Patents by Inventor Lonnie E. Johnston

Lonnie E. Johnston 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: 9976676
    Abstract: A tamper evident assembly is provided for an associated fluid fitting that has a threaded nut that cooperates with a threaded body. The tamper evident assembly includes a collar having a through opening dimensioned for receipt over at least one of the nut and body. A holding mechanism is operatively associated with the collar for movement between (i) a first position that extends radially inward a dimension no less than the through opening, and (ii) a second position extending radially inward that prevents axial removal of the collar over both of the nut and body of the associated fluid fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20180104737
    Abstract: A manual pre-swage tool is particularly useful for pre-setting the tube fitting ferrules onto the tube prior to the actual installation of the fitting components into the tube fitting body. The pre-swage tool is used by clamping in a vise, or other suitable means, in an open area where leverage and ease of use can be obtained. This new and improved design tool of the present disclosure incorporates a feature that prevents the ferrules from being over tightened thereby preventing damage to the tool or ferrules and also allowing the pre-swaged assembly to be fully compatible with what is called “stop collars” and “gap inspection gages” that are commonly used in the field to indicate proper pull up of the tube fitting when installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20160377205
    Abstract: A tamper evident assembly is provided for an associated fluid fitting that has a threaded nut that cooperates with a threaded body. The tamper evident assembly includes a collar having a through opening dimensioned for receipt over at least one of the nut and body. A holding mechanism is operatively associated with the collar for movement between (i) a first position that extends radially inward a dimension no less than the through opening, and (ii) a second position extending radially inward that prevents axial removal of the collar over both of the nut and body of the associated fluid fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventor: LONNIE E. JOHNSTON
  • Patent number: 7430811
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston, John D. Karkosiak, Gerald A. Babuder, Sanjeev S. Moghe
  • Patent number: 7194817
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston, John D. Karkosiak, Gerald A. Babuder, Sanjeev S. Moghe
  • Patent number: 6941668
    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 that has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. The marking may be realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening, knurling or coloring the surface. 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. The marking may also be formed with a precise dimension such as an axial length to provide a second edge that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body beyond initial pull-up for fitting assemblies that are remade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6834524
    Abstract: Apparatus for swaging a ferrule or ferrules onto an outer wall of a cylindrical member includes a hydraulic power section and an adapter tool. The hydraulic section is disposed within a housing, and the adapter tool is at least partly retained in the housing and also is fully removable from the housing without affecting the hydraulic power section of the apparatus. The hydraulic section includes a piston that is moved under force of hydraulic pressure applied thereto from a hydraulic pressure source. The adapter tool includes a driven swaging die that is moved from a retracted position to an extended position in response to movement of the piston. The sleeve and anvil are releasably secured together so that the adapter tool can be removed from the housing as a unitary assembly. Size changes can be accommodated by removing a first adapter tool of a given size and replacing it with a second adapter tool of a different size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20040251681
    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 that has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. The marking may be realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening, knurling or coloring the surface. 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. The marking may also be formed with a precise dimension such as an axial length to provide a second edge that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body beyond initial pull-up for fitting assemblies that are remade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: SWAGELOK COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6766582
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6640457
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston, John D. Karkosiak, Gerald A. Babuder, Sanjeey S. Moghe
  • Publication number: 20030131488
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20030010085
    Abstract: Apparatus for swaging a ferrule or ferrules onto an outer wall of a cylindrical member includes a hydraulic power section and an adapter tool. The hydraulic section is disposed within a housing, and the adapter tool is at least partly retained in the housing and also is fully removable from the housing without affecting the hydraulic power section of the apparatus. The hydraulic section includes a piston that is moved under force of hydraulic pressure applied thereto from a hydraulic pressure source. The adapter tool includes a driven swaging die that is moved from a retracted position to an extended position in response to movement of the piston. The sleeve and anvil are releasably secured together so that the adapter tool can be removed from the housing as a unitary assembly. Size changes can be accommodated by removing a first adapter tool of a given size and replacing it with a second adapter tool of a different size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6502323
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20020148128
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston, John D. Karkosiak, Gerald A. Babuder, Sanjeev S. Moghe
  • Patent number: 6463778
    Abstract: Apparatus for swaging a ferrule or ferrules onto an outer wall of a cylindrical member includes a hydraulic power section and an adapter tool. The hydraulic section is disposed within a housing, and the adapter tool is at least partly retained in the housing and also is fully removable from the housing without affecting the hydraulic power section of the apparatus. The hydraulic section includes a piston that is moved under force of hydraulic pressure applied thereto from a hydraulic pressure source. The adapter tool includes a driven swaging die that is moved from a retracted position to an extended position in response to movement of the piston. The sleeve and anvil are releasably secured together so that the adapter tool can be removed from the housing as a unitary assembly. Size changes can be accommodated by removing a first adapter tool of a given size and replacing it with a second adapter tool of a different size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6345845
    Abstract: A phase controlled sequential gripping tube fitting for gripping a tube therein, the fitting comprising a rear ferrule shaped to receive the tube therein, the rear ferrule having a nose portion and a central body. The tube fitting further comprises a front ferrule having an axially-extending rear portion radially outwardly spaced from the rear ferrule, whereby when the rear ferrule is urged axially in a first direction the rear ferrule grips the tube, and whereby the rear portion of the front ferrule reduces buckling of the rear ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20010047593
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Patent number: 6279242
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Peter C. Williams, Lonnie E. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20010015556
    Abstract: A phase controlled sequential gripping tube fitting for gripping a tube therein, the fitting comprising a rear ferrule shaped to receive the tube therein, the rear ferrule having a nose portion and a central body. The tube fitting further comprises a front ferrule having an axially-extending rear portion radially outwardly spaced from the rear ferrule, whereby when the rear ferrule is urged axially in a first direction the rear ferrule grips the tube, and whereby the rear portion of the front ferrule reduces buckling of the rear ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: LONNIE E. JOHNSTON
  • Patent number: 5074599
    Abstract: A tube fitting for joining resinous plastic tubing comprises a fitting body having an opening with a conically shaped camming mouth. A tube extends into the opening. A first ferrule is slidably received on the tube and has an exterior surface which faces the camming mouth. A second ferrule is also slidably received on the tube at a location outwardly of the opening and the first ferrule. The second ferrule has a nose portion which engages the first ferrule adjacent the tube and is snap fitted within a recess formed circumferentially of the tube prior to association of the tube with the fitting. The nose portion of the second ferrule is engaged in the recess in axial driving engagement with the tube prior to make-up of said fitting. A nut member is threadedly engaged with the body for driving the first and second ferrules into the camming mouth during fitting make-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Crawford Fitting Co.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Wirbel, Joseph M. Stenger, Lonnie E. Johnston, Appasaheb T. Patil, Richard F. Wozniak, Peter C. Williams