Bulged Patents (Class 285/382.5)
  • Patent number: 11879584
    Abstract: A pipe adapter with two or more plugs, each plug is inserted into an opening in a different pipe fitting. The adapter permanently isolates the fittings from each other, while keeping the fittings a fixed distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel Keith Wedding, Tricia Noelle Wedding
  • Patent number: 11774013
    Abstract: Formed in series along an axial-direction end portion of a large-diameter pipe member, in the following order from the pipe end, are: a large-diameter-pipe pipe-end expanding portion; a large-diameter-pipe reduced-diameter portion; a large-diameter-pipe bulging portion; and a tapered portion. Formed in series along an axial-direction end portion of a small-diameter-pipe member, in the following order from the pipe end, are: a small-diameter-pipe pipe-end expanding portion; a small-diameter-pipe enlarged-diameter portion; and a small-diameter-pipe bulging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignees: Kobe Steel, Ltd., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihaya Imamura, Chieko Imai
  • Patent number: 11585469
    Abstract: A crimp fitting has a monolithic and homogeneous female socket configured to receive and be crimped to an end portion of a tube. The socket comprises an annular wall and an axial opening. The annular wall comprises at least one internal shoulder that protrudes radially inward from the annular wall. A seal ring in the female socket has a C-shaped cross section and is configured to be arranged around the end portion of the tube to be joined with the fitting. The C-shaped seal ring compresses against the internal shoulder after the fitting is crimped with the tube with the C-shaped seal ring arranged around the end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: RLS LLC
    Inventors: Mary C. B. Boyer, Bradley Arment, Sean Kelleher, Tony LaGrotta, Vince Bushell, Michael Duggan
  • Patent number: 11168812
    Abstract: A pipe adapter with two or more plugs, each plug is inserted into an opening in a different pipe fitting. The adapter permanently isolates the fittings from each other, while keeping the fittings a fixed distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Keith Wedding, Tricia Noelle Wedding
  • Patent number: 9695663
    Abstract: A tool for retaining an activator ring of a hanger within a wellhead assembly during a fluid pumping process includes an annular fluid pumping sub body having an end selectively coupled with a supply of fluids and a distal end selectively coupled with the hanger. An outer ring assembly circumscribes and rotates relative to the fluid pumping sub body. A retainer ring circumscribes the fluid pumping sub body and selectively abuts the activator ring. A plurality of biasing assemblies that are selectively compressible are located between the outer ring assembly and the retainer ring, so that when the fluid pumping sub body is coupled with the hanger, an axial lockdown force is maintained on the activator ring by the biasing assemblies during the fluid pumping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GE OIL & GAS PRESSURE CONTROL LP
    Inventors: Eugene Allen Borak, Jr., Gajanan B. Hegde, Andrew Browne Helvenston
  • Patent number: 9027967
    Abstract: A fluidic component is arranged in an elastomeric shaped part the contour of which is matched to the outer contour of the component and to the inner contour of a holder. The elastomeric shaped part is chamfered towards the fluidic component on its pressure side. When the holder is assembled the elastomeric shaped part is deformed by a projection provided on a mating part and is put under uniformly distributed internal tension, after which the elastomeric shaped part surrounds the fluidic component to its full height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann
  • Publication number: 20140361535
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first fitting to a second fitting to provide a fluid coupling between the first fitting and the second fitting includes providing a first fitting having an exterior surface; providing a second fitting having an interior surface and an annular groove provided on the interior surface; positioning the first fitting at least partially within the second fitting; and deforming the first fitting in a generally annular direction to form an annular ridge extending at least partially into the annular groove to couple the first fitting to the second fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ken Lutz, Larry Hartman
  • Patent number: 8857036
    Abstract: A method of forming a leak tight connection between a pipe and a port made of different metals is described. A leak tight connection between a pipe made of a first metal and a port made of a second metal is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Christoph Kuebel
  • Publication number: 20140208791
    Abstract: In a heating medium utilizing apparatus utilizing heating medium heated by a heating device, it is aimed to provide a pipe which achieves both of the strength of a connection part to an external pipe and the ease of pipe layout without increasing a manufacturing time. On a tip portion of an internal pipe through which the heating medium or fluid to be heat-exchanged with the heating medium flows, a pipe expanding process to expand a pipe diameter and a pipe shrinking process to shrink the pipe diameter are carried out, thereby forming the connection part to be connected to the external pipe connected to external equipment by work hardening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutaka SUZUKI, Kei TAKEYAMA, Takuya SUENAGA
  • Patent number: 8764070
    Abstract: A tube-socket assembly and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The tube-socket assembly includes: a tube in which first and second beads are formed; and a socket fastened to the tube and including a penetration opening portion in which a penetration opening is formed by a predetermined length and a guide portion separated by a predetermined distance from the tube, wherein a first taper portion having an inclined surface is formed at one side of the first bead and forms a beadlock by line-contacting with an inner vertical end portion of the penetration opening portion positioned within the socket. Thereby, by reinforcing seal between the socket and the inner bead of the tube, coupling between the tube and the socket can be more securely performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: HS R & A Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Park, Hyoung Seok Kim, Jae Hyeok Choi, Sung Ryong Hur
