| Patent application number | Description | Published |
| 20080201927 | Crimped/swaged-on tubing termination apparatus, systems and methods - A tubing termination comprises a termination portion adapted to make a fluid connection and a tube attachment portion, adapted to receive a tube and to be crimped or swaged. The tube attachment portion comprises a retention mechanism that is adapted to be manipulated during crimping or swaging to bite the tube so as to lock the tube attachment portion relative to the tube. This retention mechanism may take the form of a deformable bite ring, a deflectable c-insert, irregularities defined on an inner surface of the tube attachment portion, and/or the like. The tube attachment portion also may include a resilient sealing mechanism adapted to provide a seal between the tube and the tube attachment portion, and thereby a fluid-tight connection between the tube and the termination portion. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20090211659 | Hose anti-collapse ribs, systems and methods - An integral hose anti-collapse rib comprises a unitary body having a first cantilevered portion curved in a first direction. This first cantilevered portion defines a first end. A second cantilevered portion is curved in a direction opposite the direction of the first cantilevered portion, in a direction facing the first cantilevered portion. The second cantilevered portion also defines a second end disposed at an opposite extent of the rib from the first end. The hose anti-collapse rib also comprises a locking mechanism that locks the first end of the rib to the second end of the rib, such that the first and second cantilevered portions together form a generally circular shape. However, in a relaxed state in which the locking mechanism is not engaged, the rib preferably defines a non-circular, generally spiral shape. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090224111 | Modular support, assemblies, methods and systems - A modular support assembly receives and/or stores elongated objects that may be primarily cylindrical in shape, such as fluid conduits including hydraulic tube, pipe and hose. The modular support assembly includes a plurality of interchangeable modules of differing or similar sizes to create an adjustable assembly whose overall shape and number of modules can change depending upon the intended use of the assembly. The modules comprise sliding engagement portions that are disposed along a periphery of the modules and allow interengageable attachment to other modules. The modules also comprise apertures that can vary in size to accommodate various sizes of objects. The modules can be disassembled by sliding module portion halves apart, facilitating easy assemblage of the modules either before or after the objects retained therein have been positioned, and subsequent removal of individual objects from the assemblage. | 09-10-2009 |
| 20090232585 | Multi-port fluid connectors, systems and methods - A multi-port connector includes a plate employing a plurality of coupling retention mechanisms used to hold a plurality of fluid connectors in alignment for deployment with a respective plurality of fluid ports defined in a structure. The couplings may be loosely retained in the plate to facilitate alignment with the ports and ultimately insertion of the connectors into the ports. Each of the coupling retention mechanisms might be an opening through the plate with engagement mechanism defined within, or in conjunction with, the opening. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention a (central) fastener may pass through the plate to selectively draw and secure the plurality of fluid connectors into engagement with the respective plurality of ports. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20100102974 | Diagnostic and response systems and methods for fluid power systems - Diagnostic and response systems and methods for a fluid power system acquire data from pressure and temperature sensors disposed in the fluid power system, analyze the data in a failure algorithm to build a history of cumulative damage to hoses in the fluid power system, communicates an indication of potential imminent hose failure to a central location when a level of the cumulative damage indicates imminent failure of a hose, analyze the information at the central location to determine an appropriate response, and transmit information about the fluid power system, including location, and identification of the hose about to fail to a response unit. The response unit responds to the location and replaces the component prior to failure, or the communication might include information that the hose has failed, such that the response unit replaces the failed hose to return the fluid power system to normal operation. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106461 | Diagnostic and response systems and methods for fluid power systems - Diagnostic and response systems and methods for a fluid power system acquire data from pressure and temperature sensors disposed in the fluid power system, analyze the data in a failure algorithm to build a history of cumulative damage to hoses in the fluid power system, communicates an indication of potential imminent hose failure to a central location when a level of the cumulative damage indicates imminent failure of a hose, analyze the information at the central location to determine an appropriate response, and transmit information about the fluid power system, including location, and identification of the hose about to fail to a response unit. The response unit responds to the location and replaces the component prior to failure, or the communication might include information that the hose has failed, such that the response unit replaces the failed hose to return the fluid power system to normal operation. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100193651 | Conduit bracketry, systems and methods - A bracket stores and separates conduits. The bracket includes two interchangeable halves having an engagement extrusion extending from an inner face. Each half has a corresponding receptive slot disposed in the inner face. The bracket half includes at least one conduit receptive channel defined in the inner face. The halves align and engage when each half's extrusion is inserted into the other half's slot. The channels align to secure a conduit therein. The engagement portions may comprise a dovetail and socket engagement. At least two stages of securement are provided. Securement may comprise snap fit, sliding or other methods. A first, temporary stage of engagement initially joins the halves, adjustably and releasably retaining the halves and the conduits together. The second and subsequent stages of engagement are tighter engagements between the tail and socket, achieved by applying more pressing force to the halves or inserting a fastener. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100206415 | HEATED FLUID CONDUIT END COVERS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A fluid conduit body having a semi-conductive material disposed therein and at least one wire coupling an electrical power supply to the conduit to provide an electrical current therethrough to heat the fluid conduit also has an end cover molded over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit and over an end of the wire coupling the power supply to an end of the conduit. Alternatively, a fluid conduit heating system employs a semi-conductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit with the sleeve extending at least partially over a fitting fitted to an end of the conduit. An electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve to provide an electrical current through the semi-conductive sleeve to heat the sleeve and the fluid conduit. An end cover is molded over at least a portion of the fitting and the sleeve extending thereover. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100209085 | Heated fluid conduits, systems and methods - A heated fluid conduit has a body with a semi-conductive material disposed therein with an electrical power supply coupled to the conduit to provide a voltage across the conduit and a current therethrough, heating the fluid conduit. A fluid conduit heating system comprises a semiconductive sleeve disposed over a fluid conduit and an electrical power supply coupled to the ends of the sleeve to provide a voltage across the sleeve and a resulting current through the semiconductive sleeve, heating the sleeve and conduit Alternatively, one terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to each end of the sleeve or conduit, and another terminal of the electrical power supply is coupled to the sleeve or conduit therebetween, to provide parallel heating circuits. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20110138605 | CRIMPED/SWAGED-ON TUBING TERMINATIONS AND METHODS - A tubing termination comprises a termination portion adapted to make a fluid connection and a tube attachment portion, adapted to receive a tube and to be crimped or swaged. The tube attachment portion comprises a retention mechanism that is adapted to be manipulated during crimping or swaging to bite the tube so as to lock the tube attachment portion relative to the tube. This retention mechanism may take the form of a deformable bite ring, a deflectable c-insert, irregularities defined on an inner surface of the tube attachment portion, and/or the like. The tube attachment portion also may include a resilient sealing mechanism adapted to provide a seal between the tube and the tube attachment portion, and thereby a fluid-tight connection between the tube and the termination portion. | 06-16-2011 |