ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 16 -- United States Patent no. 12,305,779, issued on May 20, was assigned to Danfoss A/S (Nordborg, Denmark).

"Tube connector systems" was invented by Hans Jorg Altenrath (Lohmar, Germany).

According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "A connector system includes a fitting body (104) and a union nut (106). A cutting ring (102) is disposed proximate within the fitting body and union nut. The cutting ring includes a first end (136) engaging with the fitting body and having at least one cutting edge, a second end engaging with the union nut, and a radially extending collar (140) disposed between the first end and the second end. The collar having an annular radial surface facing the first e...