  • Patent number: 8714601
    Abstract: An engaging dented portion is formed in a region from an axially intermediate portion of the pipe insertion hole to a position of a connecting surface of a flange on an inner peripheral surface of the pipe insertion hole. The end portion of the pipe is inserted into the pipe insertion hole of the flange so that the end face of the pipe is positioned within a range from the axially intermediate portion of the pipe insertion hole to a position of the connecting surface of the flange. Next, each die segment of an expanding die arranged in the hollow portion of the pipe is moved radially outward of the pipe to thereby subject the end portion of the pipe to an expanding process so that the end portion of the pipe is engaged with the engaging dented portion. With this, the flange is connected to the end portion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Yasuji Kawamata
  • Publication number: 20130307265
    Abstract: By previously press-fitting a ring (40) into one end portion (12) of a tube (11), the one end portion (12) is held in the flared state. With an inner cylindrical portion (22) of the joint main body (20) having been inserted into this ring (40) while the one end portion (12) having been press-fitted into a recessed groove (21) to the innermost recess portion, a greatest wall thickness portion (41) of the ring is covered. In this state, with a cap nut (30) being screwed with the joint main body (20), the greatest wall thickness portion (41) of the ring is pressed against the inner cylindrical portion (22) together with the one end portion (12) through an outer cylindrical portion (23), and a hole peripheral edge (34a) of an insertion hole (34) of the cap nut is pressure-contacted with a bent portion (12c) of the tube by the ring (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: FLOWELL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yohei Sekino
  • Patent number: 8286319
    Abstract: In a method of connecting chassis parts to produce a chassis assembly, at least one end of a first chassis part is connected with a second chassis part in an overlap zone by a form fit and an interference fit through an internal high pressure joining process. The second chassis part serves hereby a seal of the one end of the first chassis element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiletechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Stolle, Dirk Voigt, Franz Beer
  • Patent number: 8128132
    Abstract: The pest control seal for a recreational vehicle (RV) comprises a relatively soft and resilient foam material, which is compressed into the annular opening between the conduit and a passage through the wall or panel of the service compartment of the RV, and a relatively thin, hard retainer, which is attached to the rim or flange of the hose or conduit opening or passage. The foam material and retainer may be attached to each other, or may be installed as separate pieces held in place by compression and suitable fasteners. The retainer may be formed as two semicircular components, or as a single annular piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: RTC Technical Services Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Cravens
  • Patent number: 8118331
    Abstract: A non-bolt joint structure comprising; a packing ring sealing between a receiving opening section and an insertion opening section; an engaging means provided with an inner circumference of the receiving opening section preventing a polyethylene pipe from disengaging from the receiving opening section by engaging with an outer circumferential surface of the polyethylene pipe; and a tubular metallic inner core fitting an inner circumference of the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe, wherein the inner core is plastically deformed to include a first bulge portion that its cross-sectional shape bulges toward an outward radial direction, a second bulge portion is formed so that the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe bulges toward the outward radial direction along the first bulge portion of the inner core, and the polyethylene pipe is prevented from disengaging by the engaging means engaging with the outer circumferential surface of the second bulge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Yamashita, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8083268
    Abstract: A fitting that can include a body and a spacing element. The body can have an insertion end that defines a cavity and which includes an end face. The spacing element can extend into the cavity from the interior surface of the cavity and can be configured to engage the component when the component is inserted through the insertion end into the cavity so that the component is spaced apart from the interior surface of the cavity. An adhesive, such as a two-part epoxy, can collect about the spacing element and can form a band of adhesive that fixedly and sealingly couples the fitting to the component. A method of forming a joint is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Mueller Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tommy L Jamison, Daniel W Griffith
  • Patent number: 8079621
    Abstract: A tube fitting assembly is provided for a gas burner. The assembly includes a pre-deformed tube connector having first and second ends. At least one of the ends is provided an annular sealing bead formed by compressing and cold working at least two intermediate annular beads together. A first coupling member is provided defining a cavity and having a shaped seating surface adapted to sealingly engage a cooperating surface of the annular sealing bead. A second coupling member is provided rotatably and slidably disposed on the pre-deformed tube connector and is adapted to mate with the first coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lincoln Brass Works, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Ferlin, Timothy J. Tupa
