Adjustable Angle Patents (Class 285/184)
  • Patent number: 11413691
    Abstract: A levelling apparatus for use in gang saws comprises first and second wedge portions. The first wedge portion comprises upper and lower surfaces, wherein the lower surface is nonparallel to the upper surface. The first wedge portion further comprises a plurality of openings for accepting mounting fasteners. The openings are arranged in a spaced, circular pattern about a centre of the first wedge portion. The second wedge portion also comprises upper and lower surfaces, wherein the upper surface is nonparallel to the lower surface. The second wedge portion further also comprises a plurality of openings for accepting the mounting fasteners. The second wedge openings correspond to the first wedge openings. Rotation of the first wedge portion with respect to the second wedge portion varies an angle between the first wedge upper surface and the second wedge lower surface, thereby allowing for angular adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Precision Guide Machinery and Repair Limited
    Inventors: Nalynd Vogt, Carrick Bergen
  • Patent number: 11208318
    Abstract: A tank collar has an adjustable mounting surface for a containment sump, such that the containment sump may be adjusted on the tank collar to be substantially plumb, even if the tank collar itself is not plumb. In particular, the containment sump wall is angularly adjustable with respect to the tank collar, which is fixed to an underground storage tank (UST). This angular adjustability facilitates a method of installation in which imperfect angular orientation of the tank collar and UST may be compensated for by angular adjustment of the containment sump wall. During and after such angular adjustment, a consistent seal between the containment sump wall and the tank collar is maintained, such as in the form of a continuous line of contact around the circumference of the interface between the tank collar and the containment sump wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Christopherson, James Matthew Novak, Bill Nelson
  • Patent number: 11172665
    Abstract: A rotatable flush mounted fishing rod holder including a rod holding tube with an annular flange extending radially from an upper end thereof, and an annular cover member to attach relative to a surface over the annular flange to hold the rod holding tube to the surface but allow rotation of the rod holding tube relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Evolution International Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: James Arthur McQuade
  • Patent number: 11149884
    Abstract: An eccentric universal joint mechanism, even when there is a lateral displacement between a first pipe and a second pipe, can absorb the displacement and connect the first pipe and the second pipe. The eccentric universal joint mechanism includes: a first sleeve; a second sleeve; and an eccentric universal joint connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The eccentric universal joint includes a first eccentric pipe, and a second eccentric pipe rotatably joined to the first eccentric pipe. A displacement between the center line of the first eccentric pipe and the center line of the second eccentric pipe is determined by the rotational position of the second eccentric pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: THE VICTAULIC COMPANY OF JAPAN LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuji Noda, Yoshikuni Itou, Isamu Funakoshi, Masahiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 11022244
    Abstract: A lockable friction joint includes a first joint member with a first arm member and a second joint member with a second arm member, the first and second joint members each having an inner friction surface and pivotal connecting projections. A friction adjustment device includes an adjustment element on an outer surface of the second joint member, and a fixating element on an outer surface of the first joint member. A plurality of friction discs are adjacent each other and between the inner friction surfaces of the first and second joint members, whereby friction between the friction discs is adjusted by the adjustment element. Each friction disc has at least one friction surface acting on an adjacent friction surface of another element of the friction joint and each friction disc is pivotally coupled to at least one other element of the friction joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: FUMEX AB
    Inventor: Gustav Stenberg
  • Patent number: 10570778
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a coupling system of a turbocharger and emissions control device of a vehicle. In one example, the coupling system may include a chamfer on one or more of the flanges of a turbine housing and a catalyst housing to decrease a distance therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Jakobcic, Sami Siddiqui, Rodolfo Palma, Sr., Bhageerath Bogi, Xiankai Song
  • Patent number: 10480195
    Abstract: A connecting assembly for connecting two angled tubular structures, comprising: a male section comprising a curved tubular element extending between a first beveled end and a second beveled end, a connecting flange extending linearly and outwardly from the first beveled end and comprising a connection lip extending radially and outwardly therefrom, the second beveled end being rotatably connectable to a first angled tubular structure; and a connector rotatably connectable to the connecting flange of the male section and comprising a linear tubular element between a first connecting end and a second connecting end and a connection means secured to the first connecting end of the linear tubular element and connectable to a second angled tubular structure, the linear tubular element comprising a lip receiving recess located on an internal face thereof and adapted to receive the connecting lip when the male section is inserted into the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: 9220-6820 QUEBEC INC.
