Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

Abstract: Coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring. The tubular members are generally coaxially arranged such that the sealing faces face each other. The coupling comprises a sealing gasket captured between the sealing beads for sealing the coupling, wherein the frictional surfaces engage the sealing gasket to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

Abstract: Coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring. The tubular members are generally coaxially arranged such that the sealing faces face each other. The coupling comprises a sealing gasket captured between the sealing beads for sealing the coupling, wherein the frictional surfaces engage the sealing gasket to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling body that is visually perceptible when the coupling is in a finger tight position, and that is covered or visually imperceptible or otherwise has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. In a preferred form, the marking is realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface of the coupling body. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening or knurling the surface, or coloring the surface, for example. The groove defines an edge at a precise position that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body for initial pull-up.

Abstract: Couplings and coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring and a method of making a coupling having a locking ring to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a coupling comprising two generally tubular members each having a sealing end face, a raised, annular sealing bead, an inner bore, and a frictional surface located radially outward of the sealing bead.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling body that is visually perceptible when the coupling is in a finger tight position, and that is covered or visually imperceptible or otherwise has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. In a preferred form, the marking is realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface of the coupling body. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening or knurling the surface, or coloring the surface, for example. The groove defines an edge at a precise position that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body for initial pull-up.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes first and second coupling members or glands having end faces that sealingly engage opposite faces of an annular gasket. An end face of the coupling member includes a circumferentially continuous seal bead disposed adjacent the bore of the coupling member. A bead thus contacts the gasket along a radially inner region thereof. Disposed over a major portion of the radial face is a substantially planar region. The planar region is adapted to engage the gasket during make-up so that the user encounters an increase or positive feedback of increased torque once the coupling assembly is properly made-up. The end face also includes a raised ring disposed along the radial perimeter. The ring extends outwardly from the end face a dimension slightly greater than that of the bead so that it provides initial engagement with the gasket. This locks the coupling member and gasket against relative rotation during make-up.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes first and second coupling members or glands having end faces that sealingly engage opposite faces of an annular gasket. An end face of the coupling member includes a circumferentially continuous seal bead disposed adjacent the bore of the coupling member. A bead thus contacts the gasket along a radially inner region thereof. Disposed over a major portion of the radial face is a substantially planar region. The planar region is adapted to engage the gasket during make-up so that the user encounters an increase or positive feedback of increased torque once the coupling assembly is properly made-up. The end face also includes a raised ring disposed along the radial perimeter. The ring extends outwardly from the end face a dimension slightly greater than that of the bead so that it provides initial engagement with the gasket. This locks the coupling member and gasket against relative rotation during make-up.

Abstract: Couplings and coupling components which prevent relative rotation between tubular members when break away torque forces are applied to the tubular members. In one embodiment, the invention is a locking ring for preventing relative axial rotation between two generally tubular members. The ring is shaped to receive a sealing gasket and has two side faces wherein each side face is shaped to frictionally engage one of the tubular members to thereby prevent relative axial rotation between the tubular members. The invention is also directed to a coupling including a locking ring and a method of making a coupling having a locking ring to prevent relative rotation between the tubular members. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a coupling comprising two generally tubular members each having a sealing end face, a raised, annular sealing bead, an inner bore, and a frictional surface located radially outward of the sealing bead.

Abstract: A clamped flange pipe or tube fitting assembly includes a resilient seal ring compressed in a chamber formed by cooperating recesses in opposed flanges. The chamber and seal ring are dimensionally related in a manner to produce circumferentially continuous, radially spaced primary and secondary seal areas and to assure a continuous interior surface between the connected pipes or tubes with no recesses to entrap process fluids.

Abstract: A pipe joint assembly comprises a pair of cylindrical pipe ends of the same internal diameter in axially contiguous aligned relationship. Connecting flanges extend radially outward of each of the pipe end and have opposed faces defining a circumferentially continuous packing groove including a first axially narrow portion opening to the cylindrical interior of the pipe ends and a second axially wider portion radially outward of the first portion. An elastomeric gasket positioned in the packing groove. The gasket is sized and dimensioned to completely fill the first axially narrow portion and extend to within the second portion. The radial inner extent of the gasket provides a smooth continuation of the cylindrical interior surfaces of said pipe ends when the flange faces are at their limit of movement toward one another.

Abstract: A tube coupling locking assembly for preventing undesired loosening of a make-up coupling includes a cooperating pair of rigid lock members that encircle about a coupling nut with one of the lock members having an end connected to a second cooperating coupling nut or the body of an associated fluid device. The cooperating lock members are arranged to prevent relative rotation between the encircled coupling nut and the cooperating coupling nut or associated fluid device.

Abstract: A special container and a cooperating plier-type tool are designed to facilitate storage and installation of fluid system gaskets. The container acts to guide and control movement of the tool into gripping engagement with the gaskets to eliminate contact with the sealing faces of the gaskets by either the installer's hands or the tool.

Abstract: A gasket and retainer assembly for a tube coupling arranged such that the gasket can be installed into, and removed from, a retained and supported position between the coupling components with a strictly lateral movement. The assembly includes a retainer having a pair of engagement portions located on generally diametrically opposite sides of the gasket to radially grip the associated coupling component.

Abstract: A tube coupling comprises first and second coupling components having transversely extending sealing end faces in aligned face-to-face relationship. First and second nut members are arranged to drive the sealing end faces toward each other. An annular anti-twist member is located between the first nut means and the first coupling member for conducting axial forces from the first nut member to the first coupling component. The annular anti-twist member and the second nut member include axially engaged portions for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A gasket and retainer arrangement for use in a coupling of the type having first and second coupling components with opposed end faces including sealing ribs extending axially therefrom with an annular sealing gasket interposed therebetween comprises a retainer device for maintaining the gasket in a predetermined located position relative to the end face of one of the components. The retainer includes a generally sleeve-like body defining a retaining portion closely received over the one component at an area rearwardly from the associated radial end face. A plurality of axially extending leg portions are spaced about the retaining portion and extend axially beyond the associated end face. The annular sealing gasket has an outer periphery of a diameter at least slightly greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve-like body with recesses formed in the outer periphery to receive the axially extending leg portions whereby the gasket is maintained in aligned relationship with the end face.

Abstract: A tube coupling assembly particularly suited for ultra-high vacuum applications comprises a pair of coupling components having through passages and abutting end faces. Each end face includes an annular continuous rib or bead. A threaded coupling nut acts to drive the ribs into sealing engagement with the opposite sides of flat annular sealing washer gasket positioned between the end faces. To prevent relative rotation between the end faces and the sealing gasket, as well as to prevent torque transmission to related system components, protrusions are provided which engage the coupling components to produce a driving connection between the gasket and/or the two coupling components prior to engagement of the ribs with the gasket. Also, a resinous plastic bearing washer is used between the coupling nut and the associated coupling component to reduce torque transmission during make-up.