With Indicator, Alarm Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 285/93)
  • Patent number: 6155608
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling downhole fluids comprising a tool (36) attached to a connector (34) that is locked into position within a pipe section (32) is disclosed. The pipe section (32) has a longitudinal slot (62) with first and second sides (78, 80). The pipe section (32) also includes a transverse slot (64) that extends perpendicularly from the first side (78) of the longitudinal slot (62) and a hole (66) that extends perpendicularly from the second side (80) of the longitudinal slot (62). The connector (34) is inserted into the hole (66) such that the connector (34) may be rotated between an insertion position and an operating position. The connector head (100) of the connector (34) is closely received within the longitudinal slot (62) such that when the connector (34) is in the operating position, the connector head (100) contacts the first side (78) of the longitudinal slot (62) to lock the connector (34) within the pipe section (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal G. Skinner, Don L. Weeks
  • Patent number: 6145888
    Abstract: A pipe joint comprises a pair of tubular joint members made of a metal and each having an abutting end face, an annular gasket made of a metal and interposed between the abutting end faces of the respective joint members, a nut joining the joint members together and a retainer holding the gasket to one of the joint members. The joint members are made of stainless steel and silver white. The retainer is made of stainless steel and colored blue so as to be discernible from the joint members. The joint can be checked for the presence of the retainer, accordingly for the presence of the gasket, merely by discerning whether the color seen through an inspection window is blue or silver white.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Michio Yamaji, Nobukazu Ikeda, Tsutomu Shinohara, Tetsuya Kojima
  • Patent number: 6145886
    Abstract: There is provided a pipe connector connection checking assembly in which it can surely be checked that a male connector is incompletely connected with a female connector. A connection checking member is formed with an ear portion for integrally connecting a pair of claws disposed opposingly and a portion having a low strength formed at a portion except the ear portion, and the claws of the connection checking member are inserted into holes in the female connector. When the connection checking member is pulled outward in the state in which the male connector is incompletely inserted into the female connector, the portion having a low strength is broken before the engagement of the claws is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohta, Yasunobu Endou, Hideki Kimura
  • 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: 6131956
    Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a cylindrical pipe, whose smooth end section can be slipped onto a fitting that has at least one sleeve-like area extending in the longitudinal direction At least one sealing ring is arranged between the pipe and the fitting. The fitting and the pipe are securely connected to each other by means of an externally applied pressing tool, which acts in a plastically deforming manner on at least one radial plane on the pipe as well as the fitting section located below it. Between the fitting outer wall and the pipe inner wall is arranged a metal sleeve (31), which can be slipped onto the fitting by force. The fixed axial extension of the metal sleeve (31) encompasses the length of the fitting (1) The length of the metal sleeve is selected so as to correspond to the required overlap between the pipe (2.1, 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Mannesmann AG
    Inventors: Herbert Foering, Thomas Gigowski, Michael Berane, Karl-Heinz Hartings, Johannes Schurr
  • Patent number: 6129393
    Abstract: A quick connector assembly includes a male member, a female member, and a retainer. The retainer is interposed between a ring-shaped projection of the male member and a first engagement portion of the female member to connect the male member and female member. When a worker holds operation end portions of the retainer with his or her fingers, the retainer is reduced diametrically so that a second engagement portion of the retainer disengages from the first engagement portion of the female member. Accordingly, the male member and retainer can be pulled off from the female member easily. The retainer holds the male member by fitting its aperture windows with the ring-shaped projection of the male member. Consequently, the retainer hardly falls down from the male member after it is removed from the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kodama, Tomohide Ito, Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 6129391
    Abstract: A plastic pipe coupling for the joining of plain end plastic pipe that includes a pair of longitudinally displaced annular followers, a tubular middle ring extending between the opposite followers, an annular gasket within each follower contiguous to the middle ring, gripper segments within the follower that are operative during tightening installation of the follower about a received pipe end to effect a penetrating restraining grip against the surface of the pipe end and means on each of said followers cooperating with the end configuration of the middle ring to effect a snap-in-interlock and a perceptive signal when installation is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Rakieski
  • Patent number: 6116274
    Abstract: A sight glass filter and check valve apparatus for use in a fluid line. The apparatus includes a housing, first and second couplers connected to the housing, a sight glass assembly, a filter assembly, and a check valve assembly. The housing includes a pair of coordinated apertures. Each of the couplers includes a first end and a second end with the first ends threadedly received by the housing and the second ends connected to the fluid line. The sight glass assembly is disposed within the housing in alignment with the apertures. The filter assembly is disposed between the housing and the first coupler. The check valve assembly is disposed between the housing and the second coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: A-1 Components Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen J. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6113151
    Abstract: A high pressure quick connector is disclosed for use in connecting brake lines of a vehicle, particularly to a brake junction for an anti-lock brake system. The connector includes a housing for receiving a tube retainer. The tube retainer has a lower cylindrical portion that is positively attached to enclose a flared end form to provide a fluid seal. Retaining means in the form of a snap ring works in conjunction with a pop top to provide a low force and a positive insertion indicator. The snap ring has ears that are compressed together and inserted up inside a slot in the pop top. Upon installation of the tube retainer and retaining means into a central bore of the housing, an end portion of the housing makes contact with the pop top so that the pop top slides up the tube. As the pop top slides up the tube, the snap ring ears are released from the pop top slot. The snap ring expands upon release into a final latching position with the housing and tube retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Beans
  • 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: 6089616
    Abstract: An indicator device for use with a detachable plug assembly includes a pair of spaced apart rings joined together by a pair of elongated connecting portions. The connecting portions extend in an axial direction between the rings. The connecting portions each have a outwardly curved bridging strip portion extending between a pair of flexible webs. The rings are mounted between the plug housing and the flange on the tubular insert member so that the bridging strips bulge outwardly to form a loop when the insert member is fully inserted into the plug to indicate that the insert member is properly locked within the plug. The indicator device may be connected either to the plug housing or to the insert member prior to assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Michael Trede, Jean-Martin Henlin
  • Patent number: 6082779
    Abstract: A releasable connector for connecting tubing such as used in fuel lines has a display member to indicate when positive locking has occurred. The display member member is attached to the outside of the housing of the connector. The display member has a strap supporting a cover portion. The cover portion has a pair of resilient flanges which are insertable into an opening in the housing of the connector. The flanges extend into a chamber to engage an annular ring of a conventional male tube end. The annular portion of the tube end displaces the flanges of the display member after passing through a locking member contained in the housing of the connector. In this way, the tamper indicator indicates that the tube end has been positively received in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Lesser, Michael Trede
  • Patent number: 6070912
    Abstract: A dual seal is provided for establishing fluid tight engagement between conduits subjected to both internal and external pressure. The dual seal comprises four seal portions disposed between an inner and an outer cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Reflange, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Latham
  • Patent number: 6062606
    Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a first member for supplying fluid, a second member for receiving the fluid supplied by said first member, and a securing device for securing the first member in fluid communication with the second member. The securing device includes a locking element movable between a first position at which the first and second members can be separated and a second position at which the first member is secured to the second member. An actuator is provided for moving the locking element between the first and second positions. The actuator includes a main body secured to the first member and an actuator arm movably connected to the main body for manipulating the locking element. A guiding surface is provided on the actuator body for guiding the locking element between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Delli Carpini, Donald Hambrick
  • Patent number: 6062607
    Abstract: A quick connector-male conduit assembly embodying both primary and secondary latching functions for use in a conduit coupling. The assembly incorporates a hand-releasable, self-centering snap ring-like retainer and a combination secondary latch and seating indicator bracket to form a male conduit assembly matable with a female receptacle. The female receptacle includes an engaging surface defined by either a radial ridge or at least a pair of outwardly extending studs. In its preferred embodiment, the bracket includes a body and a flange portion generally defined by two flanges extending outwardly from the bracket body. Each of the flanges includes an aperture for selectively engaging said engaging surface of the female receptacle. The retainer includes a pair of tabs for easy manipulation by hand or tools for removal. The quick connector assembly is on either a plastic or a metal male conduit, and can be as short as a threaded connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 6059318
    Abstract: This invention relates to a coupling system for connecting one or more fluid conduits wherein the system is adapted for lateral entry of one pipe or conduit to the other. The coupling system is also suited for making a connection in an environment which is relatively inaccessible to personnel and may be remotely operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Tom Edward Estep, Ronald P. Hoffman, James R. Hunter, Jean Joseph Muller, Germain Schilz, Carl E. Vorhees, James M. Wiggins, Jean Francois Woll
  • Patent number: 6056326
    Abstract: A tube coupling is provided with a coupling body having a throughway opened at one end to receive an end portion of a tube. The coupling body has an internal cam surface tapering towards its open end in which a collet is located for locking the tube in the coupling body by engagement with the tapered cam surface, and also has stop means to limit entry of the collet into the throughway. The coupling body includes a main body, the main body including the throughway to receive the end portion of the tube and including the stop means to limit insertion of the collet. The coupling body also includes a cap in screw-threaded engagement with the main body, the cap including the open end to the throughway and the tapered cam surface. First indexing means on the cap and second indexing means on the main body are moveable relative to one another and engage one another in first and second positions to provide resistance to movement through the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 6056327
    Abstract: A high pressure connector for engagement with a hydraulic conduit for use in high pressure conditions such as downhole in a wellbore. A housing for receiving a conduit end is attachable to a primary retainer. A primary seal and a second seal are positioned between the primary retainer and the housing to provide redundant sealing capabilities. A secondary retainer holds a third seal against the primary retainer. The third seal provides redundant sealing capability and further provides a secondary gripping connection along the conduit length. The secondary gripping connection provides greater tensile strength and reduces the impact of conduit vibration. A test apparatus can be adapted to test the primary seal and the second and third seals before the connector is installed downhole in the well or other high pressure environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Pes, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Bouldin, Napoleon Arizmendi
  • Patent number: 6050608
    Abstract: The fitting for the present invention comprises a fitting main body and a retaining ring, in which the fitting main body comprises an inner core having a plurality of large diameter portions form on the outer circumferetial surface and a flange and having a hole disposed to the circumferential surface of the retaining ring for attracting the retaining ring put over the top end of the plastic pipe to the flange; and the retaining ring, upon attracting operation applied thereto, moves the plastic pipe to the flange accompanying the retaining ring to insert the inner core relatively to the top end of the plastic pipe. The inner core diametrically enlarges the top end portion of the plastic pipe and compresses the top end portion in cooperation with the retaining ring. Therefore, the said fitting can simply and reliably connect the plastic pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Kagaku Sanshi Corporation
    Inventors: Noriaki Hattori, Akira Fujii, Kazuhiro Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: 6029505
    Abstract: A device for providing access to the interstitial region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe which coaxially define the region. The inner pipe has at least one terminal end extending from the outer pipe to leave a portion of the outer wall of the inner pipe exposed to thereby expose the interstitial region. A boot is provided for defining a chamber with a larger end snugly fitting the outer pipe and a small end snugly fitting on the exposed outer wall of the inner pipe. The boot has an access port communicating with the interior of the chamber to provide access to the interstitial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6026803
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a coupling for use in vent systems which is self-sealing. The coupling includes a gasket in a female part of the coupling that seals against an end of a male part. The female part also including a mechanical locking device that clamps onto a recess in the male part to prevent disconnection. The coupling prevents puddling of corrosive fluids in the coupling at points of metal-to-metal contact and, hence, prevents premature corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Protech Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Wawrla
  • Patent number: 6027144
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure medium plug-in connector, consisting of two connector parts, i.e. a housing part (2) and a plug part (4), wherein the plug part (4) with a plug shaft (6), via at least one peripheral seal (10) located in an annular groove (14) of the one connector part (4) and interacting with a peripheral sealing surface (18) of the other connector part (2), can be inserted in a sealed manner into a receiving opening (8) of the housing part (2) and can be secured against release by means of a locking arrangement (12). The locking arrangement (12) is constructed in such a way that a partially plugged, prelocked position and a completely plugged, fully locked position are ensured. In the prelocked position, a seal is present which is so incomplete that, if pressure is applied with a pressure medium, a clearly limited perceptible leak, particularly in the form of an audible leaking sound, occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Harald Hagen, Volker Kaminski, Manfred Berg
  • Patent number: 6027143
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a plug connection for pressure systems which consists of two coupling parts, namely a receptacle part (2) and a plug part (4). The plug part (4) can be inserted into a receptacle opening (8) of the receptacle part (2) with a plug shaft (6) such that it is circumferentially sealed and blocked from being separated by a locking device (12). The locking device (12) is realized in such a way that a partially plugged prelocking position (FIG. 1b) and an entirely plugged full locking position (FIG. 1a) are ensured. In the prelocking position, an incomplete seal is produced such that a signal, preferably an acoustically perceivable leakage noise, is generated if the plug connection is charged with pressure. A complete, pressure-tight seal is produced in the full locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH + Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Berg, Harald Hagen, Volker Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6010160
