Equivalents Patents (Class 285/906)
  • Patent number: 7431321
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Terpsma, David O. Roe, Richard T. Polanic, Rudolph A. Bahnsen
  • Patent number: 7063356
    Abstract: A pipe coupling (10) for joining together the ends of two adjacent pipes includes a housing (12) which defines a generally central bore (13) along a central axis of the housing for receiving the ends of the two adjacent pipes, and a locking arrangement (14) at each end of the housing (12) for locking the pipes to the coupling. Each locking arrangement (14) includes an annular chamber (23) within the housing, an inlet for allowing fluid into the chamber, an outlet for allowing fluid out of the chamber, and an annular seal (24) which is arranged to move within the annular chamber axially of the housing. A locking ring (26) is provided between the annular seal (24) and a plurality of radially movable grippers (30) for locking the grippers to a pipe end within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Amidex Coupling Systems (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventor: Malcolm Thomas Barker
  • Patent number: 6641175
    Abstract: A ramp-lock quick-connect fitting is adapted to be placed between conventional type fittings on pipes and tubes, such as quartz pipes and synthetic resin tubes used in chemical processing systems for semiconductor device fabrication. The quick-connect fitting includes a first coupling member having a pipe receiving section adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a pipe, and a ramp support section with a pair of spiral ramps formed therearound. The quick-connect fitting also includes a second coupling member that sealingly engages the first coupling member. An extension portion of the second coupling member is adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a tube. A locking collar is movably engaged with the second coupling member and has a pair of lock members disposed on an interior surface of the collar that slidably engage with the spiral ramps when the collar is rotated around the ramp support section of the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle K. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6428052
    Abstract: A preassembled fitting including a body, a nut and a collet positioned within the nut. The nut is threaded on the body a predetermined distanced to allow the installer to snap the corrugated tubing into the nut and engage the collet. The nut is then further tightened to seal the body to the corrugated tubing. A tapered surface on the body engages the cut end of the corrugated tubing and flares the cut end of the corrugated tubing. The fitting will make a metal to metal seal by folding the convolutions of the tubing back against itself creating a double flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Omega Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Albino, Edwin E. Pike
  • Patent number: 6422607
    Abstract: A ramp-lock quick-connect fitting is adapted to be placed between conventional type fittings on pipes and tubes, such as quartz pipes and synthetic resin tubes used in chemical processing systems for semiconductor device fabrication. The quick-connect fitting includes a first coupling member having a pipe receiving section adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a pipe, and a ramp support section with a pair of spiral ramps formed therearound. The quick-connect fitting also includes a second coupling member that sealingly engages the first coupling member. An extension portion of the second coupling member is adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a tube. A locking collar is movably engaged with the second coupling member and has a pair of lock members disposed on an interior surface of the collar that slidably engage with the spiral ramps when the collar is rotated around the ramp support section of the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle K. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6382680
    Abstract: A coupler apparatus for hoses, etc. comprises a pair of coupler bodies 1a, 1b having no distinction between male and female and having the same structure. Front end faces of the coupler bodies are provided with seal faces 5. In addition, the front end faces of the coupler bodies are provided with a plurality of engaging projections 8 and engaging recesses 7 formed among the engaging projections. The engaging projections 8 and engaging recesses 7 are axially engaged with the engaging projections 8 and engaging recesses 7 of the mating coupler body in a complementary manner. One side face 8a of each engaging projection 8 is provided with an engaging hook portion 9, and the engaging hook portions 9 are circumferentially engaged to couple the pair of the coupler bodies 1a, 1b. At least both side faces 8a, 8b of the engaging projection 8 are defined by radially extending planes passing through a central axis of the coupler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Sakura Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Horimoto
  • Patent number: 6361081
