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).
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Publication number: 20190293218Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: 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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Patent number: 10359134Abstract: A conduit fitting preassembly includes an annular fitting component and at least a first conduit gripping device. The annular fitting component has an interior wall extending axially from a forward end to a rearward end, and a first projection extending radially inward from the interior wall. The first conduit gripping device is received within the annular fitting component and includes a second projection extending radially outward of an outer surface of the first conduit gripping device. The first projection includes an outward tapered rear surface and the second projection includes an inward tapered front surface. The rear surface of the first projection is radially aligned with the front surface of the second projection, such that when the first conduit gripping device is in a forward-most position, the first projection interlocks with the second projection to prevent axial withdrawal of the first conduit gripping device from the annular fitting component.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Peter C. Williams, Prasanna Bhamidipati, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Mark A. Clason, Cal R. Brown, Jeffrey S. Rayle, John D. Karkosiak, Mark A. Bennett, Mark D. Bearer, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Gregory S. Kalata, Connor M. Dorony, Stephen J. Zaborski, Dale C. Arstein
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Publication number: 20190040980Abstract: A preassembly for a conduit fitting includes an annular fitting component and at least a first conduit gripping device. The annular fitting component has an interior wall including an inboard surface having a first diameter, an outboard surface having a second 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 first conduit gripping device is retained within the annular fitting component and includes a body portion and an annular ring portion having an inner radial portion secured to a rear surface of the body portion, and a flange portion extending radially outward of the inner radial portion to define a projection extending radially outward of an outer circumferential surface of the first conduit gripping device, with an end portion of the projection being axially captured between the inboard radial wall and the outboard radial wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Mark D. Bearer, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas J. McClure, Douglas S. Welch, Peter C. Williams, Stephen J. Zaborszki
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Publication number: 20180320804Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Inventors: Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Cal R. Brown, William J. Knaggs, Peter C. Williams, Andrew P. Marshall
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Publication number: 20180299012Abstract: A seal device is provided for sealing a cylindrical component upon axial insertion of the cylindrical component, with the seal device including an annular flange portion defining a first opening having a first diameter, and a skirt portion integral with the annular flange portion and extending axially and radially inward from the flange portion. The skirt portion includes a plurality of first sectors extending axially inward from the flange portion to an axially inner edge of the skirt portion, each having an inner undulation defining a second opening having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The plurality of first sectors are circumferentially spaced apart by a plurality of second sectors extending axially outward from the flange portion to the axially inner edge of the skirt portion, each having an outer undulation defining a third opening having a third diameter smaller than the first diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Elizabeth Mueller, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch
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Publication number: 20180202594Abstract: 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: March 15, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Inventors: 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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Patent number: 10024468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180195651Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Mark D. Bearer, Cal R. Brown, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas J. McClure
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Publication number: 20180128405Abstract: 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: January 10, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Douglas J. McClure
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Patent number: 9958100Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: 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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Patent number: 9903518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventors: Mark A. Clason, Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Douglas J. McClure
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Publication number: 20170276270Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Cal R. Brown, Peter C. Williams, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell
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Publication number: 20170261137Abstract: A preassembly for a conduit fitting includes an annular fitting component having an interior wall extending along a central axis from an inboard end to an outboard end, a conduit gripping device disposed in the annular fitting component and comprising an outer radial surface at a back portion thereof, and a retaining device having an inboard first interlock portion that interlocks with the outer radial surface of the conduit gripping device, and an outboard second interlock portion axially spaced apart from the first interlock portion, the second interlock portion interlocking with the interior wall of the annular fitting component, such that the retaining device holds said annular fitting component and said conduit gripping device together as a discrete subassembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Cal R. Brown, Douglas J. McClure, Gregory S. Kalata, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas S. Welch, Stephen J. Zaborszki, James E. Gotch, Jordan J. Welle, Elizabeth Mueller, Gregory R. Arcangelini, Michael J. Mohlenkamp, Justin Hamilton, William J. Knaggs, Daniel G. Trivett, William H. Glime, III, Timothy Garrett Gray, Connor M. Dorony, Donald E. NegreIii, Dale C. Arstein, Mark A. Clason, Keith M. Dando, Richard J. Mlinarik, Del C. Stamm, Ross A. Clark, Gary Matson
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Publication number: 20170227151Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Mark D. Bearer, Cal R. Brown, Stephen J. Zaborszki, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas J. McClure
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Publication number: 20170059065Abstract: A conduit fitting preassembly includes an annular fitting component and at least a first conduit gripping device. The annular fitting component has an interior wall extending axially from a forward end to a rearward end, and a first projection extending radially inward from the interior wall. The first conduit gripping device is received within the annular fitting component and includes a second projection extending radially outward of an outer surface of the first conduit gripping device. The first projection includes an outward tapered rear surface and the second projection includes an inward tapered front surface. The rear surface of the first projection is radially aligned with the front surface of the second projection, such that when the first conduit gripping device is in a forward-most position, the first projection interlocks with the second projection to prevent axial withdrawal of the first conduit gripping device from the annular fitting component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Prasanna Bhamidipati, Jeffrey Michael Rubinski, Mark A. Clason, Cal R. Brown, Jeffrey S. Rayle, John D. Karkosiak, Mark A. Bennett, Mark D. Bearer, Douglas S. Welch, Ronald P. Campbell, Douglas J. McClure, Gregory S. Kalata, Connor M. Dorony, Stephen J. Zaborski, Dale C. Arstein
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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: 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: 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