Patent classifications
F16L13/146
Pipe Fitting With Sensor
A fluid fitting is provided that is mechanically attached to a pipe, including a coupling body having an inner surface defining a bore for receiving the pipe therein. A ring is positioned to fit over the at least one end of the coupling body for mechanically attaching the coupling body to the pipe, and a main seal formed on the inner surface of the coupling body to engage the pipe. When installed, the ring and coupling body apply a compressive force to the main seal sufficient to attach the pipe to the coupling body in a non-leaking manner. An electrically operated sensor device is fixed to a surface of one of the coupling body or ring that, when the ring is installed on the coupling body, produces an electrical parameter in response to physical movement of the coupling body or ring to which the sensor device is fixed.
Installation apparatus for pipe fittings and method of verifying proper installation
An installation apparatus for connecting a fluid fitting to a fluid element includes a tool mechanism having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface that faces and is movable relative to the first abutment surface; a first sensor configured to detect a first property of the installation apparatus or fluid fitting and provide a first output corresponding to the first property; a second sensor configured to detect a second property of the installation apparatus or fluid fitting and provide a second output corresponding to the second property; and a processing unit that is configured to generate a first resulting data set based on the first output and second output, and compare the resulting data set with a first predetermined data set to determine if the first resulting data set is compliant with the first predetermined data set.
Tool for coupling fluid lines
A swage or coupling tool is provided for use in coupling a fluid line to a compression fitting, a fluid coupler, or the like. The swage tool provides multiple degrees of freedom and/or multiple pivots or pivot joints to facilitate and maintain alignment of the jaws with the compression fitting during use of the swage tool to facilitate properly-aligned assembly of the compression fitting, and to limit bending or kinking of the fluid line when the fitting is being attached. The swage tool includes a pair of movable jaws, which may have stepped or rounded engagement surfaces, which may be forced against corresponding engagement surfaces of the compression fitting to securely assemble the fitting to the fluid line. The shape of the engagement surfaces facilitates properly-aligned assembly of the compression fitting, and limits bending or kinking of the fluid line when the fitting is being attached.
FITTING COLLAR AND TUBE-FITTING ASSEMBLIES INCORPORATING FITTING COLLARS
A collar for applying a radial compressive force to an outer surface of a tube and a tube assembly including the collar and the tube.
FITTING WITH SEQUENTIAL SEALING ACTION
A fluid fitting for mechanical attachment to a fluid element includes a coupling body defining a bore for receiving the fluid element therein, the coupling body comprising a main seal, an inboard seal, an outboard seal, and a torsion ridge; and a drive ring configured to fit over the coupling body. The fluid fitting is configured to be installed on the fluid element by axially translating the drive ring over the coupling body with the fluid element inside the bore of the coupling body, thereby mechanically attaching the coupling body to the fluid element. Moreover, the fluid fitting is configured such that during installation the main seal and torsion ridge initiate deforming contact with the fluid element, and then the inboard seal and outboard seal initiate deforming contact the fluid element.