fluid lines. In one variation the connection interface includes a male luer connector and a corresponding female luer connector. The female luer connector includes a rotatable collar which engages the male luer connector. In another variation the female luer connector includes a cam configured to prevent inadvertent disconnection of the male luer connector. The locking luer fittings described herein may be implemented in various medical and industrial applications where secured fluid line connection interfaces are desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy T. Rome, Sandra J. Rome
  • Patent number: 7213845
    Abstract: A tube joint comprises a retaining mechanism which retains the locked state by preventing a sleeve from any rotation in the circumferential direction which would be otherwise caused by any unexpected external force. The retaining mechanism includes a ratchet which is provided to surround the outer circumferential surface of a socket body and which is rotatable synchronously with the sleeve, and a coil spring which is interposed between the sleeve and the ratchet and which makes an urging action to cause mutual separation under an action of the spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motohiro Sato, Yoshimoto Taneya, Noriyoshi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7185877
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for a gas line has a socket member for connection to a gas line and a nipple for connection to a gas appliance, the nipple being engageable in the socket member for coupling the gas line to the appliance, with a sleeve displaceable between a locking position for securing the nipple in the socket member and a released position in which the nipple is free to be uncoupled from the socket member. A locking member is displaceable along a path of movement into an extended position to retain the sleeve in the locking position. A control knob connected to the gas valve is rotatable for opening and closing the gas valve to control gas flow through the socket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Horst Budde
  • Patent number: 6910719
    Abstract: A connecting device (20) for connecting a connection hose or connection tube to a receiving device includes a tubular connection neck (2), an actuating sleeve (28), and a support sleeve (38). The receiving device, to which the connecting device (20) can be connected, includes at least one detent element, which is actuatable by means of at least one actuating element mounted on the receiving device. The connection neck (2) is connectable to the connection hose or connection tube and has a detent lug (20) or detent groove, which can be brought into engagement with the detent element of the receiving device. The actuating sleeve (28) serves to actuate the actuating element of the receiving device. The support sleeve (38) is braced on the receiving device and is axially displaceable relative to the actuating sleeve (28), prestressing a first spring (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Franco Zeleny, Thomas Raff
  • Patent number: 6857664
    Abstract: A mounting stop at axially displaceable male-female couplings to prevent involuntary release of the coupling, whereby it comprises a recess (2) arranged to be placed in a first position around a shaft (32) and to be displaceable radially sidewise above said shaft (32) to a second position, and that it comprises at least one stop lug (6, 7; 9; 10) arranged, in said first position to be applied into a groove (34) and thereby to prevent an axial displacement of said male-female coupling parts towards each other, as well as a male part (32) present in such a coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: WEO Hydraulic AB
    Inventor: Weimar Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 6834888
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector, comprising a first connector segment having a laterally extending flange, and a second connector segment having a body and a pair of opposed retainers adapted to releaseably maintain the first and second connector segments in mated relationship. Each of the retainers has a lever spaced laterally from the second connector segment body, the lever being joined to the second connector segment body at a base end and having a latch at a free end. The lever is also joined to the second connector segment body by a fulcrum wall positioned intermediate the ends of the lever, an outwardly facing cam surface is provided on the lever between the fulcrum wall and the base end. A slide ring is disposed over the second connector segment retainers, the slide ring being moveable from a first position adjacent the latch of each retainer to a second position of engagement with the cam surface of each retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 6447016
    Abstract: A passive locking Cam & Groove female coupling, consisting of a locking latch mounted straddling the exterior of each cam arm attached to the coupling. The latch interlocks with a stop on the coupling body to provide a passive lock when the arm is closed. To open the cam arm, an intentional movement is applied to the latch so that the latch will pivot back and clear the stop thus allowing the cam arm to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: National Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Tom P. Collier
  • Patent number: 6371523