    Inventor: William Kell Warshaw
  • Patent number: 10449727
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and structure for connecting first (110) and second (120) plastic pipes to each other. The structure includes: an arch-shaped heating element (130) which is made of conductive plastic material and has an arch cross-sectional shape to cover the connection hole (111), with an opening (131) formed in a central portion of the arch-shaped heating element (130); an electricity supply assembly including a plurality of unit electricity supplies disposed around the opening (131) in different directions, each of the unit electricity supplies including a pair of electric connection terminals (140) disposed parallel to each other in the arch-shaped heating element (130) on opposite sides of the opening (131); and the second plastic pipe (120) provided on the end thereof with a cover (121) covering at least an outer surface of the arch-shaped heating element (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Piping Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: You Shik Kwak
  • Patent number: 10286231
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating tissue necrosis include an energy delivery apparatus that can be positioned adjacent a target treatment site such as a vessel without direct contact with the treatment site tissue. Collimated energy is then directed to the vessel to create necrotic regions in the tissue. Exemplary use in renal vessels creates necrotic regions in adjacent nerves which can alleviate hypertension in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: VytronUS, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pederson, Patrick J. Phillips, John P. Madden, Michael J. Horzewski
  • Patent number: 10098653
    Abstract: A dermabrasion device includes an ergonomically contoured handle divided into at least two articulating sections separated by an annular cam ring, wherein each of the at least two articulating sections are coupled to one another and rotatable around a longitudinal axis of a longer one of the at least two articulating sections, whereby a distal end of the handle is displaced from the longitudinal axis. The device further includes an air pump disposed in at least one of the at least two articulating sections configured to draw air through the distal end of the handle, and a mount positioned at the distal end configured for mounting a dermabrasion tip around a channel leading to an inlet of the air pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: PRESSER DIRECT, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Presser, Daniel S. C. Kwok
  • Patent number: 9816797
    Abstract: A modular angular alignment clocking mechanism employs a hollow housing, a threaded interface ring, and a compression spring. The threaded interface ring is inserted into the housing and is followed by the compression spring. The housing is configured to thread onto one cylinder. Another cylinder is then threaded into the threaded interface ring and torqued to specification after clocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald L. Burnett, Aaron D. Joy, Matthew C. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 9796433
    Abstract: A spare tire carrier for vehicles which includes a support arm for mounting a spare tire thereon and a cooperating tubular assembly coupled to a fixed end of the support arm for mounting the support arm to a vehicle. The cooperating tubular assembly includes upper and lower opposed guide plates which provide for relative rotational movement there between to simultaneously effect pivotal movement of the support arm with respect to the cooperative tubular assembly while effecting rotational movement of the support arm about its central axis. The spare tire carrier can be mounted to the underside of trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and other motorized and non-motorized and towed vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Lambright
  • Patent number: 9732890
    Abstract: An articulated conduit device may include at least two arms pivotally connected at proximal ends of the arms by a joint, a tiltable adapter at a distal end of each of the arms, capable of tilting up to a predetermined angle, and a locking mechanism operable by a single action to concurrently lock or unlock the arms and adapters in a user-defined orientation and direction. A continuous cavity is defined within the device between external openings in the adapters and through the arms and joint so as to allow fluid to flow between the external openings of the adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Noga Engineering & Technology (2008) Ltd.
