IP Library Granted Patent US 6,871,518
Granted Patent B2
US 6,871,518 · App. 10/106,694 · Granted Mar 29, 2005

Gas system component inlet or outlet connection retaining bracket

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 6,871,518
App. No.
10/106,694
Granted
Mar 29, 2005
Kind
B2
Abstract

A removable retaining bracket that prevents removal of a connection fitting from a gas distribution system component is described. The retaining bracket has a base that defines an opening that accepts the connection fitting and prevents removal of the fitting from the gas distribution component. The retaining bracket extends along the gas distribution system component and defines openings in which a securing component is positioned. The openings are positioned to locate the securing component to prevent removal of the retaining bracket.

Claims (14)

1. A removable retaining bracket for preventing removal of a connection fitting from a distribution system component to which the connection fitting is mounted, comprising:

a base having an opening sized and configured to substantially conform to at least a portion of the connection fitting to prevent rotation of the fitting within the opening;

a first arm integral with and extending from the base along the distribution system component and to abut the distribution system component to prevent rotation of the base; and

a second arm extending from the base along the distribution system component and to abut the distribution system component to prevent rotation of the base;

wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to accept a removable member positioned to abut the distribution system component preventing movement of the base away from the distribution system components;

wherein the distribution system component is a valve and wherein the first arm and the second arm extend from the base along opposed sides of the valve.

2. The removable retaining bracket of claim 1 wherein the base is configured to prevent access to the connection fitting by tools required to remove the fitting from the distribution system component.

3. The removable retaining bracket of claim 1 wherein the opening surrounds a portion of the connection fitting.

4. The removable retaining bracket of claim 1 wherein the first arm and the second arm each define an opening, the openings being located on opposed sides of the valve and aligned to accept a member extending through the openings.

5. The removable retaining bracket of claim 4 wherein a removable securing component extends through the aligned openings.

6. The removable retaining bracket of claim 5 wherein the securing component is a pin comprising:

a rod having a head at one end sized to abut the first arm adjacent to the opening and a threaded opening at an end of the rod opposite the head, the rod sized to extend through the opening, and

a screw having a head at one end sized to abut the second arm adjacent to the opening and a threaded portion extending from the head configured to engage the threaded opening in the rod,

the rod and the screw sized to be positioned in the openings in the first arm and the second arm, to position the head of the rod abutting a surface of the first arm facing away from the second arm and to position the head of the screw abutting a surface of the second arm facing away from the first arm and to extend to each other, the threaded section of the screw engaging the threaded opening of the rod.

Assignments (6)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 11, 2019
From: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS SECURED PARTY
To: ENGINEERED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 050979/0307 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Oct 26, 2017
From: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST BY MERGER TO GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITALCORPORATION), AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS SUCCESSOR ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 043955/0298 →
PATENT RELEASE AND REASSIGNMENT RE 24794/0847 Recorded Dec 3, 2013
From: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ENGINEERED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 031756/0573 →
MERGER Recorded Mar 30, 2011
From: ENGINEERED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
To: ENGINEERED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 026047/0178 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 6, 2010
From: ENGINEERED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
To: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 024794/0847 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 26, 2002
From: OLSEN, JASON L.; AVILLION, VINCENT J.
To: ENGINEERED CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL INC.
Reel/Frame 012748/0629 →