Patent US4991882A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4991882A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid-tight connector
Assignee: Uhde Inventa Fischer AG
•
Filing: 1989-03-24
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Granted: 1991-02-12
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Expires: 2009-03-24
Abstract
Abstract A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith. The female member is hollow and has an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to its axis. There is a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within the annulus and the nozzle has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annulus, thus defining a space therebetween. A hollow portion extends away from the male member and is being substantially coaxial with the nozzle. The male member is generally cylindrical and hollow. It is provided with a collar having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annulus and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the nozzle, whereby the collar occupies the space. The male and female members, when connected, form a passage for flow of fluids therethrough.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz U. Gahwiler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:07
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L37/00; F16L37/08; F16L37/084; F16L37/098; F16L37/50; F16L37/53; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S285/00; Y10S285/921
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 95
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said annulus being supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said strut being connected at said intersection through a disc located in a plane substantially perpendicular to said female axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said annulus being supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said strut being connected at said intersection through a disc located in a plane substantially perpendicular to said female axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connector of claim 1 comprising at least one circumferential groove in said nozzle and a sealing ring in said groove, said ring also contacting an inside surface of said male member whereby a seal is effected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 2 wherein said sealing ring is a press ring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 2 wherein there are two circumferential grooves in said nozzle and a sealing ring in each said groove.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector of claim 4 wherein the groove and sealing ring nearer said male member have a smaller diameter than the groove and sealing ring remote from said male member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein there are two said struts spaced substantially diametrically opposite each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said female member carries at least one detent and said male member comprises a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector of claim 7 wherein said detents comprise ramps extending in said first direction and radially inward to said stop and said flange comprises a slope extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction and radially outward to said face.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connector of claim 7 wherein said annulus is elliptical and said detents are on a minor axis of said annulus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 7 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said detent is on a radially inward surface of said female member and said flange is on a radially outward surface of said male member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
10 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said annulus is elliptical.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said female member comprises a bushing and a central part, said bushing comprising said annulus and said struts, and a cylinder extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction from a base of said bushing remote from said male member, said central part comprising said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector of claim 14 wherein said cylinder has an outer surface which is adapted to exert radially inward pressure on a conduit into which said portion projects.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
The connector of claim 14 wherein said female member carries at least one detent on its radially inward surface, and said male member comprises a flange on its outer surface, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said portion is at an angle to said nozzle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector of claim 1 wherein said male member or said female member or both said male member and female member are at least partly composed of a flexible polymer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 18 wherein said polymer is a polyamide, a polyacetal, or a blend thereof.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
277 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said annulus being supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said female member carrying at least one detent and said male member comprising a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together, said detents comprising ramps extending in said first direction and radially inward to said stop and said flange comprising a slope extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction and radially outward to said face.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
277 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said annulus being supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said female member carrying at least one detent and said male member comprising a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together, said detents comprising ramps extending in said first direction and radially inward to said stop and said flange comprising a slope extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction and radially outward to said face.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connector of claim 20 comprising at least one circumferential groove in said nozzle and a sealing ring in said groove, said ring also contacting an inside surface of said male member whereby a seal is effected.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 21 wherein said sealing ring is a press ring.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 21 wherein there are two circumferential grooves in said nozzle and a sealing ring in each said groove.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector of claim 23 wherein the groove and sealing ring nearer said male member have a smaller diameter than the groove and sealing ring remote from said male member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein there are two said struts spaced substantially diametrically opposite each other.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein said detent is on a radially inward surface of said female member and said flange is on a radially outward surface of said male member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
10 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein said annulus is elliptical.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein said annulus is elliptical and said detents are on a minor axis of said annulus.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