    Inventor: Eitan Yehud
  • Patent number: 9534371
    Abstract: The present invention is a framing system for resolving vertical and horizontal movements in light gage, cold formed, steel stud framing. It utilizes at least one corner hinge and a plurality of pivoting stud clips (one for each stud) that accommodate for the deflection of a building as it encounters environmental changes. Additional hinges may be placed axially, along the wall and at the top and bottom of the corner for increased flexibility. Two embodiments of stud pivot clips, one utilizing direct attachment and arcuate slots, the other utilizing a pivotable connection plate, are disclosed; as are two hinge embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Steven G. Judd
  • Patent number: 9261285
    Abstract: An air conditioner has: a casing 20 having an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22; a heater 53 disposed in the casing 20 and heating air having flowed through the air inlet 21 into the casing 20; holders 54 and 55 holding the heater 53 and fitted to the casing 20; and a spacer 59 in contact with the heater 53 and disposed between the holders 54 and 55 and the heater 53. At least one of the heat-resistance and the flame-retardance of the spacer 59 is higher than that of the holders 54 and 55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Michio Setsu, Takanori Oka, Hirokazu Uemae, Keisuke Uchida
  • Patent number: 9261286
    Abstract: An adjustable dryer vent transition device. The device provides an adjustable dryer vent adapter with an elongated first duct and an elongated second duct which are rotatably adjustable with respect each to the other. An external inlet is provided at the elongated first duct for receiving hot most air from a clothes dryer. An external exit is provided from the elongated second duct for discharge of hot moist air from a clothes dryer. The adjustable dryer vent adapter provides a three hundred sixty (360) degree freedom of movement for placement of the external inlet and the external outlet along centerlines that may be coincident, or spaced maximally apart according to the distances afforded by the length of elongated first duct and elongated second duct, and at any rotational angle with respect to an outlet stub from a clothes dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Gene Seeley
  • Publication number: 20150108751
    Abstract: A pressure washer coupler is provided between the wand and spray nozzle of the pressure washer so that the angle of the spray can be selectively set. The coupler includes male and female quick connectors for the wand and the spray nozzle. A spring biased detent assembly allows one end of the coupler to be rotated 360° relative to the other end of the coupler, with the detent assembly maintaining the ends in a selected position. Thus, the spray can be directed parallel or perpendicular to the wand axis, and to numerous orientations therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Gene Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150102129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting assembly for a rocket nozzle for an engine that may be operable in rocket mode, in which the engine combusts stored oxygen and hydrogen, or in air-breathing mode, in which the engine combusts air from the atmosphere and stored hydrogen. A plurality of ducts and pipes are connected to the nozzle to supply fuel and other fluids. As it is desirable to allow the nozzle to pivot, the mounting assembly may include flexible couplings on the ducts and pipes about selected pivot points allowing the desired freedom of motion. The flexible couplings are designed to withstand various pressure forces in the rocket/aircraft flight environment, and may be composed of spaced annular elements, wherein a partial toroid element connects consecutive pairs of annular elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Alan Bond, Richard Varvill
  • Publication number: 20150021837
    Abstract: The sealed connection system between a tuyere of a shaft furnace, such as a steelmaking blast furnace, and an air blast pipe, in which a tip of the blast pipe is pressed towards a rear end of the tuyere, being centred thereon while still retaining freedom of pivoting movement relative thereto, including an added annular blast pipe seat, placed between the tip of the blast pipe and tuyere and immobile relative to the tuyere, the blast pipe tip resting against a rear face of the seat and an immobile gasket being placed between the seat and the tuyere such that the seat rests in sealed manner against a rear face of the tuyere, and a sleeve arranged around the contact zone between the blast pipe tip and the seat, is connected in sealed manner to the seat and to the blast pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Tockert, Emile Lonardi, Benoît Jung
  • Patent number: 8893749
    Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to fictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Perry
  • Patent number: 8888144
    Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting misaligned pipe sections, where two sets of variably spaced bearings enable the transfer of evenly distributed pressure from a collar member to a coupling member. One embodiment comprises a misalignment coupling that includes first and second coupling members, a collar, and two sets of bearings. The collar is positioned around the second coupling member and has a flange for coupling to a flange of the first coupling member. The bearings are positioned in an annular space between the second coupling member and the collar. The two sets of bearings have variable spacing and are interleaved, with one set contacting the collar and one set contacting the second coupling member. When the flanges are secured to each other, contact pressure is transferred from the collar through the bearings to the second coupling member, thereby applying contact pressure between the first and second coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Taper-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan D. Cook
  • Publication number: 20140319821
    Abstract: A flexible pipe fitting for joining a first length of pipe to a second length of pipe at an arbitrary angle is provided. The apparatus includes a primary fitting having a substantially circular opening at a first end thereof for receiving an end of a first length of pipe, and an enlarged opening at a second end thereof for receiving a first flexible coupling member. The first flexible coupling member includes an outer wall having an outer surface engaging an inner surface of the enlarged opening, and an inner wall having a lower end connected to a lower end of the outer wall. The inner wall further includes a substantially circular opening therein for receiving a second, rigid member. The inner surface of the second, rigid member is configured to receive an end of the second length of pipe. The enlarged opening in the primary fitting is preferably fish-mouth shaped, or alternatively, cone shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: CUTTING EDGE FITTINGS AND MORE, LLC
    Inventors: DENNIS R. TODD, DANIEL R. TODD, EVAN M. YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20140284920
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining a first length of pipe to a second length of pipe at an arbitrary angle is provided. The apparatus includes a fitting having a substantially circular opening at a first end thereof for receiving an end of a first length of pipe, and a fish-mouth shaped opening at a second end thereof for receiving an end of a second length of pipe. One or more wedges are provided for insertion into a gap between the fitting and the second length of pipe. The one or more wedges may be inserted at either an elongated end or a straight end of the fish-mouth shaped opening, or both. Adhesive, such as PVC cement may be used to bond the various fittings, wedges and length of pipe together to form a sealed joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: CREATIVE FITTINGS & MORE , LLC
    Inventors: DANIEL R. TODD, DENNIS R. TODD, EVAN M. YOUNG
  • Patent number: 8814221
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a pivoting pole assembly including a first component comprising an outside face adapted for connection with a support element, and a first inside face, and defining a first central wiring passage; and a second component defining a second central wiring passage, and comprising an outside face adapted for connection with the base end of the elongate object and an inside face rotationally coupled to the first inside face. The first central passage and the second central passage are fluidly connected and share a common axis of rotation, and the first component rotates with respect to the second component about a common axis of rotation. The apparatus also includes an annular locking mechanism including arcuate channels a radial distance from the axis; and protrusions extending into the channels such that upon respective rotation of components the protrusions travel along the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Swivelpole Patent Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew J Grant
  • Publication number: 20140015246
    Abstract: A joint for an articulating faucet includes a first housing, a second housing, and a clutch assembly. The first housing defines a first inner cavity and the second housing defines a second inner cavity. The second housing is coupled to the first housing such that fluid may flow from the first inner cavity to the second inner cavity. The clutch assembly is coupled to at least one of the first housing and the second housing and is configured to apply a resistive torque that inhibits movement of the first and second housings relative to each other. The clutch assembly includes a clutch pin, an interface member, and an end cap. The end cap is coupled to a first end of the clutch pin and the interface member. Movement of the end cap varies the magnitude of the resistive torque applied by the clutch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Perry D. Erickson, Steven T. Radder, Christopher M. Shay
  • Publication number: 20130341911
    Abstract: An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Andy Ali Jaffari
  • Publication number: 20130328302
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a pivoting pole assembly including a first component comprising an outside face adapted for connection with a support element, and a first inside face, and defining a first central wiring passage; and a second component defining a second central wiring passage, and comprising an outside face adapted for connection with the base end of the elongate object and an inside face rotationally coupled to the first inside face. The first central passage and the second central passage are fluidly connected and share a common axis of rotation, and the first component rotates with respect to the second component about a common axis of rotation. The apparatus also includes an annular locking mechanism including arcuate channels a radial distance from the axis; and protrusions extending into the channels such that upon respective rotation of components the protrusions travel along the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew J. GRANT
  • Publication number: 20130147186
    Abstract: The present application is directed generally to a showerhead attachment mechanism for connecting a showerhead structure to a water supply pipe. The showerhead attachment mechanism includes a pivot ball defining a partially threaded central aperture and configured to directly attach to a water supply pipe. The attachment mechanism also includes a receiving structure having a fluid outlet and defining a cavity that mates with and pivots on a first portion of the pivot ball and an attachment nut that mates with a second portion of the pivot ball. Further, the attachment mechanism includes a housing connected to the attachment nut and enclosing the receiving structure and fluidly connected therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: WATER PIK, INC.
    Inventor: WATER PIK, INC.
  • Patent number: 8439084
    Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to frictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Perry
  • Patent number: 8424922
    Abstract: A flexible bellows used in a pipe coupling includes composite convolutions having integral extensions forming one or both of an outer shield or inner liner to enhance performance of the coupling. Embodiments incorporate asymmetric convolution forming discs providing for static angled couplings to accommodate offset or misaligned pipe system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: American BOA, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Chahine, Gerhard Lein, Rolf Janssen
  • Publication number: 20130049357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel device, in particular designed to connect two pipes or hoses rotating relative to one another, wherein the device (10) includes a first centre part (20) provided with a hole and comprising a fastening portion (22) for the attachment of a first pipe, the device (10) includes a second centre part (30) provided with a hole and comprising a fastening portion (32) for the attachment of a second pipe, the first centre part (20) and the second centre part (30) being rotatable relative to one another. The centre parts (20, 30) are held together by means of an outer sleeve (150) anchored at one end to the second centre part (30) and at its other end arranged in a rotationally slidable manner relative to the first centre part (20). A first axial sliding bearing (140) is arranged between the outer sleeve (150) and the first centre part (20) and a second axial sliding bearing (190) is arranged between the first centre part (20) and the second centre part (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Joakim Harr, Olof Fridolfsson, Niclas Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8381667
    Abstract: An adjustable fuel nozzle assembly [1000] for spraying fuel into a recovery boiler [13] includes at least two fuel nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300]. An adjustment section [1500] adapted to adjust the relative orientation between the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300] and hold them at the desired orientation relative to each other to create a desired spray pattern. The adjustment section [1500] also adapted to simultaneously aim several fuel nozzles at a target location, retaining their relative orientation between the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300]. This allows the nozzle assemblies [1100, 1300] to spray fuel with a desired spray pattern to a desired location to properly control combustion of the recovery boiler [13], thereby increasing stability of combustion minimizing the creation of pollutants such as NOx gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Steven R. Gibowski
  • Patent number: 8360109
    Abstract: An adjustable bent housing includes an outer tubular member having an interior surface defining an interior bore. The outer tubular member has a first angular offset. An inner tubular member is provided and has an exterior surface. The inner tubular member has a second angular offset. The inner tubular member has at least one engagement end received within the interior bore of the outer tubular member. A desired cumulative angular offset is selected by relative rotation of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member to adjust the positioning of the first angular offset relative to the second angular offset. A rotational stop is provided that limits relative rotation of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member to a limited rotational range. A locking sleeve locks the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member in a selected rotational position to fix the cumulative angular offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Orren S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120086199
    Abstract: An improved shower arm having an elbow portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a shower head and an arm portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a water supply. The arm portion is pivotably coupled with the elbow portion about a long axis of the elbow portion, with the long axis of the elbow portion and a long axis of the arm portion forming an angle. Also, the shower arm includes a locking mechanism having one or more sets of splines to securely lock the relative position of the arm and elbow portions. The splines may be coupled and decoupled by a variety of mechanisms, including: hydraulic pressure generated by a restrictor plate; a spring forcing the sets of splines together; and a pair of magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Damian Macan, Harold A. Luettgen
  • Patent number: 8128127
    Abstract: A piping elbow capable of facilitating a fluid flow direction change in a smaller space than conventional piping elbows, without causing the larger pressure losses found when using conventional elbows in the equivalent space. Piping elbows of the present invention comprise a substantially-cylindrical body having a first end, a second end, and a substantially-constant inside diameter; a tangential inlet attached to the body near the first end of the body and having an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the body; and a tangential outlet attached to the body near the second end of the body and having an inside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the body. Fluid flows linearly through the tangential inlet and enters the body. Inside the body, linear motion of the fluid is converted into a rotational or spiral motion. The fluid in the body continues its spiral motion as it also moves axially through the body toward the tangential outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Harry Eugene Flynn, Robert O. Martin, Charles A. Natalie