    Abstract: Bolt bores in lower members each comprise a large-diameter portion larger than the head of a bolt in diameter, and a small diameter portion extending downward from the large-diameter portion with a stepped portion formed therebetween and having a diameter intermediate between the diameter of the bolt head and the diameter of the shank of the bolt. A heat insulator has a spacer inserting hole. A hollow cylindrical spacer having an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt shank is inserted through the small-diameter portion of the bolt bore and the spacer inserting hole so that the upper end of the spacer is positioned in the large-diameter portion. The spacer has a lower end bearing on a support member. A hollow cylindrical elastic member is interposed between the bolt head and the stepped portion for biasing the lower member toward the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Kosuke Yokoyama, Tsutomu Shinohara, Shigeru Itoi, Michio Yamaji, Tetsuya Kojima
  • Patent number: 6334632
    Abstract: A synthetic resin-made fastening-limiting device employed for limiting a fastening force of a fastening member in case of fastening a connection portion between a pipe receiving port of the joint and a pipe by means of the fastening member. In the fastening-limiting device, an appropriate sealing property of the pipe connection portion and a screw amount of the fastening member required in trying to preventing the pipe from slipping off can be surely determined. Furthermore, the operator can recognize easily the appropriate screw amount of the fastening member by a sound and a touch. This fastening-limiting device has a ring portion fittable onto the pipe receiving port of the joint A and a protrusion disposed on the ring portion. On a side of one end in an axial direction of the ring portion, a first abutting portion is formed. On a side of the other end in an axial direction of the ring portion, a second abutting portion is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nishio, Makoto Fujii, Yutaka Okamoto, Takuya Ishida
  • Patent number: 6305722
    Abstract: The invention concerns a telescopic tube (10), in particular for sprinkler systems, comprising an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14) which is movable relative to the latter and has an inner end piece (36) which extends inside the outer tube and has an outer diameter which is larger than the inner tube in their adjoining regions. The telescopic tube (10) further comprises a securing element (26) which surrounds the inner tube and is provided for the outer tube, the outer end (22) of the latter extending in said securing element (26). According to the invention, in order to provide a precise connection between the inner and outer tubes using precision screw machine parts in particular, the outer end (22) of the outer tube is widened and extends inside an annular mounting (24) of the securing element which in turn comprises an outer edge (34) which extends externally along the outer tube and is deformed in the direction of the outer end of the outer tube when the latter has been fitted in the mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Uwe Vieregge
  • Patent number: 6299215
    Abstract: A ramp-lock quick-connect fitting is adapted to be placed between conventional type fittings on pipes and tubes, such as quartz pipes and synthetic resin tubes used in chemical processing systems for semiconductor device fabrication. The quick-connect fitting includes a first coupling member having a pipe receiving section adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a pipe, and a ramp support section with a pair of spiral ramps formed therearound. The quick-connect fitting also includes a second coupling member that sealingly engages the first coupling member. An extension portion of the second coupling member is adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a tube. A locking collar is movably engaged with the second coupling member and has a pair of lock members disposed on an interior surface of the collar that slidably engage with the spiral ramps when the collar is rotated around the ramp support section of the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle K. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6250688
    Abstract: A ramp-lock quick-connect fitting is adapted to be placed between conventional type fittings on pipes and tubes, such as quartz pipes and synthetic resin tubes used in chemical processing systems for semiconductor device fabrication. The quick-connect fitting includes a first coupling member having a pipe receiving section adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a pipe, and a ramp support section with a pair of spiral ramps formed therearound. The quick-connect fitting also includes a second coupling member that sealingly engages the first coupling member. An extension portion of the second coupling member is adapted to receive a conventional fitting on a tube. A locking collar is movably engaged with the second coupling member and has a pair of lock members disposed on an interior surface of the collar that slidably engage with the spiral ramps when the collar is rotated around the ramp support section of the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle K. Kirby
  • Patent number: 6237965
    Abstract: A leakage free flexible conduit has made several improvements against the conventional, a groove formed on the inner rim of the connector for receiving a packing, and outside of a seat extending from an outer sliding pipe having a engaging trough for receiving a leak-free unit, the leak-free unit is formed by a harden plastic ring with a harden padding seating therein to prevent from leakage; the connector has an inner packing and the leakage free ring of the outer sliding pipe are both formed with a recess; the outer sliding pipe has a flange to secure a pair half circular plate forming a fixture, the fixture has extending a flange from one side corresponding to the flange of the outer sliding pipe, the other side of the fixture has a confine flange corresponding to the inner sliding pipe, inside of the flange, there is a leakage prevention ring against the outer wall of the inner sliding pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Hsien-wen Kuo
  • Patent number: 6231084
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for systems involving pressurized media, where the coupling consists of two connector parts, a housing part (2) and a connector part (4). The connector part (4) can be inserted into a receiving opening (8) of the housing part (2), while it is being sealed, and when it is in a plugged-in condition, it can be locked in place and prevented from being released by means of a locking device (10). The locking device (10) includes a retaining element (12), which is supported on one side of one of the coupling parts, and which retaining element engages—while in the assembled state—a retaining groove (16) of the other coupling part by means of a form-fit or a form- and friction-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hilmar Hester, Bettina Schröer
  • Patent number: 6224117
    Abstract: In order to minimize opportunities for dirt, grime, moisture and adverse atmospheric conditions to enter a fitting for coupling a flexible plastic tubes in a quick connect-type coupling, a collet used within the coupling has a constant diameter boss at one end and slots splitting the collet into spring fingers, which slots do not extend into the boss. The collet is received within a bore in an annular body, wherein the bore includes a cylindrical surface that is substantially completely engaged by an outer cylindrical surface of the boss, with the end of the boss projecting from the body a substantial distance beyond the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Darwin Olson, Jerios Elchaer
  • Patent number: 6220635
    Abstract: A device 7 for the assembly of a straight spigot 1 and a flange 3 of two pipe elements 2, 4, containing an axial compression sealing elastomer gasket 8. The gasket has a support body 15 bearing against a counter flange 11 to apply pressure to the gasket. To the front of the body 15, and interdependent of it, is a support heel 16 for bearing against the flange. A radial exterior surface 22 of the body is designed to rest on a reaction surface 27, 27a of the counter flange, a radial interior surface 18 of the body is designed to rest on the radial exterior surface 20 of the straight spigot, and a forward surface 31 of the heel is designed to press against the flange to insure the waterproofness of the assembly. The body has at least one recess 26 for the expansion of the elastomer of the pressurized gasket, and the device is fitted with a ring 9 to limit the radial expansion of the heel toward the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pont-a-Mousson SA
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vitel, Noel Favier, Andre Schneider, Didier Lescot, Rene Bourgin
  • Patent number: 6209929
    Abstract: A connector for mounting a pipe member (P) having a spiral-shaped wall to a through hole (h) formed in a wall member (W), the connector comprises a bellmouth (1), a holder (2) and a waterproof packing member (3). The bellmouth (1) includes an engaging projection (13) which is formed on the outer periphery (12) of a cylindrical-shaped portion (11) thereof and is engageable with the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member (P). The holder (2) includes a spiral-shaped projection (23) which is formed on the inner peripheral surface (22) of a cylindrical-shaped portion (21) thereof and fittingly engageable with the outer periphery spiral-shaped portion of the pipe member (P). The waterproof packing member (3) is disposed between the wall member (W) and the holder (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Totaku Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ikegami, Yasuhiro Kikumori, Noboru Someda, Yoshiaki Tatsuta, Toshifumi Fujiwara, Toshio Morimatsu
  • Patent number: 6206432
    Abstract: A quick connector of the ball-lock type includes a socket member, a plug member and a slidable sleeve which are specifically designed to permit manufacture by deep drawing of a sheet metal. The socket member and the plug member are each shaped in the form of a stepped tube and the plug member is inserted into the socket member in a telescoping fashion to form an annular chamber therebetween. An O-ring and a backup ring are mounted within the annular chamber by inserting them into the bore of the socket member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiro Kamiyama
  • Patent number: 6206434