57 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein said female member comprises a bushing and a central part, said bushing comprising said annulus and said struts, and a cylinder extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction from a base of said bushing remote from said male member, said central part comprising said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector of claim 30 wherein said cylinder has an outer surface which is adapted to exert radially inward pressure on a conduit into which said portion projects.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
70 words
The connector of claim 30 wherein said female member carries at least one detent on its radially inward surface, and said male member comprises a flange on its outer surface, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein said portion is at an angle to said nozzle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein said male member or said female member or both said male member and female member are at least partly composed of a flexible polymer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 34 wherein said polymer is a polyamide, a polyacetal, or a blend thereof.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 20 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
149 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an elliptical annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
149 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an elliptical annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connector of claim 27 comprising at least one circumferential groove in said nozzle and a sealing ring in said groove, said ring also contacting an inside surface of said male member whereby a seal is effected.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 38 wherein said sealing ring is a press ring.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 38 wherein there are two circumferential grooves in said nozzle and a sealing ring in each said groove.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector of claim 40 wherein the groove and sealing ring nearer said male member have a smaller diameter than the groove and sealing ring remote from said male member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector of claim 37 wherein said annulus is supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 42 wherein there are two said struts spaced substantially diametrically opposite each other.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
61 words
The connector of claim 42 wherein said female member carries at least one detent and said male member comprises a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector of claim 44 wherein said detents comprise ramps extending in said first direction and radially inward to said stop and said flange comprises a slope extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction and radially outward to said face.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connector of claim 44 wherein said annulus is elliptical and said detents are on a minor axis of said annulus.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 44 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 42 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
57 words
The connector of claim 37 wherein said female member comprises a bushing and a central part, said bushing comprising said annulus and said struts, and a cylinder extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction from a base of said bushing remote from said male member, said central part comprising said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector of claim 49 wherein said cylinder has an outer surface which is adapted to exert radially inward pressure on a conduit into which said portion projects.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
70 words
The connector of claim 49 wherein said female member carries at least one detent on its radially inward surface, and said male member comprises a flange on its outer surface, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector of claim 37 wherein said portion is at an angle to said nozzle.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 37 wherein said male member and/or said female member is at least partly composed of a flexible polymer.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 53 wherein said polymer is a polyamide, a polyacetal, or a blend thereof.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
219 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, at least one circumferential groove in said nozzle and a sealing ring in said groove, said ring also contacting an inside surface of said male member whereby a seal is effected, there being two circumferential grooves in said nozzle and a sealing ring in each said groove, the groove and sealing ring nearer said male member having a smaller diameter than the groove and sealing ring remote from said male member.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
219 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, at least one circumferential groove in said nozzle and a sealing ring in said groove, said ring also contacting an inside surface of said male member whereby a seal is effected, there being two circumferential grooves in said nozzle and a sealing ring in each said groove, the groove and sealing ring nearer said male member having a smaller diameter than the groove and sealing ring remote from said male member.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector of claim 55 wherein said annulus is supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 56 wherein there are two said struts spaced substantially diametrically opposite each other.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
The connector of claim 56 wherein said strut is connected at said intersection through a disc located in a plane substantially perpendicular to said female axis.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
61 words
The connector of claim 56 wherein said female member carries at least one detent and said male member comprises a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector of claim 59 wherein said detent is on a radially inward surface of said female member and said flange is on a radially outward surface of said male member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector of claim 59 wherein said detents comprise ramps extending in a first direction and radially inward to said stop and said flange comprises a slope extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction and radially outward to said face.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connector of claim 59 wherein said annulus is elliptical and said detents are on a minor axis of said annulus.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 59 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 56 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
10 words
The connector of claim 55 wherein said annulus is elliptical.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 55 wherein said sealing ring is a press ring.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
57 words
The connector of claim 55 wherein said female member comprises a bushing and a central part, said bushing comprising said annulus and said struts, and a cylinder extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction from a base of said bushing remote from said male member, said central part comprising said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector of claim 67 wherein said cylinder has an outer surface which is adapted to exert radially inward pressure on a conduit into which said portion projects.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
70 words
The connector of claim 67 wherein said female member carries at least one detent on its radially inward surface, and said male member comprises a flange on its outer surface, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector of claim 55 wherein said portion is at an angle to said nozzle.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 55 wherein said male member and/or said female member is at least partly composed of a flexible polymer.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 71 wherein said polymer is a polyamide, a polyacetal, or a blend thereof.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
263 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said female member comprising a bushing and a central part, said bushing comprising said annulus and said struts, and a cylinder extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction from a base of said bushing remote from said male member, said central part comprising said nozzle and said portion, said female member carrying at least one detent on its radially inward surface, and said male member comprising a flange on its outer surface, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
263 words
A connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said female member comprising a bushing and a central part, said bushing comprising said annulus and said struts, and a cylinder extending in a second direction opposite to said first direction from a base of said bushing remote from said male member, said central part comprising said nozzle and said portion, said female member carrying at least one detent on its radially inward surface, and said male member comprising a flange on its outer surface, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
37 words
The connector of claim 73 comprising at least one circumferential groove in said nozzle and a sealing ring in said groove, said ring also contacting an inside surface of said male member whereby a seal is effected.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
13 words
The connector of claim 74 wherein said sealing ring is a press ring.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 74 wherein there are two circumferential grooves in said nozzle and a sealing ring in each said groove.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector of claim 73 wherein said annulus is supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 77 wherein there are two said struts spaced substantially diametrically opposite each other.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
61 words
The connector of claim 77 wherein said female member carries at least one detent and said male member comprises a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector of claim 79 wherein said detent is on a radially inward surface of said female member and said flange is on a radially outward surface of said male member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connector of claim 79 wherein said annulus is elliptical and said detents are on a minor axis of said annulus.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 79 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
56 words
The connector of claim 77 wherein a first section of said strut extends radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extends parallel to said axis to said annulus, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector of claim 73 wherein said cylinder has an outer surface which is adapted to exert radially inward pressure on a conduit into which said portion projects.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
15 words
The connector of claim 73 wherein said portion is at an angle to said nozzle.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The connector of claim 73 wherein said male member and/or said female member is at least partly composed of a flexible polymer.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector of claim 86 wherein said polymer is a polyamide, a polyacetal, or a blend thereof.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
326 words
A method of releasing a connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said annulus being supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said female member carrying at least one detent and said male member comprising a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together, a first section of said strut extending radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extending parallel to said axis, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening, said method comprising inserting a spreader into said opening, moving said detent radially outwardly so that said stop no longer abuts said face, thereby permitting said male member and said female member to be separated.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
326 words
A method of releasing a connector including a male member and a female member adapted to mate therewith, said female member being hollow and having a female axis therethrough, an annulus defining a plane substantially perpendicular to said axis, a substantially cylindrical hollow nozzle within said annulus, said nozzle having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of said annulus, thereby defining a space therebetween, a hollow portion extending in a first direction away from said male member and being substantially coaxial with said nozzle, said annulus being supported by at least one strut which extends from said annulus in said first direction and is affixed to said female part at a point adjacent an intersection of said nozzle and said portion, said male member being generally cylindrical and hollow with a male axis therethrough and comprising a collar of outer diameter smaller than said inner diameter of said annulus and an inner diameter larger than said outer diameter of said nozzle, whereby said collar is adapted to occupy said space, said male member and said female member, when connected, forming a passage for flow of fluids therethrough, said female member carrying at least one detent and said male member comprising a flange, said flange and said detent being complementary to each other whereby, when said male member is inserted into said female member, a stop on said detent abuts a face on said flange to secure said male and female members together, a first section of said strut extending radially outwardly from said female part and substantially perpendicular to said female axis, and a second section of said strut extending parallel to said axis, whereby said second section is spaced apart radially from said nozzle to form an opening, said method comprising inserting a spreader into said opening, moving said detent radially outwardly so that said stop no longer abuts said face, thereby permitting said male member and said female member to be separated.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 88 wherein there are two said struts, each carrying one said detent, substantially diametrically opposed to each other and forming two said openings, inserting said spreader into said openings and moving said detents radially outwardly so that said stops no longer contact said faces, thereby permitting said male member and said female member to be separated.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-02-11 | 1994-08-13 | 1995-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-02-11 | 1998-08-13 | 1999-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-08-13 | 2003-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |