Abstract: A fitting for a fluid conduit includes a coupling body, a coupling nut, a conduit gripping device that is axially driven by the coupling body and the coupling nut to provide grip and seal against a conduit, and a strain sensor unit disposed on a neck portion of the coupling body, the strain sensor unit including at least a first axially extending strain sensor positioned and oriented for strain sensor unit measurement of a first strain of the neck portion corresponding with a first fitting assembly condition, and a second strain of the neck portion corresponding with a second fitting assembly condition different from the first fitting assembly condition.

Abstract: In an exemplary method for installing a fitting on a conduit, a fitting body is provided with a threaded end portion, a neck portion extending rearward from the threaded end portion, and an internal conduit socket extending axially into the neck portion and terminating at a counterbore. A conduit is inserted in the internal conduit socket of the fitting body. A fitting nut is pulled up on the fitting body to grip and seal a conduit gripping device against the conduit. Relative axial displacement of at least first and second reference locations on the neck portion is detected to determine whether the fitting is in a first fitting assembly condition or a second fitting assembly condition different from the first fitting assembly condition.

Abstract: A purging arrangement for a welding system uses automatic flow control function, such as an MFC, to control purge gas flow rate and/or pressure at the weld site.

Abstract: Purge gas apparatus and method for a welding system uses automatic purge gas flow control function, such as an MFC, to control ID and/or OD purge gas flow rate or purge gas pressure or both at the weld site.

Abstract: A purging system for an arc welder is disclosed wherein the purging system comprises a control system (20), at least one automatic flow control arrangement (MFC) for a purge gas (28, 30), said flow control arrangement (WIFC) being operably associated with said control system (20), said control system (20) controlling operation of said at least one automatic flow control (MFC) to control flow rate of purge gas (28, 30) to a weld site (W) during a welding operation. An apparatus for purge control of a welding system is disclosed wherein the apparatus comprises a control system (20) and a mass flow controller (MFC), said mass flow controller (MFC) comprising an input that receives a purge gas (28, 30) and an output that provides purge gas (28, 30) to a weld site (W) during a welding operation, said control system adjusting flow of purge gas (28, 30) to the weld site (W) during a welding operation.