    Abstract: A pipe coupling axially connects two pipes having a smooth outer surface. The pipe coupling includes a first split circular ring and a second split circular ring. The first and the second split circular rings are made from a metal strip. Each of the strips have a radially inner edge surrounding the ends of the pipes. A plurality of teeth are disposed at the radially inner edge of the strips. The teeth are disposed in the plane of the respective rings. A free end of the tooth penetrates into the pipe when the coupling is in the clamped position. The teeth extend at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the pipes. A side of each of the teeth facing toward the pipe inserted in the coupling have, adjacent to the free end of the tooth, at least one indentation. The indentation displaces the material of the tooth on the side of the tooth in the direction toward the free end of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Schreiter
  • Patent number: 6193283
    Abstract: An engagement device for a cantilevered conduit connection that provides an assembler with visible, audible, and tactile redundant verification that the connection is completely engaged. The engagement device assists in holding a connecting block in place to a housing. The housing includes a fastener port with a fastener fastened therein. The engagement device includes a locking portion at one end thereof, and circumscribes a portion of the fastener. The connecting block mounts to the housing and includes a fastener passage through the connecting block that mounts around the engagement device. The connecting block further includes an engagement surface that mates with the locking portion of the engagement device to assist in fastening the connecting block to the housing. The locking portion of the engagement device expands against the engagement surface of the connecting block to provide visible, audible, and tactile verification that the connecting block is completely engaged to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Matthews Pickett, Jr., Robert Jay Slais
  • Patent number: 6189550
    Abstract: The pump-connector has an elastic member that seals a connecting socket against a connecting piece that partly projects into the connecting socket. The elastic member is folded in between the connecting socket and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Stickel, Johann Wilhelmstätter, Manfred Seessle
  • Patent number: 6189937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting (70) and a securing component (90) for attaching to a hole in a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Goyen Controls, Co.
    Inventor: Janusz Brandel
  • Patent number: 6186557
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a coupling assembly having a male member (1) with a spigot (5) to be received in an opening (21) in a female member (2), and a radially deformable retaining element (3) which is arranged in a recess (22) in the female member (2) and is radially elastically deformable and adapted to be urged into the recess (22) during the coupling operation by a support element (12) disposed on the spigot (5). In the locked position, the spigot (5) is locked against being pulled out of the opening due to the cooperation between the support element (12) and the retaining element (3). To uncouple the coupling assembly, an unlocking element (15) is provided. The support element (15) is releasably connected with the spigot (5) in order to enable assembly of the unlocking element (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Johannes Schafer Vorm. Stettiner Schrauben Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Georg Funk
  • Patent number: 6179339
    Abstract: A plastic or polytetrafluoroethylene split seal ring having highly flexible, annularly extending, axially spaced apart side walls is disclosed for sealing opposed, concentrically overlapping open end portions of a pair of gas conduits together or for sealing a sleeve of a flexible coupling to end portions of two opposed, spaced apart gas conduits is disclosed. The ring includes an annularly extending base portion, a pair of axially spaced apart, annularly extending side walls connected to and along opposite sides of the base portion. The side walls project radially beyond a radially inwardly or radially outwardly facing surface of the base portion to form a groove in which an expansion or contraction member can be disposed to effect a gas tight seal of the ring against and around a surface of one of the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Smail Vila
  • Patent number: 6179345
    Abstract: A device for connecting two tubular piping parts, in particular piping parts in a motor vehicle exhaust system, has two connector pieces with a sealing device being mounted between the connector pieces. The connector pieces are stressed against each other in axial direction by a spring device. The spring device has a wire spring which surrounds one connector piece at least partially with two spring branches and is supported by this connector piece. The wire spring is stressed against a stop on the other connector with the spring branches or another area of the wire spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, Leistritz Aktiengesellschaft & Co. Abgastechnik
    Inventors: Heiko Gensert, Horst Schneider, Arndt Peters, Helmut Wierzba
  • Patent number: 6173998
