Thread Lock Patents (Class 285/92)
  • Patent number: 12152706
    Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting a first pipe element and a second pipe element. The coupling comprises a first coupling member on the first pipe element, and a second coupling member on the second pipe element. The second coupling member is dimensioned to receive therein the first coupling member. The coupling also includes a retainer element having threads to engage the first coupling member to retain the first and second coupling members in a coupled state. The retainer element includes a lock feature to prevent inadvertent loosening rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ABC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: James Dean Snow, Jeffery S. Moore, Kevin Theuma, Mo Xu, Brian Sunley
  • Patent number: 12109842
    Abstract: A hub lock nut assembly for retaining a vehicle wheel hub in position. The hub lock nut assembly comprising a hub lock nut and a mating component with which the hub lock nut is arranged to be mated in a mated position. The hub lock nut comprises a circumferential inner wall defining a central hole, the inner wall having a threaded portion. One of the hub lock nut or the mating component comprises at least one resilient portion adapted to be movable in a radial direction outwardly of the central hole when subjected to an external force provided by the other of the mating component or the hub lock nut. The at least one resilient portion having an engagement area for receiving said external force, wherein the engagement area is located radially outwardly of the threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Ramachandran Sandrasekaran, Kent Augustsson, Tobias Andersson
  • Patent number: 11959572
    Abstract: A pipe union assembly that includes a female end of a first pipe section and a male end of a second pipe section. The pipe union assembly also includes a quick union nut securable to the female end, a retainer collar securable to the quick union nut and a segmented load ring disposed between the male end of the second pipe section and the quick union nut. The quick union nut, the retainer collar and the segmented load ring cooperate to maintain the male end of the second pipe section inside the female end of the first pipe section. A method of using the pipe union assembly to join a first pipe section and a second pipe section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: David Droke
  • Patent number: 11918796
    Abstract: A syringe adapter includes a housing having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the housing defining a passageway, and a connector body having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the connector body having a connection member configured to be secured to a mating connector. One of the housing and the connector body includes a tab and the other of the housing and the connector body defines a channel that receives the tab, with the connector body movable relative to the housing between a first position where the connector body is restricted from rotating relative to the housing in a first rotational direction and free to rotate relative to the housing in a second rotational direction, and a second position where the connector body is free to rotate in the first and second rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company Limited
    Inventors: Jayeon Kim, Christopher Lee
  • Patent number: 11821547
    Abstract: A fluid fitting includes a nut, a sleeve, and a union. The union and the nut may include corresponding stops and corresponding markings. Corresponding stops and corresponding marking may engage with each other when the nut is sufficiently connected with the union. A method of connecting a fitting includes connecting a sleeve of the fitting with a nut of the fitting, connecting the nut with a union, rotating at least one of the nut and the union until a stop of the nut engages a stop of the union, restricting over torque via the stop of the nut and the stop of the union, and verifying a sufficient connection if first markings of the nut align with second markings of the union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Christopher T. Cantrell, Gregory Kiernan, Ravi Soni, Eric R. Marx
  • Patent number: 11703170
    Abstract: A pipe connection may include a female component with a sealing portion, a stoppage flare, and a first locking section and a male component with a nozzle configured for sealingly engaging the sealing portion, a stopping cone for abutting the stoppage flare, and a second locking section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: VARCO I/P, INC.
