Abstract: A crimp fitting comprises a metal tube wall that forms both a cylindrical tube portion and an adjacent annular O-ring channel portion. The tube wall has a first wall thickness along the cylindrical tube portion and a second wall thickness along at least part of the O-ring channel portion. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. The cylindrical tube portion and O-ring channel are configured and adapted to encircle a cylindrical end portion of a tube when such end portion of the tube is inserted into the fitting.

Abstract: A crimp fitting comprises a metal tube wall that forms both a cylindrical tube portion and an adjacent annular O-ring channel portion. The tube wall has a first wall thickness along the cylindrical tube portion and a second wall thickness along at least part of the O-ring channel portion. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. The cylindrical tube portion and O-ring channel are configured and adapted to encircle a cylindrical end portion of a tube when such end portion of the tube is inserted into the fitting.

Abstract: A crimp fitting comprises a metal tube wall that forms both a cylindrical tube portion and an adjacent annular O-ring channel portion. The tube wall has a first wall thickness along the cylindrical tube portion and a second wall thickness along at least part of the O-ring channel portion. The second wall thickness is less than the first wall thickness. The cylindrical tube portion and O-ring channel are configured and adapted to encircle a cylindrical end portion of a tube when such end portion of the tube is inserted into the fitting.

Abstract: A crimp fitting comprises a female socket that is configured to be crimped to an end portion of a hard tube. The socket comprises an annealed annular wall that has an inner cylindrical surface portion and at least one annular sealing portion. The cylindrical surface portion lies axially between the socket opening and the annular sealing portion, and has a diameter matched to the OD of the tube. The annular sealing portion has an innermost diameter that is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical surface portion. As the end of the tube is inserted into the socket, the tube cannot slideably contact the annular sealing portion. Thus, the annular sealing portion will not be damaged by the insertion of the tube. Thereafter, the annular sealing portion is radially crimped and ultimately contacts and deforms a portion of the tube in a manner creating interlocking geometry and a pressure seal.

Abstract: Flattened fluid conduits for use in heat exchangers and other systems, and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fluid conduit for use in heat exchangers can be manufactured by inserting two or more inner tubes into a circular or at least partially circular barrier tube and at least partially flattening at least some length of the assembly. The heat exchanger conduit can include one or more void spaces within the barrier tube and adjacent to the inner tubes which serve to contain any leaks in the inner tubes and vent any leaks to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Flattened tubes for use in heat exchangers and other systems and associated methods of manufacture and use are described herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method of manufacturing a flattened tube for use in a heat exchanger includes forming a plurality of generally parallel ridges on an internal surface of a generally round tube. The tube can be radially compressed into a generally oblong cross-sectional shape. Individual ridges can be spot welded together at contact points to form a plurality of fluid channels. The ridges can be formed in a generally helical path on the internal surface of the tube. Selected ridges can extend further from the internal surface than other ridges.

Abstract: Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A method of forming a fluid conduit in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes providing a copper tube having a first inner diameter and a first wall thickness, and heat treating an end portion of the copper tube to a predetermined hardness. The method can further include increasing the wall thickness of the end portion from the first wall thickness to a second wall thickness, and increasing the inner diameter of the end portion from the first inner diameter to a second inner diameter. The method further includes forming a circular groove in an interior surface of the end portion and positioning a seal in the circular groove.

Abstract: Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A fluid conduit configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a tube, such as a copper tube, having an end portion adjacent to a body portion. The body portion has a first wall thickness and the end portion has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. The fluid conduit also includes a seal positioned in an annular groove formed in an interior surface of the end portion. In this embodiment, the tube can be joined to another tube by at least partially compressing the end portion around a portion of the other tube.

Abstract: Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A method of forming a fluid conduit in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes providing a copper tube having a first inner diameter and a first wall thickness, and heat treating an end portion of the copper tube to a predetermined hardness. The method can further include increasing the wall thickness of the end portion from the first wall thickness to a second wall thickness, and increasing the inner diameter of the end portion from the first inner diameter to a second inner diameter. The method further includes forming a circular groove in an interior surface of the end portion and positioning a seal in the circular groove.

Abstract: Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A fluid conduit configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a tube, such as a copper tube, having an end portion adjacent to a body portion. The body portion has a first wall thickness and the end portion has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. The fluid conduit also includes a seal positioned in an annular groove formed in an interior surface of the end portion. In this embodiment, the tube can be joined to another tube by at least partially compressing the end portion around a portion of the other tube.