Patents by Inventor Cal R. Brown
Cal R. Brown has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20160312932Abstract: A push to connect fitting assembly includes first and second fitting components joined to define an interior cavity, a seal device, and a retainer. The seal device is disposed in the interior cavity, and seals one of the first and second fitting components with an outer surface of a conduit end when the conduit end is inserted into the outboard end of the first fitting component. The retainer is assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components, and includes a gripping portion that engages the inserted conduit over a first surface contact area to grip the conduit end, and a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion. The colleting portion engages the inserted conduit end over a second surface contact area greater than the first surface contact area to collet the inserted conduit end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Gregory S. Kalata, Ronald P. Campbell
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Publication number: 20160281892Abstract: The disclosure presents exemplary embodiments of a cartridge nut concept for conduit fittings. The cartridge nut concept may include the feature of loosely retaining one or more conduit gripping devices with a fitting component such as a male or female threaded nut. The cartridge nut concept may be realized using one or more geometry or shape features or characteristics of one or more conduit gripping devices. Still further, the cartridge nut concept may be realized in combination with a ferrule cartridge concept.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Dale C. Arstein, Mark A. Bennett, Mark D. Bearer, Tobin P. Berry, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Ross A. Clark, Robert A. Fotta, Justin Christopher Hamilton, Gregory S. Kalata, John D. Karkosiak, Kennan Joseph Malec, Andrew P. Marshall, Michael J. Mohlenkamp, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Gerhard H. Schiroky, Harry James Slaven, Douglas S. Welch, Peter C. Williams
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Publication number: 20160273687Abstract: In an exemplary method for installing a fitting on a conduit, a fitting body is provided with a threaded end portion, a neck portion extending rearward from the threaded end portion, and an internal conduit socket extending axially into the neck portion and terminating at a counterbore. A conduit is inserted in the internal conduit socket of the fitting body. A fitting nut is pulled up on the fitting body to grip and seal a conduit gripping device against the conduit. Relative axial displacement of at least first and second reference locations on the neck portion is detected to determine whether the fitting is in a first fitting assembly condition or a second fitting assembly condition different from the first fitting assembly condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Peter C. Williams, Kevin Nieman, Cal R. Brown, Christina Semkow, Michael Rossiter, Andrew Creque, William Ponikvar, Matthew K. Messner, Charles W. Hayes, II, Sunniva R. Collins, Timothy Garrett Gray
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Patent number: 9441769Abstract: A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns or may have an integral torque collar. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. In other embodiments, the non-integral torque collar may be installed onto one of the fitting components, and then deformed so as to prevent or make it more difficult to remove the torque collar after installation onto the fitting component.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Dale C. Arstein
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Publication number: 20160195204Abstract: Two conduit gripping devices that are to be used together in a conduit fitting assembly are interconnected or held together as a cartridge or subassembly prior to assembly with fitting components to form a fitting assembly. In a more specific embodiment, one or both of the conduit gripping devices comprises a retaining structure by which the devices are mechanically connected together as a subassembly. For example, in one embodiment a front ferrule and a back ferrule for a tube fitting may be snapped together.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Mark A. Bennett, Cal R. Brown, John D. Karkosiak, Peter C. Williams, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Mark D. Bearer
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Publication number: 20160169425Abstract: A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar and in another embodiment the stroke limiting member may be two engaging surfaces integrally formed with the fitting components. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. The stroke limiting member facilitates many remakes of the fitting, including remakes by torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: PETER C. WILLIAMS, MARK A. CLASON, CAL R. BROWN, DALE C. ARSTEIN, JEFFREY S. RAYLE, JOHN D. KARKOSIAK, GREGORY S. KALATA
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Patent number: 9297481Abstract: A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar and in another embodiment the stroke limiting member may be two engaging surfaces integrally formed with the fitting components. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. The stroke limiting member facilitates many remakes of the fitting, including remakes by torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Mark A. Clason, Cal R. Brown, Dale C. Arstein, Jeffrey S. Rayle, John D. Karkosiak, Gregory S. Kalata
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Patent number: 9267627Abstract: Two conduit gripping devices that are to be used together in a conduit fitting assembly are interconnected or held together as a cartridge or subassembly prior to assembly with fitting components to form a fitting assembly. In a more specific embodiment, one or both of the conduit gripping devices comprises a retaining structure by which the devices are mechanically connected together as a subassembly. For example, in one embodiment a front ferrule and a back ferrule for a tube fitting may be snapped together.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Mark A. Bennett, Cal R. Brown, John D. Karkosiak, Peter C. Williams, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Mark D. Bearer
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Publication number: 20150323110Abstract: A fitting includes first and second threaded fitting components, a conduit gripping device, and a stroke resisting member having a first axial length, the stroke resisting member being disposed between a threaded portion of the first fitting component and a radially extending portion of the second fitting component. The stroke resisting member is axially engaged by the radially extending portion of the second fitting component when the first and second fitting components are joined together to a first relative axial position, such that a tightening torque beyond the first relative axial position is increased by the axial engagement. The stroke resisting member is plastically compressed to a second axial length smaller than the first axial length when the first and second fitting components are joined together to a second relative axial position advanced beyond the first relative axial position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Daniel G. Trivett, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, William J. Knaggs, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, James E. Gotch, Connor M. Dorony, Andrew P. Marshall, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Prasanna S. Bhamidipati, Gregory S. Kalata