    Inventor: Lamont Thomas Inglehart
  • Patent number: 11512799
    Abstract: A system for blocking rotation between a first tubular and a second tubular includes a key positioned within a recess formed in the first tubular. The system also includes a retention fastener securing the key to the first tubular, the retention fastener being arranged within an elongated aperture extending through the key. The system further includes an installation fastener moving the key from a storage configuration when in a first position to an engaged configuration when in a second position, the installation fastener having a tapered face that engages at least a portion of the key. The system also includes teeth arranged along a bottom portion of the key, proximate the second tubular, the teeth engaging the second tubular via rotation of the key about the retention fastener and blocking rotation of the first tubular relative to the second tubular in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Pallini, Dennis R Martinchich, Matthew Lord, Alejandro Rodela, Xichang Zhang
  • Patent number: 11306852
    Abstract: A fluid fitting includes a nut, a sleeve, and a union. The union and the nut may include corresponding stops. Corresponding stops may engage with each other when the nut is sufficiently connected with the union. A method of designing a fluid fitting including a union may include determining a gauge diameter of the union, determining a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the union that includes a center point of the gauge diameter, determining a point of intersection of threads of the union with the perpendicular plane, and/or determining a position of a stop according to an angle from the point of intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Christopher T. Cantrell, Gregory Kiernan, Ravi Soni
  • Patent number: 11300234
    Abstract: A fluid fitting includes a nut, a sleeve, and a union. The union and the nut may include corresponding stops and corresponding markings. Corresponding stops and corresponding marking may engage with each other when the nut is sufficiently connected with the union. A method of connecting a fitting includes connecting a sleeve of the fitting with a nut of the fitting, connecting the nut with a union, rotating at least one of the nut and the union until a stop of the nut engages a stop of the union, restricting over torque via the stop of the nut and the stop of the union, and verifying a sufficient connection if first markings of the nut align with second markings of the union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Christopher T. Cantrell, Gregory Kiernan, Ravi Soni, Eric R. Marx
  • Patent number: 11149883
    Abstract: A coupling includes a male adapter and a female adapter, and may include a nut and a sleeve. In embodiments, the male adapter includes a male adapter inner diameter, and may include threads. A method of operating a fluid coupling may include providing a first member, a second member, a nut, and a sleeve, connecting the sleeve with the nut such that rotation of the sleeve causes rotation of the nut, rotating the sleeve to connect the first member with the second member, engaging an inner ratchet profile of the sleeve with a ratchet profile of a shoulder of the first member, and covering the shoulder of the first member, including the ratchet profile, with the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Jason C. Gauss, Gregory Kiernan, Christopher T. Cantrell, Devashish Murkya
  • Patent number: 11040153
    Abstract: A syringe adapter includes a housing having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the housing defining a passageway, and a connector body having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, with the connector body having a connection member configured to be secured to a mating connector. One of the housing and the connector body includes a tab and the other of the housing and the connector body defines a channel that receives the tab, with the connector body movable relative to the housing between a first position where the connector body is restricted from rotating relative to the housing in a first rotational direction and free to rotate relative to the housing in a second rotational direction, and a second position where the connector body is free to rotate in the first and second rotational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company Limited
    Inventors: Jayeon Kim, Christopher Lee
  • Patent number: 10801650
    Abstract: A pipe joint, made of synthetic resin, including: an inner ring; a joint body having an annular sealing groove and a male screw portion formed on an outer circumference; a union nut having a female screw portion formed on an inner circumference to be tightened onto the male screw portion of the joint body, such that a first opposing surface is formed in the joint body to be perpendicular to an axial direction, and a second opposing surface is formed in the union nut to oppose the first opposing surface. An engagement projection is provided in one of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface. An engagement recess is provided in the other of the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface such that the engagement projection engages with the engagement recess when the union nut has been tightened up to an appropriate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Fujii, Toshihide Iida
  • Patent number: 10569390
    Abstract: A high torque polymer fittings useful in fluid handling systems. The fittings are especially useful for fluid handling fittings having diameters of one inch or greater. Various embodiments of the fittings disclosed accommodate specialized wrenches for securing the fittings, the wrenches being used to tighten the fittings to a desired torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Leys, Michael Schleicher, Jeffrey J. McKenzie, Steven P. Kolbow
  • Patent number: 10461682
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a solar panel in a solar panel mounting assembly is disclosed. The solar panel mounting assembly includes a mounting bracket and a helical drive, where the mounting bracket is vertically adjustable by the helical drive. The helical drive engages with a stanchion that is variably positioned along a base member that is fixed to a roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Unirac Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Schuit, Jason Mayfield, Klaus Nicolaedis, Todd Ganshaw
  • Patent number: 10441385
    Abstract: A fastener for embedment in bone includes a chevron-shaped thread pattern having a first radial superior surface at an angle beta on a blank relative to a longitudinally extending axis of the fastener, a second radial superior surface at an angle alpha inboard to the first radial superior surface and relative to the longitudinally extending axis such that the two superior surfaces form a V-shape geometry. The fastener further includes a flank surface underlying the second radial superior surface at an angle gamma, the angle gamma defining an angle with the longitudinally extending axis that is 90°, a relief surface underlying the first radial superior surface such that the flank surface and the relief surface form a V-shape geometry, and a radially-outermost surface adjacent to the relief surface and defining a major diameter of the thread pattern, the radially-outermost surface being parallel to the longitudinally extending axis of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: RTG Scientific, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Reed
  • Patent number: 10400811
    Abstract: A machine element includes individual ring components (10, 12) fastenable to third components, such as axles, shafts, or hubs. One ring component can be actuated toward another ring component in an advancing motion by an adjusting device (18) in an axial direction (Y). An angled force application to the one ring component (10) in a tilted direction (24) that deviates from the axial advancing direction (Y) occurs by the adjusting device (18) for the advancing motion. The ring component that is exposed to the angled force application follows the tilted direction by a contact surface (30) for the contact with the adjusting device (18). In a thread-free segment of the adjusting device (18), the adjusting device has a titled control surface (32). The adjusting device then follows the contact surface (30) with its tilted direction (24) when the adjusting device (18) is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: SPIETH-MASCHINENELEMENTE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Hund
  • Patent number: 10393304
    Abstract: A plastic pipe union has an integral locking mechanism which is activated when nut member of the union is sufficiently tightened to the threads of an adjoining male nipple. The nut member and the tail piece of the plastic union each have matching engagement surfaces, where each engagement surface has a scalloped profile. Once sufficiently tightened, tactile feedback is provided to a personal manually tightening the nut member, indicating that the scalloped structures of the opposing engagement surfaces have interacted and reached a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: MAGIC PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: John Sarno
  • Patent number: 10391295
    Abstract: Disinfection cap includes housing comprising closed top, essentially cylindrical sidewall, and open bottom formed by the sidewall with opening to inner cavity within the housing for receiving mating feature of needleless connector. Disinfection sponge can be configured within inner cavity, with removable cover sealing opening to inner cavity to seal sponge within inner cavity prior to cap use. Inner cavity includes threads on inner surface of its sidewall that do not correspond to the mating feature of needleless connector. One thread engages with mating feature of needleless connector. Plurality of disinfection caps can be disposed on strip of IV pole hanging device such that each cap can be peeled off the strip unsealed for immediate use, or separated from the strip sealed for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Ryan, Nichola Charles
  • Patent number: 10270206
    Abstract: A connector assembly that has a connector including a coupling member rotatably coupled to a body, a gripping sleeve that receives a portion of the body and a portion of the coupling member, and a torque limiting feature associated with one or both of the gripping sleeve and the coupling member. The torque limiting feature has first and second predetermined torque limits. Rotation of the gripping sleeve applies torque to and rotates the coupling member in a tightening direction until the first predetermined torque limit is reached such that no additional torque is applied to the coupling member by the gripping sleeve that is greater than the first predetermined torque limit. The gripping sleeve rotates with respect to coupling member in a loosening direction until the second predetermined torque limit is reached thereby allowing the gripping sleeve to rotate the coupling member in the loosening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Rakesh Thakare, Caichun Song, Michael Holland
  • Patent number: 10209460
