Abstract: A swaging tool for swaging an axially swaged fitting for connecting tubes and pipes is disclosed. The tool comprises a housing and a piston movable in opposite axial directions within the housing. A first engaging member in the form of a U-shaped yoke is formed on the outer surface of the housing. A second engaging member, also in the form of a U-shaped yoke, is formed on the outer surface of the piston and is adapted to slide within slots in the outer surface of the housing. Both of these yokes are configured to allow either side of each yoke to engage a portion of the fitting to swage it when the yoke of the second engaging member is moved toward the yoke of the first engaging member.

Abstract: A fitting for attachment to a tube by swaging comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a tapered outer surface and an inner surface for receiving the tube. A cylindrical swaging ring having a tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the sleeve such that axial movement of the ring in a forward direction with respect to the sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to swage it to the tube. The swaging ring is locked onto the sleeve both before and after swaging by one or more protrusions on the outer surface of the sleeve which cooperatively engage an annular groove in the swaging ring. The location of the protrusions and groove in relation to the tapered surfaces on the swaging ring and sleeve is especially configured to provide smooth axial loading during swaging and increase tube retention capabilities at the conclusion of the swaging operation.

Abstract: A swaging tool for swaging an axially swaged fitting for connecting tubes and pipes is disclosed. The tool comprises a housing and a piston movable in opposite axial directions within the housing. A first engaging member in the form of a U-shaped yoke is formed on the outer surface of the housing. A second engaging member, also in the form of a U-shaped yoke, is formed on the outer surface of the piston and is adapted to slide within slots in the outer surface of the housing. Both of these yokes are configured to allow each yoke to engage a portion of the fitting to swage it when the yoke of the second engaging member is moved toward the yoke of the first engaging member.

Abstract: A fitting for attachment to a tube by swaging is disclosed. The fitting comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a tapered outer surface and an inner surface for receiving the tube. A cylindrical swaging ring having a tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the sleeve such that axial movement of the ring in a forward direction with respect to the sleeve causes the ring to apply a radial force to the sleeve to swage it to the tube. The swaging ring is comprised of a lightweight, high strength material, such as a composite material, having high tensile strength in a circumferential direction and a high modulus of elasticity, with relatively low density and low elongation properties. One preferred composite material comprises an epoxy resin matrix and a high strength graphite fiber. The swaging ring is locked onto the sleeve both before and after swaging by one or more protrusions on the outer surface of the sleeve which cooperatively engage an annular groove in the swaging ring.

Abstract: A fitting for attachment to a tube by external swaging is disclosed. The fitting includes an outer surface that fits within the dies of a swaging tool, and an inner surface that includes a plurality of axially spaced annular grooves that bite into the tube upon swaging. A reinforcing ring surrounds the outer surface of the fitting in the area of the annular grooves to provide reinforcement. The fitting also has an outer end with a special double tapered configuration such that, after swaging, the tube and inner surface of the fitting in the area of the annular grooves forms a wedge that equally distributes the load and increases the tube retention capability of the fitting. The fitting also includes a tapered shoulder for positioning the fitting within the dies of the swaging tool in a reliable and repeatable manner, and further includes tapered axial grooves on the inner surface of the fitting for preventing torsional movement between the fitting and the tube after swaging.

Abstract: A swaging tool is provided for swaging a fitting and joining two tubes together, especially fittings in difficult-to-access areas. A removable head of the tool holds a first die stationary with respect to a second die moved toward the first die by a double piston arrangement within the tool cylinder. The head is slideably removable directly from the cylinder by a tongue and groove configuration on the head and cylinder, respectively, which further includes head alignment means to ensure proper orientation of the dies. Additional die aligning features are provided, as well as other features, including means for recognizing tool wear, an improved return spring for retracting the pistons, tool insertion guides to facilitate assembly of the tool and other features which result in an extremely compact and lightweight tool.