Patents by Inventor Douglas S. Welch

Douglas S. Welch 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).

  • Patent number: 12072044
    Abstract: A fitting includes a first and second threaded fitting component and a conduit gripping device receivable within the first threaded fitting component. A stroke resisting member is integral with the first threaded fitting component and includes a web having a first radial thickness and extending axially inward from the first threaded fitting component to a distal ring portion having a second radial thickness greater than the first radial thickness. A radially extending bearing surface of the distal ring portion axially engages a radially extending portion of the second fitting component when the first and second fitting components are joined together to the first relative axial position. The stroke resisting member resists additional axial stroke of the first and second fitting components, such that a tightening torque beyond the first relative axial position is increased by the axial engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: 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, Matthew K. Messer
  • Publication number: 20240183470
    Abstract: A fitting includes a first and second threaded fitting component and a conduit gripping device receivable within the first threaded fitting component. A stroke resisting member is integral with the first threaded fitting component and includes a web having a first radial thickness and extending axially inward from the first threaded fitting component to a distal ring portion having a second radial thickness greater than the first radial thickness. A radially extending bearing surface of the distal ring portion axially engages a radially extending portion of the second fitting component when the first and second fitting components are joined together to the first relative axial position. The stroke resisting member resists additional axial stroke of the first and second fitting components, such that a tightening torque beyond the first relative axial position is increased by the axial engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: 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, Matthew K. Messer
  • Publication number: 20230408011
    Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes first and second fitting components and a conduit releasing insert. The first and second fitting components are assembled to define an internal cavity enclosing a conduit retaining arrangement axially movable between an outboard conduit gripping position and an inboard conduit releasing position. The conduit releasing insert includes a fitting interlocking feature releasably engaging the second fitting component, and a releasing feature engaging the conduit retaining arrangement to secure the conduit retaining arrangement in the conduit releasing position against axial outboard movement. Movement of the conduit releasing insert to disengage the fitting interlocking feature from the second fitting component permits outboard axial movement of the conduit retaining arrangement to the conduit gripping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Michael D. Bestic
  • Patent number: 11781688
    Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes first and second fitting components, a sealing arrangement, a gripping arrangement, and a colleting ring. The first fitting component has an outboard end that is adapted to receive a conduit end. The second fitting component is joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity. The sealing arrangement, disposed in the interior cavity, 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 gripping arrangement is disposed in the interior cavity, and the colleting ring is disposed in the interior cavity and has an inboard end surface engaging an outboard end surface of the gripping arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Michael D. Bestic
  • Patent number: 11703165
    Abstract: A ferrule subassembly for a conduit fitting includes first and second ferrules. The first ferrule includes a front body portion defining a forward tapered surface, a rear body portion defining an interior camming surface, and a retaining extension joined with the rear body portion radially outward of the camming surface and extending axially rearward and radially inward from the inner axial portion. The second ferrule includes a front portion having a tapered forward contact surface adjacent the first ferrule camming surface, an outer radial portion extending axially rearward of the forward contact surface, and a recessed portion axially rearward of the outer radial portion. An end portion of the retaining extension is received in the recessed portion of the second ferrule to retain the second ferrule with the first ferrule as a discontinuous subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Bearer, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Richard J. Mlinarik, Robert A. Fotta, Matthew K. Messer, Gregory S. Kalata
  • Publication number: 20210317933
    Abstract: A fitting includes a first and second threaded fitting component and a conduit gripping device receivable within the first threaded fitting component. A stroke resisting member is integral with the first threaded fitting component and includes a web having a first radial thickness and extending axially inward from the first threaded fitting component to a distal ring portion having a second radial thickness greater than the first radial thickness. A radially extending bearing surface of the distal ring portion axially engages a radially extending portion of the second fitting component when the first and second fitting components are joined together to the first relative axial position. The stroke resisting member resists additional axial stroke of the first and second fitting components, such that a tightening torque beyond the first relative axial position is increased by the axial engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: 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, Matthew K. Messer
  • Publication number: 20210247005
    Abstract: A ferrule subassembly for a conduit fitting includes first and second ferrules. The first female includes a front body portion defining a forward tapered surface, a rear body portion defining an interior camming surface, and a retaining extension joined with the rear body portion radially outward of the camming surface and extending axially rearward and radially inward from the inner axial portion. The second ferrule includes a front portion having a tapered forward contact surface adjacent the first ferrule camming surface, an outer radial portion extending axially rearward of the forward contact surface, and a recessed portion axially rearward of the outer radial portion. An end portion of the retaining extension is received in the recessed portion of the second female to retain the ferrule with the first ferrule as a discontinuous subassembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Mark D. Bearer, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Richard J. Mlinarik, Robert A. Fotta, Matthew K. Messer, Gregory S. Kalata
  • Patent number: 11079046
    Abstract: A subassembly for a conduit fitting includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule alignable relative to an axis. The first ferrule includes a camming surface at a back portion thereof, and the second ferrule includes a surface that contacts the camming surface when the first ferrule and the second ferrule are axially moved together along the axis. A retaining structure retains the first ferrule and the second ferrule together as a subassembly, and includes a flange extending radially outward and axially rearward from the back portion of the first ferrule to define an outer diameter recess. The flange includes an end portion that extends radially inward to define an inner diameter recess retaining a forward portion of the second ferrule. The outer diameter recess and the inner diameter recess together define a hinge portion of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: 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, Matthew K. Messer
  • Patent number: 11073234
    Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a first fitting component having an outboard end that receives the conduit end portion, a second fitting component joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity, a seal device disposed in the interior cavity, and a retainer assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components. The seal device forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of a conduit end portion. The retainer includes a gripping portion received in a circumferential groove of the conduit end portion to grip the conduit end portion, and a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion and configured to apply a colleting force to the outer surface of the conduit end portion at least when an outboard axial load is applied to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11009158
    Abstract: A fitting includes a first threaded fitting component, a second threaded fitting component that threadably joins with the first fitting component to produce relative axial stroke between the first and second fitting components, and a conduit gripping device receivable between the first and second fitting component. When the fitting is pulled-up on a conduit, a radially outward facing tapered first annular surface of the first fitting component axially engages a radially inward facing tapered second annular surface of the second fitting component. At least one of the first and second annular surfaces includes a recess extending from an inner diameter to an outer diameter of the corresponding annular surface, the recess defining a leak detection port in fluid communication with the fitting interior volume when the first annular surface is in axial engagement with the second annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11002395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200309299
    Abstract: A push to connect fitting includes first and second fitting components, a sealing arrangement, a gripping arrangement, and a colleting ring. The first fitting component has an outboard end that is adapted to receive a conduit end. The second fitting component is joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity. The sealing arrangement, disposed in the interior cavity, 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 gripping arrangement is disposed in the interior cavity, and the colleting ring is disposed in the interior cavity and has an inboard end surface engaging an outboard end surface of the gripping arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Michael D. Bestic
  • Publication number: 20200278064
    Abstract: A fitting assembly includes a first fitting component having an outboard end that receives the conduit end portion, a second fitting component joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity, a seal device disposed in the interior cavity, and a retainer assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components. The seal device forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of a conduit end portion. The retainer includes a gripping portion received in a circumferential groove of the conduit end portion to grip the conduit end portion, and a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion and configured to apply a colleting force to the outer surface of the conduit end portion at least when an outboard axial load is applied to the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10704722
    Abstract: A push to connect fitting assembly includes first and second fitting components joined to define an interior cavity, a seal device, a retainer, and a biasing member. The seal device is disposed in the interior cavity, and forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and 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 grips the inserted conduit end. The biasing member is axially disposed between the retainer and the seal device, the biasing member applying a first axial load to the retainer to produce a gripping force between the gripping portion and the inserted conduit end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SWAGELLOK COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200182383
    Abstract: A fitting includes a first threaded fitting component, a second threaded fitting component that threadably joins with the first fitting component to produce relative axial stroke between the first and second fitting components, and a conduit gripping device receivable between the first and second fitting component. When the fitting is pulled-up on a conduit, a radially outward facing tapered first annular surface of the first fitting component axially engages a radially inward facing tapered second annular surface of the second fitting component. At least one of the first and second annular surfaces includes a recess extending from an inner diameter to an outer diameter of the corresponding annular surface, the recess defining a leak detection port in fluid communication with the fitting interior volume when the first annular surface is in axial engagement with the second annular surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20200173591
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10648595
    Abstract: A preassembly for a conduit fitting includes an annular fitting component and a conduit gripping device. The annular fitting component has an interior wall extending along a central axis from an inboard end to an outboard end. The interior wall includes an inboard surface having a first diameter, an outboard surface having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and an intermediate surface recessed from the inboard surface by an outward facing inboard radial wall and recessed from the outboard surface by an inward facing outboard radial wall. The conduit gripping device is retained within the annular fitting component and includes a projection extending radially outward of an outer circumferential surface of the conduit gripping device, and axially toward an inboard end of the conduit gripping device, with an end portion of the projection being axially captured between the inboard radial wall and the outboard radial wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Mark D. Bearer, Cal R. Brown, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas J. McClure
  • Patent number: 10619780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Douglas J. McClure
  • Patent number: 10584814
    Abstract: A fitting includes first and second fitting components adapted to be joined on a conduit to a first relative axial position to effect a seal between the conduit and a sealing element, sealing the conduit from a non-wetted fitting interior volume at least partially defined by the first and second fitting components. When the first and second fitting components are joined to the first relative axial position, first and second annular surfaces of the fitting axially engage, resulting in resistance to additional axial stroke of the first and second fitting components. At least one of the first and second annular surfaces includes a recess extending from an inner diameter to an outer diameter of the corresponding annular surface, and defining a leak detection port in fluid communication with the fitting interior volume when the first annular surface is in engagement with the second annular surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10584820
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: 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