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling connects two fluid conduits, one of which has a retaining rib. The plug-in coupling includes a sleeve having radial openings. The coupling also includes an arresting device displaceable within the sleeve. The arresting device has retaining arms. A free end of each arm is hook-shaped for engaging behind the retaining rib. Each of the free ends has an outer inclined face. When the sleeve and arresting device move apart, the inclined face presses against a front edge of the opening that receives the hook. When the arresting device and fluid conduit are pulled apart, an inner inclined face of the hook presses against the retaining rib. In an unlocking position, the outer inclined faces of the hooks are sufficiently spaced from the front edge of the respective opening so that the retaining arms may spread radially apart to permit decoupling. The arresting device also has resilient unlocking arms. An outer part of each one of the unlocking arms projects through one of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Rasmussen GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Bock
  • Patent number: 6173994
    Abstract: A coupling assembly comprising a female connector body, a male member, a retainer and a dust barrier. The female connector body defines a bore extending axially inward into the connector body from an entrance. A radial face is defined in the bore axially inward of the entrance. The male member is received within said bore. The male member is formed at the end of a tube and includes a projection extending radially from the tube. The retainer has at least two locking beams extending between the radially extending projection and the radial face to retain the male member in the bore. The locking beams defines a slot between the locking beams. The dust barrier is slidably mounted on the tube. The dust barrier has at least one extension insertable within the slot so as to prevent inadvertent radially inward movement of the locking beams. Wherein upon sliding the dust barrier toward the female connector body, the dust barrier encloses the bore so as to prevent foreign material from entering the coupling assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Mark G. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 6170885
    Abstract: The invention is a device for providing a clamping force about a connection end of elastomeric hose or tubing. The device includes an at-least-twice-oriented polymer having a shrinkage response to each of at least two diameter reducing release temperatures, which is sized and formed into a band. The clamp is self-adjusting over a substantial working life. The band may be installed onto connection ends of hose or tubing and fixtures such as couplings, inserts or stems without the external application of heat, preferably preselecting the first diameter reducing release temperature to be at roughly room temperature. The clamp displays improved constrictive forces over prior art polymer clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Stuemky
  • Patent number: 6161875
    Abstract: Each of coupling members 5, 12 is formed with a retainer accommodating recessed portion 45, 46 in an butting end face thereof, the recessed portion 45, 46 being formed on a bottom face thereof with a gasket holding annular ridge 47, 48 having an annular projection 47a, 48a. A retainer 42 comprises a retainer body 43 holding the outer periphery of a gasket 41 and attached to the outer periphery of the annular ridge 47 of one of the coupling members, 5, and a guide ring portion 44 for guiding a peripheral surface of the recessed portion 46 of the other coupling member 12 when the two coupling members 5, 12 are butted against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Kosuke Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6161876
    Abstract: A device inserted through a tubular wall by means of a cylindrical flange surrounding a through-bore which is used to insert a tool for flaving the annular region defined by the flange around the bore on the inside of said wall, so that the device may be mechanically secured thereto. The bore is then plugged with a disc and the whole assembly is sealed by brazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Moteur
    Inventor: Pierre Sabathie
  • Patent number: 6155609
    Abstract: Connectors for joining protective ducts and/or hoses for the installation of insulated electrical conductors and/or cables in an aircraft are equipped with lids that are easily opened even without a tool. The lids are preferably permanently secured to the connectors. The lids are constructed as roll-up tapes or as flat or curved plates. The curved plates are held in place in the closed condition by springs. A flat plate lid is held in place, for example by a circlip, or by a leg spring or by a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Safa Kirma
  • Patent number: 6155613
    Abstract: A pipe joint with a sleeve element and with a spigot element configured to be threadedly connected together to collectively absorb the load experienced by the joint over the threaded sections of the sleeve and spigot. By suitably selecting the leads and tooth gaps in the sleeve or spigot, it is possible for the guide flank at one thread end to be braced against the load flank at the other thread end thereby effecting maximum bracing at the edges of the thread and decreasing toward the thread center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erich Quadflieg, Christoph Bunsen, Thomas Gigowski, Friedrich Lenze, Martin Schluter
  • Patent number: 6145889
    Abstract: A rotary joint comprises: a joint main body constructed of a casing (1) and a housing (3); and, a rotary body (8) inserted in the joint main body and rotatably mounted therein. In the joint: a part of an outer peripheral surface of the rotary body (8) serves as a corresponding inner race of a sliding bearing; and, the sliding bearing rotatably supports the rotary body (8), and constructed of the corresponding inner race (11) and a corresponding outer race (10) incorporated in the housing (3). The sliding bearing (10, 11) may be constructed of: a plurality of units of thin-width sliding bearings; or, a single unit of a thick-width sliding bearing. A pin (12) is pounded into the joint and engaged with both the outer race (10) and the housing (3), whereby the outer race (10) is prevented from rotating in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., LTD
    Inventor: Hiroshi Imai
  • Patent number: 6142535
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fastening-limiting device for a fastening member which fastens a pipe inserted into a pipe receiving port on the side of a joint. The fastening-limiting device has a ring portion which is fittable onto the outside of the pipe receiving port. A beam portion is formed on the ring portion. A protrusion is formed on the beam portion. A first abutting portion which is to abut against a reference face on the side of the joint is formed on one end of the ring portion. A second abutting portion which is to abut against a confronting portion of the fastening member is formed on the other end of the ring portion. A gap between the first and second abutting portions and is equal to the gap between the reference face and the confronting portion at the time when the fastening member exerts a sealing property and a function of preventing slipping-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Nishio, Makoto Fujii, Yutaka Okamoto, Takuya Ishida
  • Patent number: 6139069
    Abstract: Segmented pipe couplings are formed by two or more identical arcuate pipe coupling segments. Each end of each segment is matable to either end of each other segment. Each end has a tongue and a recess generally on opposite sides of a longitudinal central plane of the segment. The positioning of the tongue and recess is reversed with respect to the central plane at opposite ends of each segment. Each recess is slightly larger than the tongue to receive the tongue of an identical coupling. A double tongue-double recess interfit is formed when any coupling segment is coupled together with an identical coupling segment. Either end of any coupling segment can mate with either end of other coupling segment and form a proper connection between segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Central Sprinkler Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph G. Radzik
  • Patent number: 6131265
    Abstract: A plastic pipe adaptor (10) includes a length of pipe (12) having a plastic pipe wall (14) with a substantially rigid pipe stiffener (32) disposed inside the pipe and a substantially rigid collar (34) disposed about the pipe exteriorly of the pipe wall (14), the collar having a recess (40) therein. The stiffener (32) and collar (34) are positioned such that a portion (50) of the plastic pipe wall is disposed between the stiffener (32) and the collar recess (40) and at least a portion (52) of the pipe stiffener is deflected outwardly against the pipe wall portion (50) by an amount sufficient to wedge the pipe wall portion (50) into engagement with the collar recess (40). The result is a firm grip to the pipe which allows the collar to serve as an attachment to another member such as a mechanical joint (30). A method of making the adaptor (10) is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: M & FC Holding Company
    Inventor: Edwin A. Bird
  • Patent number: 6116657
    Abstract: An arrangement for positionally securing a clamp structure on a hose-like member in the partially tightened preassembled condition in which a cut-out is provided in one or on both sides of the clamping band and the hose-like member is provided with knub-like projections of a shape and location complementary to engage in the cut-outs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Hans Oetiker AG Maschinen-Und Apparatefabrik
    Inventor: Hans Oetiker
  • Patent number: 6109664
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collet for locking a tube in a coupling body, comprising a plastics molding including an annular sleeve, having a plurality of axially extending resilient arms, two of which have spring metal clips snapped around and locked to the free ends of the arms. The clips have inwardly angled teeth to bear against and grip a tube extending on the inner side of the arm through the collet to prevent the tube from being withdrawn from the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 6109661
    Abstract: A flexible coupler apparatus for joining successive exhaust system components in an exhaust system for a vehicle. An inner liner tube is concentrically received by an outer liner tube. A substantially porous, non-sealing, vibration absorbing spacer member is arranged between the liner tubes where they overlap, to preclude direct contact between the liner tubes. The spacer member is non-sealing to preclude deterioration while minimizing interference with the reciprocation and articulation of the liner tubes. A flexible, resilient sealing member, such as a bellows, mechanically and sealingly connects the liner tubes at their distant non-overlapped ends, to prevent escape of exhaust gases. The liner tubes and the spacer member are provided with a non-circular, preferably polygonal or lobed, cross-sectional configurations, for providing protection of the bellows from torsional forces being propagated from one of the exhaust system components, toward the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Senior Engineering Investments AG