  • Patent number: 8061423
    Abstract: An assembly for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, comprising an expandable tubular element and an outer structure having first and second portions arranged at a distance from each other, the portions being restrained to the tubular element in a manner that the distance changes as a result of radial expansion of the tubular element, the outer structure further having a third portion arranged to move radially outward upon said change in distance between the first and second portions, wherein said radially outward movement of the third portion is larger than the radially outward movement of the tubular element as a result of radial expansion of the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
  • Patent number: 7887103
    Abstract: A tubular configured to mate with a second tubular so that sealing integrity is maintained between the tubulars before, during, and after expansion of the tubulars is disclosed. In one embodiment, a connector for connecting tubulars is provided. The connector includes a pin portion; a box portion, wherein the pin and the box portions are configured to mate; a sealing surface formed in an inner surface of the box portion; a seal disposed in a groove formed in an outer surface of the pin portion, wherein the seal is configured to engage with a sealing surface of the box portion upon mating of the pin and the box portions; and a bump formed on an inner surface of the pin portion, wherein the bump is substantially radially aligned with the groove and the bump is configured so that the seal remains engaged with the box portion during and after expansion of the pin and the box portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Watherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Merle E. Evans, Ghazi J. Hashem, John Richard Setterberg, Jr., Robert P. Badrak, Patrick G. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20100295296
    Abstract: An engaging dented portion 10 is formed in a region from an axially intermediate portion of the pipe insertion hole 8 to a position of a connecting surface 5a of a flange 5 on an inner peripheral surface 9 of the pipe insertion hole 8. The end portion 2 of the pipe 1 is inserted into the pipe insertion hole 8 of the flange 5 so that the end face 2x of the pipe 1 is positioned within a range from the axially intermediate portion of the pipe insertion hole 8 to a position of the connecting surface 5a of the flange 5. Next, each die segment 21 of an expanding die 20 arranged in the hollow portion 4 of the pipe 1 is moved radially outward of the pipe 1 to thereby subject the end portion 2 of the pipe 1 to an expanding process so that the end portion 2 of the pipe 1 is engaged with the engaging dented portion 10. With this, the flange 5 is connected to the end portion 2 of the pipe 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Yasuji Kawamata
  • Patent number: 7837235
    Abstract: A fluidic component is arranged in an elastomeric shaped part, the contour of which is matched to the outer contour of the component and to the inner contour of a holder. The elastomeric shaped part is chamfered towards the fluidic component on its pressure side. When the holder is assembled, the elastomeric shaped part is deformed by a projection provided on a mating part and is put under uniformly distributed internal tension, after which the elastomeric shaped part surrounds the fluidic component to its full height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann
  • Publication number: 20100181767
    Abstract: A pipe compression joint assembly (10) comprises a male pipe end (20) having an outwardly-extending annular rib (34), a female pipe end (40) adapted for slidable insertion of the male pipe end (20) therein, a first clamp ring (54) adapted for slidable coupling with the male pipe end (20) and bearing against the annular rib (34), and a second clamp ring (52) fixedly attached to the female pipe end (40). The first clamp ring (54) can be controllably urged toward the second clamp ring (52) after the male pipe end (20) has been inserted into the female pipe end (40) so that the female pipe end (40) deformably engages the annular rib (34) to effect a sealed joint without the use of a gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: PRIDGEON & CLAY, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Kozal
  • Publication number: 20090189391
    Abstract: A tube fitting assembly is provided for a gas burner. The assembly includes a pre-deformed tube connector having first and second ends. At least one of the ends is provided an annular sealing bead formed by compressing and cold working at least two intermediate annular beads together. A first coupling member is provided defining a cavity and having a shaped seating surface adapted to sealingly engage a cooperating surface of the annular sealing bead. A second coupling member is provided rotatably and slidably disposed on the pre-deformed tube connector and is adapted to mate with the first coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: William Joseph Ferlin, Timothy J. Tupa
  • Publication number: 20090083962
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided for forming a flange at an end of a tube. The system includes a collar that is configured to surround the tube, and a first roller engaging the collar. A second roller is configured to cooperate with the first roller to rotate the collar and the tube and includes a depression configured to receive a radially inwardly protruding portion of the tube therein. A rotatable cam cooperates with the second roller and includes a cam surface configured to bend the end of the tube to thereby form the flange. The depression may be configured to restrict axial movement of the tube relative to the collar. The depression may include an annular recess that is circumferentially disposed about the second roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: LANGDON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph P. Sandman, Michael N. Sandman
  • Patent number: 7506687
    Abstract: A system for radially expanding a tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 7469934
