Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
Two conduit gripping devices that are to be used together in a conduit fitting assembly are interconnected or held together as a cartridge or subassembly prior to assembly with fitting components to form a fitting assembly. In a more specific embodiment, one or both of the conduit gripping devices comprises a retaining structure by which the devices are mechanically connected together as a subassembly. For example, in one embodiment a front ferrule and a back ferrule for a tube fitting may be snapped together.
Abstract:
A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar and in another embodiment the stroke limiting member may be two engaging surfaces integrally formed with the fitting components. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. The stroke limiting member facilitates many remakes of the fitting, including remakes by torque.
Abstract:
A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a torque collar. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns, hi still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. Different embodiments are provided for the stroke limiting member, including a visual indication as well as a torque indication.
Abstract:
A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar and in another embodiment the stroke limiting member may be two engaging surfaces integrally formed with the fitting components. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. The stroke limiting member facilitates many remakes of the fitting, including remakes by torque.
Abstract:
Fittings are provided for use with different types of tubing. One such fitting includes a gripping member having a sharp tube indenting edge that provides a seal between the tube gripping member and the tube. Another such fitting includes a tube gripping member having a body indenting edge that provides a seal between the tube gripping member and a fitting body.
Abstract:
A fitting for a tube or pipe capable of functioning a high pressures having a first fitting component adapted to receive the conduit end; a conduit gripping device such as a ferrule or ferrules and a second fitting component that can be joined to the first fitting component to cause the conduit gripping device to grip the conduit and seal when assembled. In one aspect of the invention, the first fitting component is constructed from a material that is softer than the material used to construct the second fitting component. An additional aspect of the invention include a retaining portion on the second fitting component that constrains the tube gripping device against pressure. The retaining portion can also be configured to retain the tube gripping device to the second fitting component prior to installation and in a finger-tight condition. A further aspect of the invention includes a first fitting component in which an exterior portion of the component is work hardened radially outward from the tube gripping device. The fitting may optionally be provided with a structure to effect the pull-up by torque functionality.
Abstract:
A ferrule type, flareless fitting is provided that may optionally be pulled-up to its assembled condition by torque rather than by turns. In one embodiment, at least one fitting component includes a structure that facilitates pull-up by torque and allows the fitting to be remade. The structure may take a wide variety of different forms. Examples of fitting component structures that facilitate pull-up by torque and allow the fitting to be remade include, but are not limited to, deformable or compressible devices or structures that are configured to increase the torque required to further tighten the fitting components when the fitting is properly pulled up, resiliently deformable structures that bias a tube gripping device into engagement with a conduit when the fitting is remade to an initial pull-up position, and plastically deformable retaining structures that maintain a tube gripping device in sealing en a ement with a conduit when a fittin is disassembled.