    Inventors: Scott C. Cwik, Robert C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6109660
    Abstract: A connecting structure of an externally resin-coated small-diameter metallic pipe having an excellent corrosion-resistant property with respect to a mating member is provided. According to the present invention, a resin-uncovered portion of the metallic pipe provided for applying an end processing thereon is completely covered with a protective pipe made of a resin material so that the processed pipe can be connected with the mating member without spoiling its anti-chipping property and an anti-splashing property of the metallic pipe over the entire length thereof. With the exception of the end of the metallic pipe corresponding to the margin at least required for applying an end processing on the pipe, the pipe is covered with an extrusion-moldable thick film-like resin and is connected with a mating member by means of a clamp nut assembled to the pipe end so as to be screw-fitted with the mating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventors: Masaaki Akiyama, Kazunori Takikawa, Masashi Kajiyama, Kazumi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 6095569
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for pressure application systems, including two coupling components such as a housing component and a connector component. The connector component is sealed insertable into a locating opening of the housing component, and is arrestable against loosening by a locking device. The locking device has an elastically deformable holding element, which is located on the side of one coupling component in such a way that, in the inserted state, it engages behind an arresting step of the other coupling component, locking with positive fit, for arresting said connector component. The holding element is designed ring-shaped and comprises several individual annular segments and one concentric spring lock washer component which presses the annular segments with radially operating spring resistance that each annular segment can move radially against or through the spring resistance of said spring lock washer component during the plugging-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hilmar Hester
  • Patent number: 6095570
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for pressurized systems having two coupling components (2, 4), namely a receiving component (2) and a connector component (4). The connecter component (4) includes a connecting shaft (6) which is inserted into a locator opening (8) of the receiving component (2) and is sealed around the perimeter and arrested against loosening by a holding element (20) situated in a recess (22) of the receiving component (2), first in a partially inserted, incompletely sealed, pre-locked position and secondly in a fully inserted, perfectly pressure sealed full lock-in position. The holding element (20) has arresting elements (28, 30) each of which engage behind a locking edge (24) of the connector component (4) when a lock-in connection (28, 24; 30, 24) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Harald Hagen, Volker Kaminiski, Manfred Berg, Hilmar Hester
  • Patent number: 6089615
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a branch pipe connection including a locking ring and a sleeve that are arranged against one another and can be tightened in their axial direction. The connection further includes a support flange. The locking ring is of such a flexible material that the locking ring can be placed inside a pipe or the like through a hole made for the branch pipe from outside the pipe or the like, although the smallest outer diameter of the flange of the locking ring is larger than the largest diameter of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Uponor Innovation AB
    Inventor: Tero Jappinen
  • Patent number: 6089621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint made of resin used for laying pipes in which a high-purity liquid, ultra pure water or the like flow. According to the pipe joint of the present invention, a sealing surface pressure is generated in both axial and radial directions, providing thereby an excellent sealing property for a long period, and facilitate controlling a torque for fastening a pushing ring. The pipe joint made of resin according to the present invention comprises a joint body having a receiving port, a cylindrical portion, an annular groove portion and a stepped surface. An inner ring forcedly inserted by the pushing ring is provided with an outer projection, an inner projection and an annular recessed portion. On at least one portion among axially opposed portions of each surface, an axial sealing portion is disposed. On at least one portion among radially opposed portions of each surface, an radial sealing portion is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio
  • Patent number: 6086113
    Abstract: A connector assembly 10 for use with tubular conduits 30 is disclosed which is a male portion that is put into a female portion. The male portion makes use of the end of the conduit itself, and the female portion only requires a stepped bore. The seal 50, stabilizing bushings areas 34 and retainer 138 are carried on the male portion. The seal 50 may be retained on the male, and the connection may be either a quick connect or require a tool to assemble. The connection may seal the highest pressures and withstand very high forces on the male and female portions. Also disclosed is the use of this connection in a multiple port device. The connection may be completed in the depth and diameter that is allotted to a "thread-in" or "flare" connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 6086109
    Abstract: A conveying pipe for hydraulically transporting solids, such as sand, gravel or also concrete is composed of a straight or curved pipe portion and of coupling flanges at the ends of the pipe portion, wherein the coupling flanges protrude radially above the outer surface of the pipe portion. The outer end faces of the coupling flanges which face away from each other are each located in the transverse planes of the end faces of the conveying pipe. The coupling flange located at the end of the conveying pipe on the inlet side has a greater width than the coupling flange arranged at the end on the outlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Esser-Werke GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Alexander Esser
  • Patent number: 6082784
    Abstract: There are provided a connection structure and process for connecting an eye-joint and a slender metal pipe, which is enabled by making the welding operation completely unnecessary to eliminate the working troubles and a fear of cracking or breakage, as might otherwise be caused by deteriorations in the mechanical properties in the vicinity of the connection end portion, which can use the eye-joint body and the metal pipe, as plated with a corrosion-resistance substance or coated with a resin in advance, to improve the productivity drastically thereby to ensure the connection with neither axial nor circumferential movement, and which can connect a metal pipe, if necessary, as having a diameter larger than the width of the eye-joint body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Kazumi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 6079749
    Abstract: A preassembled fitting including a body, a nut and a collet positioned within the nut. The nut is threaded on the body a predetermined distanced to allow the installer to snap the corrugated tubing into the nut and engage the collet. The nut is then further tightened to seal the body to the corrugated tubing. A tapered surface on the body engages the cut end of the corrugated tubing and flares the cut end of the corrugated tubing. The fitting will make a metal to metal seal by folding the convolutions of the tubing back against itself creating a double flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Mark Albino, Edwin E. Pike
  • Patent number: 6079750
    Abstract: Quick connect couplings for connecting a small internal diameter brake hose to a formed metal tube in a brake system includes a connector body having a crimp collar at one end and a stepped bore with an entry opening at the other end. The stepped bore includes a first step which is abutted axially by a seal. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a retaining element axially engages an inwardly extending radial surface in the bore and an annular groove in the tube. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the retaining ring is integral with the tube and the seal is accomplished by a three lobed seal which is held in abutment with the first step by a Teflon.RTM. spacer, the Teflon.RTM. spacer being engaged by a bead on the formed metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Kacines
  • Patent number: RE37246
    Abstract: A tube and fitting assembly is made by the method of relatively moving a tube into an internal bore in a fitting with the internal bore extending end-to-end in the fitting, longitudinally compressing the tube to radially expand it into engagement with the wall of the internal bore, internally threading either the tube or the fitting and with the threads being adapted to receive a second member until it is sealed fluid-tight against the tube and there is therefore no need for a fluid-tight seal between the tube and the first fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour
  • Patent number: RE39584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe joint made of resin used for laying pipes in which a high-purity liquid, ultra pure water or the like flow. According to the pipe joint of the present invention, a sealing surface pressure is generated in both axial and radial directions, providing thereby an excellent sealing property for a long period, and facilitate controlling a torque for fastening a pushing ring. The pipe joint made of resin according to the present invention comprises a joint body having a receiving port, a cylindrical portion, an annular groove portion and a stepped surface. An inner ring forcedly inserted by the pushing ring is provided with an outer projection, an inner projection and an annular recessed portion. On at least one portion among axially opposed portions of each surface, an axial sealing portion is disposed. On at least one portion among radially opposed portions of each surface, an radial sealing portion is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nishio