    Abstract: A connector unit having a first connector part and at least a second connector part, wherein the first connector part and the at least second connector part are connectable during a mating of the first connector part and the at least second connector part and are dis-connectable during a de-mating of the first connector part and the at least second connector part, and further having at least a first locking assembly for locking the first connector part and the at least second connector part at least during the de-mate of the first connector part and the at least second connector part. At least first locking assembly has at least a first hydraulic lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: David Michael Tucker
  • Patent number: 10054721
    Abstract: An optical lens assembly includes at least two lens elements and at least one light blocking sheet. Each of the lens elements includes a connecting structure for aligning the two lens elements. Each of the connecting structures includes a connecting surface and a circular conical surface, and a receiving space is formed between the two lens elements. A vertical distance between the receiving space and an optical axis is shorter than a vertical distance between each circular conical surface and the optical axis. The light blocking sheet is received in the receiving space and has a polygonal opening, and an outside diameter of the light blocking sheet is smaller than or equal to a minimum diameter of each circular conical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LARGAN PRECISION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Wen Hsu, Ming-Ta Chou
  • Patent number: 9929498
    Abstract: A connector assembly that has a connector including a coupling member rotatably coupled to a body, and the coupling member has an interface end configured to engage a mating connector. A gripping sleeve receives at least a portion of the body and at least a portion of the coupling member. A torque limiting feature includes a slip element located at or near the front end of the gripping sleeve and an engaging element located on the coupling member. The slip element and the engaging element engage one another such that rotation of the gripping sleeve applies torque to and rotates the coupling member in a tightening direction until a predetermined torque limit is reached when the slip element disengages from the engaging element allowing the gripping sleeve to rotate with respect to the coupling member such that torque is no longer applied to the coupling member by the gripping sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TIMES FIBER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Rakesh Thakare, Caichun Song, Michael Holland
  • Patent number: 9890598
    Abstract: A key assembly is press fit into an annular space between a box and pin member to resist relative rotation of the box and pin members. The key assembly includes wedge like members that contact one another along complementary tapered surfaces, and when in contact generate radial forces into the box and pin member to secure the connection between the box and pin. The outer wedge is inserted first into the annular space between the box and pin members, and has rows of elongate teeth that project radially outward into contact with an inner surface of the box member. Because the outer wedge is pushed radially outward against the box member rather than axially sliding therebetween, the teeth protrude into the surface of the box member thereby increasing the anti-rotation force created by the outer wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Steen, John E. Nelson, Chau Hoang, Daniel C. Benson, Stephen D. Peters
  • Patent number: 9559458
    Abstract: A quick self-locking thread coupling connector interface with an inner contact inside the insulator, the insulator inside the outer contact, the coupling nut has at least one convex tooth and a first protruding part on the inner side, the elastic claw has slots corresponding to the convex teeth, a second protruding part and thread are provided on the outer side and the inner side of the elastic claw. The outer contact and the cable connector body are connected fixedly, the elastic claw surrounds rotatably outside the outer contact and is limited axially at the left end by the outer contact. The push nut surrounds the cable connector body and is limited axially, the elastic component is located between the elastic claw, the push nut, and props against the elastic claw and the push nut. The coupling nut surrounds the elastic claw and is connected fixedly with the push nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yujun Zhang, Jianping Wu, Huifang Zhou
  • Patent number: 9322228
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward a wedge segment. In certain embodiment, the wedge segment includes an arcuate body having a tapered profile sized to engage with a tubular element, a first surface of the arcuate body comprising a first surface treatment configured to grip an outer surface of the tubular element, and a second surface comprising a second surface treatment configured to grip an inner surface of an annular member disposed about the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: TESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Francisco Davila, Colin Joseph Lewis, Michael Everett Leman
  • Patent number: 9097370
    Abstract: A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, James M. Brugger
  • Patent number: 8992148
    Abstract: A self-locking connector system has a connector member having an external thread and an axially extending keyway, and a connecting interface at a distal end. A connector body has a distal end with a connecting interface that mates with the connecting interface of the connector member. An internally threaded nut is captive on the distal end of the connector body encircling the connecting interface and is configured to screw onto the externally threaded connector member. A locking collar is dimensioned to encircle the externally threaded connector member, has at least one key dimensioned to engage in the keyway, and is movable axially on the nut between a first position in which the nut is rotatable relative to the collar and a second position in which the nut is not rotatable relative to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Micro-Coax, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph D. Schafer, Perry L. Moyer
  • Patent number: 8960726
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard J Nick, Dennis Zeiber
  • Patent number: 8950785
    Abstract: A broach style anti-rotation device for connected tubular members is described. In embodiments, the broach tool is inserted into a slot in an outer diameter surface of the pin, and teeth of the broach, which have a successively greater height when moving from the front to the tail of the broach, cut a slot in a surface of the box. Sidewalls of the broach and its teeth engage shoulders of each slot to prevent the rotation of the tubular members relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Raynal, Thomas Lowell Steen, Nicholas Peter Gette, David Lawrence Ford, Benjamin Michael Snyder, Stephen David Peters, Ebony LaShaun Towns, Roberto Jose Manzano
  • Publication number: 20140339812
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end, a helical thread extending radially outward from a surface of the sidewall and comprising a crest portion, flank portions, and a root portion with the flank portions connecting the root portion to the crest portion, and at least one micro-thread extending radially outward from the surface of the sidewall. At least a portion of the micro-thread is spaced apart from the helical thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Carney, Paul Paia Marici
  • Publication number: 20140339811
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end, a helical thread extending radially outward from a surface of the sidewall and comprising a crest portion, flank portions, and a root portion with the flank portions connecting the crest portion to the root portion, and at least one deformable protrusion extending radially outward from the root portion of the helical thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Becton Dickinson and Company Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Wong
  • Publication number: 20140339813
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The medical connector further includes a helical thread extending radially outward from a surface of the sidewall and at least one protrusion extending radially outward from a surface of the sidewall. The at least one protrusion has a first side and a second side. A radial height of the at least one protrusion from the surface of the sidewall tapers circumferentially from the first side of the at least one protrusion to the second side of the at least one protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Cederschiöld, Angela Gilbert, Christopher Carney
  • Publication number: 20140312611
    Abstract: A fluid conduit for a gas turbine engine includes a first fluid conduit attachable to a second fluid conduit and securable together with a lockable connector. The connector includes a first portion including external threads and a second portion receiving the first portion and including internal threads mating to the external threads of the first portion. The internal threads include lead threads defining a first thread interface with the external threads for starting attachment of the first portion to the second portion and locking threads defining a second thread interface for locking the first portion to the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Billie W. Bunting, Robert J. DeRosa, Craig Michael Callaghan, Mark W. Colebrook, Ranganath Santosh
  • Publication number: 20140284918
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling annular fittings includes first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element defines interior and exterior opposite surfaces, and first and second end opposite portions. The first coupling element includes a plurality of flexible tabs slantedly protruding from the exterior surface; and also includes threads configured along the interior surface at the first end portion. The second end portion is non-threaded. The second coupling element defines inner and outer opposite surfaces. The second coupling element includes a plurality of rigid tabs vertically protruding from the inner surface. The second coupling element coaxially engages the first coupling element such that the flexible tabs and rigid tabs interact with each other to tighten and loosen the coupling assembly against the annular fittings via torque application. While tightening, the non-threaded second end portion and the flexible tabs and rigid tabs combination preclude over-tightening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Ajay Kumar
  • Patent number: 8827316