    Abstract: A position-recoverable pulling device is adaptable for attachment to a lock bolt of a fitting for coupling two tubular members, and includes an anchoring member with a cam surface, and a coiled pulling member including a plurality of loops which are biased to abut against each other. The coiled pulling member is hooked on the anchoring member, while an outer segment thereof is disposed outboard to the cam surface. A bent portion of the outer segment is slidably contacted by a normal spot of the cam surface and is bent away from the adjacent loop to relieve the biasing action of the loops. Once the coiled pulling member has been swung to move the bent portion from the normal spot to reach a swung spot, the bent portion will be brought to slide back to the normal spot, thereby moving the coiled pulling member back to a normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Waterson Chen
  • Patent number: 6364369
    Abstract: A tube connecting device comprises a housing, a socket formed in the housing for receipt of a pipe to be releasably secured therein and a securing arm pivotally mounted to the housing. The securing arm is pivotable from a first, locked position in which a portion of the arm projects through an associated aperture in the wall of the socket to engage a complementarily-shaped portion of the pipe to be retained, to a second unlocked position in which the projecting portion of the securing arm is withdrawn from the socket. The device further comprises an actuator mounted on the arm and a locking member located in a chamber within the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fort Vale Engineering Limited
    Inventor: David Bailey
  • Patent number: 6237964
    Abstract: A socket pipe joint includes a male part and a female part in telescopic overlapping position in the joint. An interlocking sleeve member is provided between the male and female parts. Locking elements including the interlocking sleeve member are provided to releasably lock the male part and female part to one another. A locking sleeve is positioned on the male part and extends from a position inside the female part to a position outside an end opening of the female part. A drive assembly is coupled to the locking sleeve on the outside of the joint and is operable to displace the locking sleeve axially between inner and outer positions. A positioning and interlocking element includes a pawl. By axial displacement of the locking sleeve, the pawl is displaced radially, positioning and interlocking the two pipe parts with simultaneous permanent compression of a seal between the pipe parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Offshore Technology AS
    Inventor: Inge Østergaard
  • Patent number: 6224113
    Abstract: A locking device for a quick release coupling includes a coupling, a lever and a sleeve containing an arcuate groove therein. The sleeve is attached to the coupling and the lever is pivotally mounted on the coupling. The coupling includes at least two pairs of supports with each pair containing a groove therein to receive the lever. A pivot pin penetrates the lever to pivotally mount the lever on the support and a locking pin is attached to the pair of supports and received in the groove of the support. The lever includes a cam formed on one end to abut the arcuate groove of the sleeve and a recess formed in the other end to receive a linkage. The recess of the lever contains an opening to allow the linkage to extend through the lever and has an indentation to receive the locking pin when the lever is pulled down flush to the coupling. A torsion spring is pivotally mounted on the lever by the pin and has a first end abutting the first end of the linkage and a second end abutting the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Kuo-Piao Chien
  • Patent number: 6120065
    Abstract: An improved structure of quick coupling comprises mainly a main connecting body, press rods, stoppers and flange press portions. Each of two lateral sides of the main connecting body is extended to form a pair of flanges, which is provided with circular holes. A traverse pin is used to penetrate these two flanges and the press rod to fix the press rod at the main connecting body. When another connector is jointed to the improved quick coupling, the press rods are in parallel with the main body and meanwhile, an arc head at front end of the press rod is fastened to another connector for consolidating the combination, and the stopper in a reception cavity at front end of the press rod will insert in a circular hole that accommodating the flange press portion to ensure the press rod will not bounce up owing to pressure of flowing liquid in pipe or external vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Tsan-Jee Chen
  • Patent number: 6106026
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for male and female coupling members for use in undersea production and drilling applications is disclosed. At least one pin extends radially from the female member. The pin enters an L-shaped slot in a guide sleeve extending longitudinally from the male member. A lock bar moveable between a locked and unlocked position holds the pin in the L-shaped slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: National Coupling Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 6089619
    Abstract: A locking cam-type coupling for rapidly coupling two pipe sections together. A spring-biased lock pin is provided for each cam lever arm that has a positive locking action when the cam lever arm is moved to the closed position. Each cam lever arm is grooved to allow the spring-biased lock pin to contact the cam lever arm and control its position. The lock pin has two different diameters, one for locking the fitting to the complementary part of the pipe coupling to couple the pipe sections together, and a second, open position so the pipe sections can be released and decoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Green Leaf, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Goda