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Publication number: 20150233502Abstract: The present application discloses methods and apparatus for installing fitting components, such as a conduit gripping device, on a conduit to form an assembly. The assembly is joinable with at least one other fitting component to form a fitting. The present application also discloses methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is compressed, and an amount of torque applied to members that compresses the conduit gripping device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Kennan J. Malec, William J. Menz, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey M. Rubinski, Raymond Scott Milhoan, Michael Mussig, Jeffrey S. Rayle
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Publication number: 20150167873Abstract: The disclosure presents exemplary embodiments of a cartridge nut concept for conduit fittings. The cartridge nut concept may include the feature of loosely retaining one or more conduit gripping devices with a fitting component such as a male or female threaded nut. The cartridge nut concept may be realized using one or more geometry or shape features or characteristics of one or more conduit gripping devices. Still further, the cartridge nut concept may be realized in combination with a ferrule cartridge concept.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2014Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Dale C. Arstein, Mark A. Bennett, Mark D. Bearer, Tobin P. Berry, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Ross A. Clark, Robert A. Fotta, Justin Hamilton, Gregory S. Kalata, John D. Karkosiak, Kennan Joseph Malec, Andrew P. Marshall, Michael J. Mohlenkamp, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Gerhard H. Schiroky, Harry Slaven, Douglas S. Welch, Peter C. Williams
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Publication number: 20150115602Abstract: A single action push to connect fitting for conduit such as tube or pipe. The fitting includes a first fitting component and a second fitting component that are joined or assembled together to form a fitting assembly. The fitting assembly includes a conduit seal device and a conduit retaining device. A conduit may be manually or otherwise inserted into the assembled fitting assembly with a single axial movement and be retained and sealed without need for further action or movement of the fitting components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Douglas J. McClure
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Publication number: 20150101165Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Dale C. Arstein, Kennan Joseph Malec, William J. Menz, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Raymond Scott Milhoan, Michael Mussig
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Patent number: 8997325Abstract: The present application discloses methods and apparatus for installing fitting components, such as a conduit gripping device, on a conduit to form an assembly. The assembly is joinable with at least one other fitting component to form a fitting. The present application also discloses methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is compressed, and an amount of torque applied to members that compresses the conduit gripping device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Kennan J. Malec, William J. Menz, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey M. Rubinski, Raymond Scott Milhoan, Michael Mussig, Jeffrey S. Rayle
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Patent number: 8960728Abstract: A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a torque collar. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns, hi still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. Different embodiments are provided for the stroke limiting member, including a visual indication as well as a torque indication.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Mark A. Clason, Cal R. Brown, Jeffrey S. Rayle, John D. Karkosiak
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Patent number: 8931810Abstract: The disclosure presents exemplary embodiments of a cartridge nut concept for conduit fittings. The cartridge nut concept may include the feature of loosely retaining one or more conduit gripping devices with a fitting component such as a male or female threaded nut. The cartridge nut concept may be realized using one or more geometry or shape features or characteristics of one or more conduit gripping devices. Still further, the cartridge nut concept may be realized in combination with a ferrule cartridge concept.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams, Dale C. Arstein, Cal R. Brown
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Patent number: 8813348Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Jeffrey S. Rayle, Dale C. Arstein, Kennan Joseph Malec, William J. Menz, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Raymond Scott Milhoan, Michael Mussig
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Publication number: 20130207385Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes a body member adapted to receive a conduit end, a conduit comprising a first end that can be axially inserted into the body member and a conduit gripping device attached to an exterior surface of the conduit, and a retainer that retains the conduit in place when said conduit is fully inserted into the body member. Additional embodiments include providing a seal with the fitting that seals the exterior surface of the conduit, an optional load retaining sleeve for the conduit gripping device, and an optional gimbal. The push to connect aspect may be realized in the form of a single action unthreaded mechanical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Daniel G. Trivett, Mark A. Clason, Cal R. Brown, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald Hamilton, Douglas J. McClure, William J. Knaggs, Justin Hamilton, Benjamin Chan, Gregory S. Kalata
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Publication number: 20130119659Abstract: A push to connect conduit fitting includes a first fitting component and a second fitting component and a releasable retaining structure for retaining the two fitting components in one or more retained axial positions as an unthreaded mechanical connection. In one of the retained axial positions a conduit may be inserted and a conduit retainer holds the conduit in position. A seal mechanism may also be provided to seal an outer surface of the conduit fitting assembly. Embodiments for a threaded mechanical connection are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason, Gergory S. Kalata, Harry Slaven, Justin Hamilton, Ronald Hamilton, Daniel G. Trivett
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Publication number: 20120043757Abstract: A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns or may have an integral torque collar. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. In other embodiments, the non-integral torque collar may be installed onto one of the fitting components, and then deformed so as to prevent or make it more difficult to remove the torque collar after installation onto the fitting component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Mark A. Clason