    Abstract: In its preferred embodiment, a quick connector (10) for connecting a male conduit (12) to a female receptacle (14) has a pair of waist segments (60 and 62), a body segment (56), and a pair of leg segments (68). Each of the leg segments (68) are defined by a pair of projecting elements (76) which are at least partially compressible toward one another thereby causing the pair of waist segments (60 and 62) to move toward one another. A confirmer ring (114) is provided on the pair of projecting elements (76). Confirmation that the quick connector (10) is properly locked in place is made when the confirmer ring (114) is fully seated within a portion of the opening (18) of female receptacle (14). An alternate embodiment provides for use of the confirmer ring (114) as an installing tool when connecting the male conduit (12) with the female receptacle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 6009611
    Abstract: A method of detecting thread wear for drill pipe and drill casing that are connectable end-to-end at threaded joint connections includes the providing of a pair of pipe joints to be joined coming each having end portions with threads that engage upon assembly. A projection is place on a first of the pipe joints near the joint end portion, the projection facing a second pipe joint during assembly of the pair of pipe joints. The joints are connected together and observed after assembly to determine weather or not the projection has become mechanically deformed or has scratched the surface of the opposing joint to thereby indicating worn condition of the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Oil & Gas Rental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Burt A. Adams, Christopher P. Bourgeois, Robert L. Hatcher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6010161
    Abstract: A plug connection for a pressure system comprising a receptacle part and a plug part, the plug part is inserted into the receptacle part and retained therein by a locking device which forms a prelocked, unsealed connection and a locked, sealed connection between the plug part and the receptacle part with a limit stop element which indicates when the locked, sealed connection has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Berg, Harald Hagen, Volker Kaminski
  • Patent number: 5992899
    Abstract: An adapter for attaching a fluid handling device to a catheter tubing includes a body with a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The body has a proximal end that has a fitting for attaching a fluid handling device. The distal end of the body includes an elongate receptacle with an inside surface that has least one engagement lug. There is an elongate resilient member disposed within the receptacle with a first end and a second end and a coaxial passage therethrough. The passage has an inside diameter to accept and form a releasable substantially fluid tight connection to a preselected catheter tube. The resilient member has a first conjugate engagement to the receptacle engagement lug at the first end and a second engagement at the second end. The adapter also has a latch member disposed over the receptacle to contain the resilient member that has a distal axial access port therein to receive the catheter tube into the resilient member passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Strowe
  • Patent number: 5984371
    Abstract: In the device, the male connection members (3) are carried by a plate (11) provided with a pair of identical downwardly-extending side prongs, each of the prongs being provided with a recess (101) having a forwardly-facing shaped edge, whereas the female members (4) are carried by an upwardly open housing (2) in which a locking shaft (5) is mounted to rotate and guided in rotation, the shaft being provided with two cam-forming portions (50), each of which is suitable for co-operating with the recessed shaped edge of a respective prong (10). Hydraulic connection, e.g. between a machine and a hydraulic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Souete d'etude et d'Innovation Dans le Materiel Agricole
    Inventor: Loic Mailleux
  • Patent number: 5974648
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to a method of connecting a piece of tubing to an outlet manifold of an oxygenator that prevents excessively high positive or negative pressure from forming in the oxygenator and helps to minimize the possibility of misidentifyig the outlet connector. The outlet connector is hollow and substantially cylindrically tubular in shape so that a hollow inner conduit is formed. The outlet connector is in fluid communication with the outlet manifold of an oxygenator through the inner conduit. In one embodiment, the outlet connector has an elongated hole extending through the tubular material of the outlet connector into the hollow inner conduit formed therein. The elongated hole is preferable large enough to be felt by the fingers of the person connecting tubing to the outlet connector. The elongated hole is preferably arrow shaped with the arrow pointing in the direction of fluid flow out of the outlet manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Gremel
  • Patent number: 5944358
    Abstract: In a tub and shower unit, a faucet body 30 facilitates the supply of hot water and cold water either to a tub or a shower head, depending on whether a diverter valve of the unit is set in a tub mode or a shower mode. A reversible ejector tee 82 or 138 is designed for assembly with a center body 84 of the faucet body 30 to insure that hot water and cold water, which is being supplied to the faucet body, will be directed to a spout of the tub when in a tub mode without any water leaking through the shower head. The tee 82 or 138 will facilitate the directing of the water to the shower head when the diverter valve is in a shower mode. The tee 82 or 138 can be reversed in its installed position within the center body 84 to accommodate different orientations of the faucet body 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Y. F. Ching, Authur C. Inocelda
  • Patent number: 5931509
    Abstract: The present invention relates to connector assemblies (10, 110, 210) including a secondary latching mechanism (48, 148, 220) which engages a second annular projections (26, 126, 226) provided on a tubular conduit (12, 112, 212). The latching mechanisms (48, 148, 220) extend outside of the female housing (14, 114, 214) which receives the conduit thus allowing for an inspection of the assembly to insure that a complete connection has been accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5924746
    Abstract: A rapid coupling, having a socket and a nipple which can be inserted into the socket. A locking device for the coupled position between the socket and nipple includes a radially outwardly protruding bead on the nipple. A cage mounted in the socket includes widenable holding fingers for gripping behind the bead on the nipple. The cage has an indicating device which includes radially outwardly displaceable, axially extending arms. The ends of those arms have a nose that can be seen and/or felt from the outside of the socket in the coupled position. A connection at the other end of the socket to a pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Trinova GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Fixemer
  • Patent number: 5921588
    Abstract: A push-in coupling for pipes contains a sleeve body (2) and a holding means, especially with a clamping body (6), for connecting a pipe end (3, 4) to the sleeve body (2). This push-in coupling permits proper handling with little effort during assembly, and insofar as possible prevents the danger of faulty assembly. A sliding body (50) is disposed within the sleeve body (2), the sliding body (50) being made independently of the holding means. The sliding body (50) contains a striker (52) which upon insertion of the pipe end (3, 4) is pushed over an edge (60), and upon reaching a given depth of insertion of the pipe end (3, 4) strikes against a surface (62) producing a detectable signal such as an acoustical signal and/or a vibration signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Friatec Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Vogel, Wolfgang Sichler, Reinhold Scholl
  • Patent number: 5901984
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for removably connecting a fluid line to an apparatus such as a mass flow controller and includes a flange member for connection to the apparatus so that it is cantilevered from the apparatus and provides a fluid connection with a bore opening that is vertically aligned. A yoke member is dimensioned to extend over the flange member and have a corresponding fluid conduit and bore that can be aligned vertically with the bore opening on the flange member. A seal member can be positioned between the yoke member and the flange member. A spacer member is mounted in the yoke member and a fastener member can be aligned vertically to exert a force on the flange member to apply a sealing pressure to the seal member while locking the yoke member to the flange member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Stec Inc.
    Inventor: Masami Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5897145
    Abstract: A connector includes a tube-shaped male member, a female member, an engagement member, and a checking member. The male member has a ring-shaped convexity. The female member has a substantially cylinder-shaped housing. The housing has a pair of widows having a peripheral end and a peripheral edge. The checking member has a letter C-shaped portion, and a pair of engagement convexities. The engagement convexities has a first engaging portion, a leading-end contacting portion, and an inclined second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages with the peripheral end of the windows of the housing so as to inhibit the checking member from coming off from the housing in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction before the male member is connected with the female member. The leading-end contacting portion is pressed by the ring-shaped convexity to move outwardly in a radial direction so as to diametrically enlarge the letter C-shaped portion when the fitting of the male member is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Kondo, Kazuhiro Kato, Tomohide Ito, Koyo Fujimori
  • Patent number: 5893590
    Abstract: A quick connector housing element includes an elongated barb design for coupling the female housing to a tubing member. The elongated barb design includes a generally cylindrical sealing surface proximate a terminal end of the female housing. The sealing surface of the elongated barb enhances sealing properties between the female housing and the tubing and provides other advantages especially in connection with the use of multilayer tubing. Further, an O-ring is disposed about the sealing surface to provide a better seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Klinger, Siegfried Kurt Baier
  • Patent number: 5884943
    Abstract: On a sleeve for a gardening tool, for example a quick coupling (12), surface parts of a flexible, soft and grip-promoting material (24) are provided in differing individual sections. These are applied in a two-component injection molding method and may also comprise special bump rims (27). By a differing color design and alternating exposure of the surface of the two composite materials of base body (17) and additional element (24) lettering, marking or configuring the surface may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Gardena Kress + Kastner GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Katzer, Wolfgang Lindermeir
  • Patent number: 5882049
    Abstract: A quick connect coupling for high pressure fluid includes a male fitting body connected on the end of an elongated tube. The male fitting body has an annular recess for receiving a retainer movable between a compressed position allowing longitudinal insertion of the male fitting body within a corresponding female aperture and a released position for retaining the male fitting body seated within the female aperture. A visual indication is provided to signal if the retainer is fully seated within a corresponding groove of the female aperture. A locking member maintains the retainer in the released position in response to seating the male fitting body within the corresponding female aperture. A biasing member urges the male fitting body in an opposite direction with respect to the longitudinal insertion direction within the corresponding female aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Beans
  • Patent number: 5879030
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for leak proof connection of the ends of two lengths of pipe or tubing. One end of a first pipe is coupled to a coupling box which is connected to or integrally formed on the end of a second pipe. The coupling box has threads for engaging a nut for securing the coupling. The coupling box has a bore for receiving the end of the first pipe. The end of the first pipe has an outer tapered surface for engaging an inner tapered surface of the coupling box to form a metal to metal seal between the first pipe and the coupling box. The bore also contains an engager for coupling the nut to the first pipe. The engager includes a split ring which has a longitudinal slot. The split ring has internal circumferential projections or gripping teeth which are aligned with external circumferential projections or gripping teeth on the end of the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Wyman-Gordon Company
    Inventors: Andrew Clayson, Robert G. Wilkie
  • Patent number: 5876069
    Abstract: To restrict a fitting length of an inserting side tubular member such as a corrugate tube into a receiving side tubular member having a flexible portion such as a rubber boot when the inserting and receiving side tubular members are connected. Projections 16 are formed on the inner surface of a fitting end portion 13. When a corrugate tube 20 is fitted into the fitting end portion 13, a leading end 20A thereof comes into contact with the projections 16, thereby restricting any further insertion of the corrugate tube 20. This prevents the entry of the corrugate tube 20 into the flexible portion 12. Accordingly, there is no likelihood that the smooth deformation of the flexible portion 12 is hindered by the entry of the corrugate tube 20 into the flexible portion 12. Further, since there is no need for a consideration as to an excessive insertion of the corrugate tube 20, the connection can easily be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5868435
    Abstract: A coupling for use with conduits (10) comprise a bi-conical fitting (20) which is inserted into the conduit end, a frusto-conical locking sleeve (22) which is located about the rearward end of the fitting (20) and compressed about the outer wall of the conduit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5863077
    Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking the male and female components of a quick connector. The retainer is releasably insertible into a transverse bore in the female component and is blocked from full insertion by a projection. An extension projects from the retainer and has an aperture sized to receive the tip end of the male component, but not a radial flange on the male component when the retainer is partially inserted into the female component. Forced insertion of the male component breaks off a ring portion of the extension thereby enabling the radial flange on the male component to fully move into the female component. The retainer can then be urged into the fully latched position locking the male and female components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Tim M. Dangel
  • Patent number: 5855397
    Abstract: An improved sealable connector has a geometry which effects reliable sealing upon assembly. The connector is useful, for example, for connecting a pressure sensor to a fuel pump accumulator in a fuel injection system. The connector includes a male member, a female member, and an annular seal disc which compressibly seats between the male and female members. The male member has a tip with a flat annulus at an innermost radius surrounding a fluid-delivery bore. A frustoconical section of the tip extends radially outwardly from the annulus, sloping away from the plane of the annulus at about 5.degree.-15.degree., for example. The female member has a cavity shaped to receive the male member, the cavity having a bottom defined by a flat annular seat surrounding another fluid-delivery bore. The seal disc is compressed between the flat seat of the female cavity and the planar/frustoconical tip of the male member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Black, Phil Oldham, Matthew Schneider
  • Patent number: 5855398
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a fuel or fluid line between a male part and a female part in which a laminar block axially locks the male part and the female part in connection with one another by being displaced about the male part in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting line. The assembly includes a unitary element made of a semi-rigid material and having a substantially semi-circular portion constituting an elastic clamp, projections extending from one side of the clamp, each including a portion facing inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis of the clamp and adapted to engage with the female part, a flap arranged at each end region of the clamp and having a small thickness, and an annular stop releasably coupled to the flaps and including radial blocking elements. The annular stop is adapted to be interposed between the male part and the female part and to be ruptured or separated from the flaps and thus the elastic clamp upon insertion of the male part fully into the female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Tampas Click Para Veiculos Industria E Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Antonio Carlos Reinholz
  • Patent number: 5829880
    Abstract: In a media conducting device which effects a temperature measurement of the medium is used a media conducting pipe 11 with a lateral exit on which is arranged a group of sensors. This component group includes a sensor housing with electric temperature sensor 40 with two contact pins 27, 28 projecting from the sensor housing. In order to develop an inexpensive, space-saving device it is proposed to provide the pipe 11 with a one-piece connecting piece 12. This results in a T-pipe combination 10. The moulded-on connecting piece 12 thus forms the essential part of the sensor housing, whilst the remainder of the sensor housing consists of a stopper 30. This stopper 30 is a constituent part of a plug unit 20 which serves merely as support for the contact pins 21, 22 and the temperature sensor 40 connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Diedrich
  • Patent number: 5831149
    Abstract: In a pipeline system having a plurality of pipe segments joining a fluid supply tank to a fluid dispenser, the invention includes a pipe coupling assembly for use on at least one terminal end of a fluid transfer pipe, where the transfer pipe has an inner tubular member for transferring fluid and an outer tubular member and an interstitial space therebetween. The coupling assembly comprises a transition coupling for attachment to the pipe segment to provide a first path for the fluid in the inner tubular member and a second path for the interstitial space. The coupling assembly further comprises a transition fitting for attachment to the transition coupling to provide separate paths for the transfer fluid and the interstitial space, where the interstitial space provides a means for performing leak detection or fitting integrity tests during application of either a vacuum condition or pressurized gas input via such selective access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 5829792
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement comprising male and female pipe coupling parts. The arrangement comprises a body which can be connected to the male part, with two elongate elements which are connected by a ring acting as a radial spring and which define between themselves a slit aperture, which is covered by a strip of non-transparent, flexible material which comprises a transparent window or a through hole. One end of the body is formed with a radially projecting flange, which is adapted to engage behind a radially inwardly directed flange on the female part, defining a locking position. There is an indicator member which is axially displaceable within the body and adapted such that it moved by the female part against the effect of a spring member. In the locking position, a symbol on the indicator member, which symbol indicates this locking position, is visible in the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hycop AB
    Inventor: Olle Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 5823579
    Abstract: A pipe coupling device for holding a metal pipe having a selected diameter within a range of a nominal diameter plus or minus a specified tolerance is also useful for easily determining if any pipe is within specifications. A split metal ring having a diameter equal to the nominal diameter for the metal pipe and a transverse split having a width equal to the specified tolerance is placed around the pipe. A nut having a tapered cylindrical bore having diameter such that the diameter plus twice the thickness of the split metal ring equals the nominal diameter of the metal pipe plus the specified tolerance is fitted over the split metal ring. If the pipe is undersized it will slip through the split metal ring. If the pipe is oversized the nut will not fit completely over the metal ring surrounding the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Tube-Mac Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary Mackay
  • Patent number: 5819326
    Abstract: In connecting a flushing port (2) of a toilet stool (1) which is formed so as to face the floor surface to which the toilet stool (1) is installed to a drainpipe (3) of the building, the connection is made by means of a flushing-side connecting pipe (6) which connects to the flushing port (2), a drain-side connecting pipe (7) which connects to the drainpipe (3), and a linking pipe (8) which makes connection between the above-noted two pipes. In making the pipe connections, the linking pipe (8) is cut off in accordance with the distance between the flushing port (2) and the drainpipe (3) or pipe insertion overlap can be used to adjust the length of the linking pipe (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kobayashi, Makoto Watanabe, Hiroshi Okada, Hiroshi Tanaka, Toshiaki Kayahara, Katsuyuki Suehiro, Masaya Soh, Hideshi Yamamoto, Kenichi Ogata
  • Patent number: 5810396
    Abstract: An abstract pattern plate-making system removes an undesired pattern from an endless pattern in the process for making a plate for printing abstract patterns on architectural materials. For this purpose, it has a scramble processing part 10 and a pixel copy processing part 11.The scramble processing part 10 divides endless pattern data into blocks and repeats processing in which pattern data in two blocks selected at random from among the divided blocks are combined together by a composition technique using mask data having a predetermined pattern, thereby removing an undesired pattern. The mask pattern size may be either smaller or larger than the block size. The mask pattern may be a multi-valued pattern. Further, when the endless pattern is divided into blocks, the blocks may be allotted so as to be a little offset from the endless pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Kurata, Toshio Modegi, Hideki Murota, Eisuke Arai