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for increasing the torque capacity of connections between tubular members. In some embodiments, the connection is threaded. The apparatus may include a first tubular end having a torque member moveable thereon. A second tubular end is made up with the first tubular end. The torque member is moveable back toward the second tubular end. The torque member can be moved into engagement with the second tubular end, and then torqued against the second tubular end. A first torquing interface is provided between the first tubular and the second tubular by making up their respective ends, and a second torquing interface is provided therebetween by torquing the torque member against the second tubular end. A torque capacity of the made up connection is increased thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Jody Allan Raczynski, Jonathan Ryan Prill
  • Patent number: 8690200
    Abstract: A pipe connection includes a box that mates with a pin. A box slot extends through a side wall of the box at a point adjacent the rim for alignment with a pin slot formed on the pin. Each of the slots has a circumferential dimension and an axial dimension that is less than the circumferential dimension. The pin slot has a greater circumferential dimension than the box slot. A locking key has a pin section and a box section located within the pin slot and the box slot, respectively, when the key is installed. The pin section has teeth that bite into the pin slot. The key has a width substantially the same as the circumferential dimension of the box slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Patterson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140035273
    Abstract: A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. SCHNELL, James M. BRUGGER
  • Patent number: 8641099
    Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly has a single fluid connection, including a plate and at least a pair of nipples extending away from the plate in a first direction, and at least a pair of connection pipes connected to each of the nipples extending from the plate in a second opposed direction. The nipples include a thread at an outer periphery, a ramped surface spaced in a direction beyond the thread and towards the plate, and a ditch beyond the ramped surface. A fluid coupling has a thread at an inner periphery received on the thread on the nipple, and the coupling has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers spaced by grooves, with the fingers being snapped into the ditch and is biased against the ramped surface. The plate, at least a pair of nipples and at least a pair of connection pipes are all formed of an integral piece of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Cuva, Ricky A. Daigle
  • Patent number: 8585096
    Abstract: A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, James M. Brugger
  • Patent number: 8561692
    Abstract: A downhole safety joint for use in a wellbore is described. The downhole safety joint includes an upper tubular member having an upper threaded end and a lower external threaded section; a lower tubular member having a lower threaded end and an upper interior threaded section for engaging with the lower external threaded section to form a break joint, the break joint having one or more of a maximum compressive stress limit and a tensile stress limit; and one or more circumferential stress reliefs disposed into the outer diameter of at least one of the upper tubular member and the lower tubular member for transmitting a side load applied to the break joint to one or more of the circumferential stress reliefs less than one or more of the compressive stress limit and the tensile stress limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Schultz, Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 8555765
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices for attaching or removing a sound suppressor or other auxiliary device to a firearm. The device has a mount body threadedly attachable to a muzzle attachment device attached to the muzzle of a gun. A locking spring extends around a portion of the mount body, and has serrated pawls for engaging a portion of the muzzle attachment device. An annular, rotatable locking collar attaches to the mount body and extends over the locking spring. As the locking collar is rotated, a reduction in diameter of the inner surface of the locking collar can urge the pawl into secured contact with the muzzle attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Silencerco, LLC
    Inventors: Henry L. Graham, II, William J. Ellison
  • Patent number: 8523240
    Abstract: A ferrule for use with a nut with an internal locking mechanism includes a first tubular portion with a first end and a first outer diameter for connecting to a first object; a second tubular portion with a second end and a second outer diameter for connecting to a second object; a transition portion connecting the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion; and a plurality of pockets spaced circumferentially around the second portion to engage the internal locking mechanism of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Murphy, Billie W. Bunting, Fungayi Mutsengi, David W. Anderson, Robert J. DeRosa
  • Patent number: 8500371
    Abstract: An arrangement for fixing two concentric tubes (1, 2) together by means of one or more pressure inducing members, preferably each formed as a pad (6); the member acts to press the tubes together; a support (3), preferably formed as a collar fixed inside the outer tube (1), is provided opposite the or each location of the or each member. The support is designed to maintain the circularity of the inner tube so that it can be readily withdrawn from the outer tube without jamming. This is useful for off-shore installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Britannia Engineering (Isle of Man) Limited
    Inventor: Peter James Curry
  • Patent number: 8408605
    Abstract: A threaded union includes a threaded union nut configured to couple abutting ends of a threaded nipple on a distal end of a first joint and a shouldered nipple on a distal end of a second joint and a lower wedge and an upper wedge positioned within an offset distance formed between a lower surface of the union nut and an upper surface of an enlarged section of the shouldered nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Post Curtiss
  • Patent number: 8240715
    Abstract: In a connection structure of a tubular connection member and a joint member according to an embodiment, a joint member (20) with a cap nut (30) mounted thereon is connected to a tubular connection member (12) with a spiral ridge (14) and a flange (16). The cap nut (30) has a spiral groove formed in the inner peripheral surface and includes a detent member (35) having a movable portion (36) and an extending portion (37). A spigot portion of the joint member (20) is inserted into the tubular connection member (12), and the cap nut (30) is screwed in. Then, the extending portion (37) of the detent member (35) is locked by a locking protrusion (162) provided on the flange (16) of the tubular connection member (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Itou, Tomohiro Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120056415
    Abstract: A flange seal (10) for forming a sealed connection between a first flange (12) and a second flange (14) connected by a plurality of flange bolts (22). The flange seal (10) comprises a first portion (26) and a second portion (28). The first and second portions (26, 28) are locatable between the first and second flanges (12,14) such that a chamber (44) is defined between the first and second portions (26,28). The supply of hydraulic fluid to the chamber (44) via a hydraulic input (48) causes the first and second portions (26,28) to move away from each other such that the first and second flanges (12,14) engage against ends of the flange bolts (22) and outer surfaces (32,33) of the first and second portions (26,28) engage against end surfaces (32,33) of the respective flanges (12,14) to create a seal between the flanges (12,14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Oldnall
  • Publication number: 20110284561
    Abstract: This document provides connectors such as a connector for enabling fluid transfer between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, which connector comprises a first component that is arranged to be connected to a first fluid container and a second component that is arranged to be connected to a second fluid container. The first component can be non-rotatably connected to the second component before a second fluid container is connected to the second component and/or before a first fluid container is connected to the first component. The connector can comprise a locking and rotation-enabling element that is arranged to be activated once a second fluid container has been connected to the second component, and/or once a first fluid container has been connected to the first component, which locking and rotation-enabling element enables the first component and the second component to rotate freely with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Tobias Rosenquist, Johanna Lindstrom, Alexander Cederschiold, Jonas Leffler
  • Patent number: 8042838
    Abstract: Devices can use various features to prevent the disconnection of connectors used in medical treatments. For example, a disconnection prevention member can have ends which hold luer connectors such that a male luer connector is prevented from separating from a female luer connector. The member can thus prevent disconnection of luer connectors that are incompletely mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nxstage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Everett Buckler, David Farias De Souza, Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, William Weigel
  • Patent number: 7938452
    Abstract: A fluid device and a fitting are connected so that fluid supply/discharge passage in the fluid device, and a fluid passage in the fitting are in communication with each other. A functional component, which allows a fluid flowing between the fluid device and the fitting to pass there though and which exerts an action on the fluid, is interposed and sealed between the fluid device and the fitting. An annular groove and an annular projection are fitted to each other and are formed in the fluid device and the fitting, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Katsura
  • Publication number: 20110101674
    Abstract: A system for the leaktight connection of a valve unit to a respective pipe, is provided. The valve unit includes a gas through-flow section, a threaded male attachment element being formed integrally with the valve unit and having an axial through cavity defining the gas through-flow section, for leaktight clamping by a pipe-fixing ring-nut connector which can be screwed onto the male threaded portion of the attachment element. The system includes a second leaktight connector which can be put into operation as an alternative to the ring-nut connector. The second connector including at least one axial retaining element which can be releasably restrained on the valve unit in the region of the threaded portion of the male attachment element, in a manner such that the pipe is restrained axially relative to the valve unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SIT LA PRECISA S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: Michele Benvenuto, Davide De Iulio, Luca Peron, Stefano Zanella, Marco Bucci