    Abstract: A pipe joint structure capable of reducing the joint height (H) and fabrication costs has a connection flange member provided with a through hole piercing the thickness of the flange member. A polygonal enlarged recess greater than the inner diameter of the through hole is formed at one end of the through hole. Meanwhile, an annular protrusion protruding radially outward is formed near an end of a pipe having an outer diameter capable of insertion into the through hole. This annular protrusion has an outer diameter greater than the incircle diameter of the polygonal enlarged recess. The annular protrusion is press-fitted and fixed to the polygonal enlarged recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Inaba, Koji Sakai
  • Publication number: 20080303277
    Abstract: A non-bolt joint structure comprising; a packing ring sealing between a receiving opening section and an insertion opening section; an engaging means provided with an inner circumference of the receiving opening section preventing a polyethylene pipe from disengaging from the receiving opening section by engaging with an outer circumferential surface of the polyethylene pipe; and a tubular metallic inner core fitting an inner circumference of the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe, wherein the inner core is plastically deformed to include a first bulge portion that its cross-sectional shape bulges toward an outward radial direction, a second bulge portion is formed so that the insertion opening section of the polyethylene pipe bulges toward the outward radial direction along the first bulge portion of the inner core, and the polyethylene pipe is prevented from disengaging by the engaging means engaging with the outer circumferential surface of the second bulge portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Tamotsu YAMASHITA, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7377556
    Abstract: An adapter mount for attaching to a fitting tube includes an adapter tube having an outer circumferential surface; a first expandable ring placed on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter tube and comprising of elastic material for expanding and fitting to the inner surface of the fitting tube; an adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the adapter tube to generate a rotational threading force; a compression ring for translating the rotational threading force from the adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first expandable ring, causing an outer surface of the first expandable ring to fit to the inner surface of the fitting tube; and a stop attached to the adapter tube for preventing the adjustment ring from separating from the adapter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: David Gian-Teh Ho
  • Patent number: 7360591
    Abstract: A system for radially expanding a tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 6907652
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first pipe to a second pipe having an end part fitting into an end part of the first pipe, comprising arranging the end part of the second pipe within the end part of the first pipe, arranging a sleeve of a deformable material between said end parts, and radially expanding the end part of the second pipe towards the end part of the first pipe so as to bias the sleeve between said end parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen
  • Patent number: 6877779
    Abstract: A conduit connection joint is formed to connect a tube and a fitting body in fluid tight relation. The joint is made by axially compressing the tube in a bore in the fitting body so as to cause formation of an outwardly extending tube bead and at least one inwardly extending tube bead. The engagement of the fitting body and the tube may be further strengthened by a retaining ridge. The retaining ridge may be formed in the fitting body to engage the outwardly extending tube bead to further hold the fitting body and tube in engaged relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Universal Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rita Kerr, Otto Swogger, Shawn Westrick, John Schoonyan Jr., David Culler, Ralph G. Ridenour, Dennis Kerr
  • Patent number: 6688653
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for fluid and vapor connection comprising a first tube, a second tube and a thin strip of polymeric material. A male member is formed at the end of the first tube. A hollow female body is formed at end of the second tube. The male member is received in the female body. The strip of polymeric material has a layer of adhesive applied to one surface of the strip. The strip is bonded to the male member and unbonded to the female body. The strip is compressed between the male member and the female body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles D. Thrift, Darren Meacham
  • Patent number: 6623048
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a tube member to a housing of a vacuum brake booster is provided. A tube member includes a body portion, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end. A first collar portion is disposed between the first end and the body portion, and extends outward from the outer surface. A lip portion is disposed at the first end and extends outward from the outer surface. The first collar portion and the lip portion define a recess to receive a first housing member. The tube member may further include a second collar portion spaced apart from the first collar portion and extending outward from the outer surface. The second collar portion may preferably define a contact surface for contacting an inner surface of a second housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Georges Castel, Michael William Fanelli
  • Patent number: 6607220
    Abstract: A radially expandable tubular connection including a box member having an internal thread and a first seal surface and a pin member having an external thread and a second seal surface. The external thread threadedly engages the internal thread and the first and second seal surfaces form a metal-to-metal seal upon engagement of the seal surfaces. At least one groove is formed on an outer surface of the box member, and the at least one groove is shaped so that the box member radially deforms in a direction toward the pin member in a region near the metal-to-metal seal after radial plastic expansion of the pin and box members after engagement of the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Sivley, IV
  • Patent number: 6554323
    Abstract: A socketless fitting for releasable connection of a pressurized line. The fitting has a housing body with a receiving opening to insert one end of the line, and an inner sleeve attached in the housing body in an arrangement that extends coaxially within the receiving opening for engagement into the inserted line end. The inner sleeve is fastened in the housing body media-tight around the periphery by a connector and preferably engages in the line media-tight around the periphery. A clamping element axially movable in the receiving opening cooperates with an inner surface of the housing body to secure the line end onto the inner sleeve. Media-tight outward sealing is accomplished by sealing engagement of the essentially rigidly secured inner sleeve in the line, because the inner sleeve itself is also tightly joined to the housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Salomon-Bahls, Harald Hagen, Volker Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6543817
    Abstract: A process for forming a radially upset tube flange particularly suitable for securing a connector on an end of a tube, and a connector assembly formed thereby. A connector is provided, having an end face and an away face. A desired length of tube is provided, having an end portion and a tube end. The connector is passed over the end portion of the tube, with the end face of the connector nearest the tube end and the away face of the connector farthest from the tube end. The tube is gripped with a fixture, and positioned with the away face of the connector against the fixture. A preferred length of the tube end portion extends axially beyond the end face of the connector. Force is applied axially to the tube end, causing a major radially outward upset of the tube against the end face of the connector and a minor radially outward upset of the tube against the away face of the connector. A tapered punch is forced into the tube end axially, causing the tube end to flare outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Whitley Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Laral E. Turner, Paul Scheuer
  • Patent number: 6517126
    Abstract: An internal swage fitting for swaging a tube. The fitting includes a tube connection region with one or more radial grooves and an expansion cavity at the end adjacent to the end of the tube to be swaged. The expansion cavity accommodates flowing tube material during the swaging process with minimal axial pressure on the fitting. The expansion cavity also includes a stop wall to fix the location of the tube in the fitting. The expansion cavity enables swaging of tube materials of relatively high ductility without accounting for setback. It therefore eliminates the need for a collar to establish setback during swaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ivan Harry Peterson, John Carl Glessner
  • Patent number: 6367850
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for fluid and vapor connection comprising a first tube, a second tube and a ring. The first tube has a male member at the end of the first tube and a radially enlarged upset formed at a distance from the end of the first tube. The second tube has a hollow female body formed at the end of the second tube. The male member is received in the female body. The ring surrounds the female body. The ring has an axial bore with an innermost diameter smaller than the outermost diameter of the female body for deforming the female body radially inward. The innermost diameter of the axial bore is smaller than at least a portion of the upset of the first tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Charles D. Thrift, Darren Meacham
  • Patent number: 6328073
    Abstract: A body that slides over an end, opposite end, and outer diameter of a conduit is presented. A passage through the body has a groove in which a seal is located. A portion of the conduit is expanded to create an interference fit with the passage, groove, and ends of the body. As a result, an enlarged outer diameter of the conduit axially interlocks with the groove and compresses the seal therein to create a fluid-tight seal. In one embodiment of the present invention, a second enlarged outer diameter of the conduit is displaced outward over the opposite of the body to help lock the body to the conduit. Additionally, an outside diameter of the body can accommodate grooves for retaining seals. These seals can create a sealed engagement to a housing or another fitting, to form a complete conduit connection. The body can take the form of a housing, a male fitting, or a female fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Automotive Fluid Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Slais
  • Patent number: 6206437
    Abstract: A male hose connector of a threaded, machined metal male end, and a tubular stem metal stamping, the stem having a rim engaging an annular shoulder in the male end, an O-ring between the male end and rim, and an axial splined connection between the male end and stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Lakeshore Automatic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 6170888
    Abstract: A conduit connection joint is formed to connect a tube (10) and afitting body (12) in fluid tight relation. The joint is made by axially compressing the tube (10) in a bore (14) in the fitting body (12) so as to cause formation of a first bead (52) in a bead formation area. Further axial compression of the tube (10) causes the sequential formation of an additional bead (54) in the bore (14) so as to provide engagement between the tube (10) and the fitting body (12). The engagement of the fitting body (12) and the tube (10) may be further strengthened by axially compressing and radially expanding the beads (52, 54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Universal Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour