Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.

Dana Corporation

Millennium Industries Corporation

David Carl Stieler

Gary O Klinger

Michael J Zdroik

Robert J Doherty

Jackson Zel Roe

Gary Lynn Handshoe

Dale Linwood Sleep

Gary S Zelinski

An apparatus for coupling components in a fuel delivery system together is presented. The apparatus comprises a first member having a first end, a second end, and throughgoing passageway therebetween. The apparatus further comprises a second member having a throughgoing bore therein. The throughgoing bore is configured to receive the first end of the first member. The first and second members of the apparatus are configured to be affixed together to create a joint between the first end of the first member and the inner wall of the bore of the second member such that the passageway and the bore are in substantial alignment with each other.

Apparatus for coupling components of a fuel delivery system

An improved fuel rail for delivering fuel to a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is provided that reduces the weight of the fuel injection system, greatly reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating expensive manufacturing methods, such as brazing, high heat welding, post plating, blow molding, and extrusion, and enhances low-cost, low-energy methods for attachment of fuel system components to the fuel rail. The improved fuel rail includes an tubular body defining a fluid chamber and having an inlet through which fuel enters the fluid chamber and a fuel injector port in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The port is configured to receive the fuel injector. The tubular body is formed as a laminate having an inner metallic layer and an outer polymeric layer. The inner metallic layer may comprise aluminum and the outer polymeric layer may comprise nylon. Plastic or metal components can be attached to the laminated tubular body while providing a fluid tight, pressurized joint.

Plastic coated metal fuel rail

A quick connector apparatus and method of forming same includes a retainer element having a first end portion spin welded to an inner surface of a bore formed in an end portion of a first conduit after a sealing element has been mounted in the end portion of the first conduit. The retainer element includes a movable latch member projecting from the second end which is engagable with an enlarged annular flange on the second conduit to releasably interconnect the second conduit and the retainer; while at the same time providing sealing between the second conduit and the first conduit via engagement between the internally mounted sealing element and the retainer element.

Quick connector for fuel/vapor applications

A fluid quick connector includes a connector housing having a through bore adapted to receive a tubular endform. A retainer is transversely mountable through the connector housing into engagement with the endform. A retention clip having at least one angled end projection is carried on the retainer for movement to a final latched position with the endform while enabling the endform to be inserted into the connector housing without substantial contact with the retention clip. The retention clip is in the form of a planar body having at least one angled projection extending therefrom. Preferably, a plurality of angled projections are formed on the retention clip. The retention clip is fixedly secured to the retainer or insert molded in the retainer for movement concurrent with movement of the retainer relative to the connector housing.

Fluid quick connector with retention clip for flangeless endforms

A convoluted tubing assembly for use in essentially fluid-tight connection with a suitable connector body which includes a multi-layer or single layer tubing having an elongated cylindrical wall having an outer surface and inner surface parallel to the outer surface. The inner surface defines an essentially unobstructed circular interior opening extending longitudinally through the tube. The tubing includes a first region in which the cylindrical wall is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis running coaxially through the cylindrical interior. The tubing includes another region continuous to the first region, wherein the other region includes at least one corrugation in the cylindrical wall. The corrugated region has a cross sectional diameter which varies depending on position with respect to the corrugations longitudinal length and has a diameter different from the essentially uniform cross section diameter of the first region.

Thick walled convoluted tubing for use in fuel feed and return applications

A joint between a fluid connector body and a plastic tube is formed at least in part by spin welding, wherein the portion of the connector which is configured to receive the tube defines inner and outer surfaces which engage the inner and outer surfaces of the mating tube to create redundant circumferentially continuous seals between the fluid passageway and the outside environment. The use of multi-layer co-extruded plastic tubing having intermediate or bonding layers is particularly advantageous inasmuch as separate inner and outer seals are established between the connector housing and the inner and outer tubing layers, respectively, to ensure that neither system fluids nor foreign contaminants are exposed to the intermediate tube layers, thereby preventing capillary adsorption or delamination.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Orion, MI, United States of America

David Carl Stieler