Melvin L Witter

US Patent:

50982419, Mar 24, 1992

Filed:

Feb 5, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/650486

Inventors:

James H. Aldridge - Battle Creek MI
Melvin L. Witter - Dallas TX

Assignee:

XYZYX International Corp. - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F16B 3708
F16B 710
L16L 3500
L16L 3700

US Classification:

411433

Abstract:

A telescopic connector which may be varied in length and a method for installing the connector is disclosed. The connector includes telescoping male and female members which are joined by the action of a spring, which functions as a lockring, positioned in recesses in the two members. The spring possesses at least one release finger at one of its ends, the release fingers extending through an opening in the female member. The recess in the female member includes a shoulder portion and at least one cam surface. The recess on the male member may be either a recess comprising a shoulder portion and cam surface or a recess created between threads on the outer periphery of the male member. The cam surfaces restrict movement between the telescoping members until such time as the release fingers are manipulated to expand the spring, causing the spring to position within the shoulder of the female member, providing clearance between the spring and the male member which allows for two-way movement. Also, the spring may cooperate with the threaded periphery on the male member for threaded engagement and helical movement, relative to the male member.

US Patent:

50023187, Mar 26, 1991

Filed:

Sep 28, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/414109

Inventors:

Melvin L. Witter - Dallas TX

Assignee:

XYZYX International Corporation - Lake Orion MI

International Classification:

F16L 2712

US Classification:

285302

Abstract:

The pipe connector which may be varied in length and a method for installing the connector is disclosed. Also disclosed is a tool for aiding in the fabrication of a portion of the connector. The connector consists of two telescoping pipes which are joined by the action of a wire spring positioned in recesses in the two pipes. The recesses are designed to allow only one-way movement between the telescoping pipes until such time as a release groove is reached. The release groove is positioned on one of the pipes beyond the normal operating length of the connector. When the wire is positioned in the groove, the pipes may be separated. The tool described allows for on site fabrication of the notch for one of the pipes.

US Patent:

40153215, Apr 5, 1977

Filed:

Jun 14, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/695815

Inventors:

Melvin L. Witter - Dallas TX

International Classification:

B21D 5300
F16L 4102

US Classification:

29157T

Abstract:

A threaded pipe fitting which is fabricated from two pieces of pipe or other cylindrical tubing or stock. The upper piece of pipe is relatively thick, so that pipe threads (either internal or external) may be machined therein without unduly weakening the fitting; also, a seat is provided at the other end of the thick pipe, typically by machining. The second piece of pipe has an outer diameter which is less than that of the first piece, but greater than the internal diameter of the first piece; that is, the two pieces cannot be telescoped with respect to each other, except for that small distance made possible by the step of machining said seat. The second piece of pipe will usually be much thinner than the first piece, too. The two pipe sections are assembled by physically engaging them in an end-to-end fashion, with an appropriately prepared end of the smaller pipe mating with the machined seat in the larger pipe. The two pipes are rigidly held together and sealed with at least one circumferential weld, which is preferably external.

US Patent:

57094152, Jan 20, 1998

Filed:

Sep 10, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/709860

Inventors:

Melvin L. Witter - Dallas TX

Assignee:

XYZYX International Corporation - Dallas TX

International Classification:

F16L 3708

US Classification:

285304

Abstract:

A telescopic quick connect disconnect connecter where movement between the telescopic members may be controlled by a pair of springs. The connecter includes telescopic male and female members joined by action of a spring which normally prevents withdrawal of the male member from the female member by being wedged between the camming surface of a recess in the female member and a notch in the male member. A second notch is provided on the male member beyond the female member in which a second spring is placed which will abut against the end of the female member to limit further insertion of the male member into the female member. The latter spring is intended to fail in unusual stress situations such as earthquakes to prevent catastrophic failure of the system. This system is particularly disclosed for use with supply pipes for fire sprinkler systems. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the male members and a method for use of the piping.