  • Patent number: 8056932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a corner accessory for placing at the junction between at least two ducts that extend in different directions, the accessory comprising two distinct flaps, one of which includes a projecting element and the other of which includes a circular opening receiving said projecting element to allow said flaps to pivot about a pivot axis, the circular edge of said opening opening out locally to a straight slot that extends radially relative to the circular edge of said opening and that opens out into a free edge of said flap. According to the invention, said projecting element is a cylindrical wall presenting firstly an outside diameter equal, ignoring clearance, to the inside diameter of said circular opening so that during pivoting of one flap relative to the other, the outside face of said cylindrical wall slides over the edge face of the circular edge of said opening, and presenting secondly a height that varies around its circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Legrand France
    Inventor: Thierry Wents
  • Patent number: 8047236
    Abstract: A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to frictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Perry
  • Patent number: 8042622
    Abstract: An electric power tool having a housing, a motor, a jack for receiving a connection plug of an electric cable, and a swivel unit mounted on the housing and carrying the jack, wherein the swivel unit includes a first head mounted on the housing for rotation about a first axis, and a second head mounted on the first head for rotation about a second axis. The first and second axes form an angle between them, and provide for freedom of rotation of the jack, thereby providing for positioning of the jack and routing of a connected cable in desired directions relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: Kjell Thomas Martin Eriksson, Gunnar Christer Hansson, Erik Vilhelm Persson
  • Publication number: 20110140411
    Abstract: An adjustable bent housing includes a tubular member with a first engagement means and an adjustment ring with a second engagement means. The first engagement means has a plurality of sockets in a first region of the annular end face of the tubular member, and a plurality of locking pins projecting from a second region of the end face. The second engagement means has a plurality of sockets in an annular end face of the adjustment ring, configured to receive the locking pins. The second engagement means further includes an indexing pin projecting from the adjustment ring end face, and receivable within any socket of the first engagement means when the locking pins are disposed within corresponding sockets of the second engagement means. The adjustment ring is longitudinally movable relative to the tubular member to permit relative rotational adjustment therebetween and configured to prevent over-rotation of the adjustment ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventor: Nicholas Ryan Marchand
  • Patent number: 7955027
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for converting channels manufactured for connection together to produce a straight conduit into channels that may be connected together to produce an effectively curved conduit. A link is described that permits the connection between two channels to be connected with an axial offset, which cumulatively allows a plurality of channels to produce a curved conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: National Diversified Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Nourian, Chris Moralez, Louis Teran
  • Patent number: 7909636
    Abstract: An adjustable connector for an electrical cable formed from a body, a hub and a coupling nut. The body has a flanged end with a scalloped edge and a face that is angularly disposed to the longitudinal axis and a cable connecting end. The hub includes an end with a mating surface that has a dovetail extending around about one half of the outer perimeter and the mating surface is angularly disposed to the central axis. The coupling nut has first and second ends and an opening extending therebetween with internal threads. The dovetail on the mating surface of the hub is adapted to receive the flanged end of the body and the coupling nut is threaded onto the hub to secure the flanged end in the dovetail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Brodeur
  • Patent number: 7905746
    Abstract: An adjustable connector for armored that includes a body, a hub, a clamp and a coupling nut. The body has a flanged end that is angularly disposed to the longitudinal axis and the hub has a mating flange that is angularly disposed to the central axis. The mating flange has a dovetail for receiving the flanged end and joining the body and hub together. The clamp is placed over the flanged end and mating flange and secured in place by tightening the coupling nut on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Brodeur
  • Patent number: 7789432
    Abstract: A coupling that can be easily and repeatedly rotationally adjusted after assembly and/or installation. The coupling can comprise a male part insertable into a female part to a first position whereat the male part is rotationally locked with respect to the female part. Upon further insertion of the male part into the female part to a second position, the male part is rotationally unlocked from the female part and the male part then can be rotated relative to the female part. Once rotational adjustment is complete, the male part can be returned to the locked position to rotationally lock the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dohm, Gregory Kreczko, Ronald A. Moner
  • Publication number: 20100171303
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the interconnection of conduits and pipelines carrying liquids or gasses. The invention provides a low-cost multi-angle adjustable joint and a coupling suitable for round-section piping, tubing, air ducts or drainage. Each extremity of the coupling is arranged for connection to an adjacent pipe, filter, pump or other fluid flow item. The invention provides a multi-angle adjustable joint for two section pipes, tubes or ducts, comprising; a first round pipe provided with a first round inner flange disposed at an angle relative to the pipe axis: A second round pipe provided with a second round inner flange disposed at an angle relative to the second pipe axis, the second inner flange being sized to match the first inner flange, and when the two flanges are oriented face-to-face the pipes can be steplessly rotated relative to each other to a position wherein the largest total angle between the axes of the two pipes is at least 30° and is the sum of the two angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: KRAUSZ ELIEZER
    Inventors: Eliezer Krausz, Avi Chiproot
  • Patent number: 7744371
    Abstract: A HVE tip that includes two tubular members, each of which is formed with a straight portion and a connecting portion, and one of the connecting portions is telescopically received within the other connecting portions so that the two tubular members can be rotated relative to one another between a plurality of configurations, including a straight configuration in which the axes of the two straight portions of the two tubular members extend generally parallel to one another and in the same plane, and a right angle configuration at which these axes extend generally perpendicular to one another in the same plane. An indexing connection is provided between the two connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Practicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Griffin, Jonathan Mang
  • Patent number: 7699355
    Abstract: This variable-angle tubular connection includes a first tubular section (4) which has a flange ring (10), a second tubular section (6) which has an end flange (12) and a clamping device (8) for clamping the flange ring (10) against the end flange (12). The clamping device (8) has at least one linking segment (22), suitable for being applied against the flange ring (10), and components (24) for clamping the linking segment (22) against the flange ring. The end flange (12) has traversing recesses (20) through which the clamping components extend. The end flange is fixed to the second tubular section (6). Application to the sealed junction of tubing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Vitel, Daniel Grojean, Philippe Renard
  • Patent number: 7673780
    Abstract: An articulation joint for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint provide structures for increasing the moment arm between the actuator and the pivot point between the proximal and distal tube segments interconnecting a handle assembly of the surgical instrument to a surgical implement such as an end effector of an endocutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Shelton, IV, Jeffrey S. Swayze
  • Patent number: 7661488
    Abstract: A device for drilling controlled directional wells comprises a central hollow element and three hollow tubular elements connected thereto out-of-line with respect to each other. The first hollow tubular element connected by a thread to the spindle and the central hollow element, are each provided with a contact segmental section, thereby forming a pair of contact segmental sections. The sections are disposed on the opposite sides with respect to the meridian plane of the spindle in the bending plane of the drill string and at a distance L between the nearest edges of the contact segmental sections along the central axis of the first element. L?D, where D is the spindle outer diameter. The contact segmental section of the first element is deviated from the meridian plane of the spindle in the bending plane of the drilling string in an opposite direction with respect to the reaction torque of a drilling bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Obschestvo S Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu'Tirma “Radius-Servis”
    Inventors: Vladimir Nikolaevich Andoskin, Konstantin Anatolievich Kobelev, Vladimir Ivanovich Timofeev
  • Publication number: 20090190356
    Abstract: A lighting fixture stanchion arm generally includes a housing, a guard lever supported in the housing, a switch mechanism supported in the housing and a locking pin. The housing has an entry for receiving a radial finger of a fixture head and an aperture for receiving the locking pin. The guard lever is movable from a home position to an away position by the radial finger of the fixture head upon rotation of the fixture head with respect to the housing, wherein the guard lever blocks the locking pin aperture of the housing when in the home position. The locking pin is insertable in the locking pin aperture of the housing for actuating the switch mechanism when the lever guard is moved to the away position by the radial finger of the fixture head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Rick W. Kauffman
  • Patent number: RE43080
    Abstract: A spherical flange assembly is disclosed. The spherical flange assembly comprises a seat member, a heel member, a seal gland and at least one nut and bold assembly. The seat member includes a concave portion. The heel member includes a convex portion and a seal gland opening. The seal gland is disposed within the seal gland opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Maynard Stangeland, Ronald Urquidi