Intrinsic gauging for tube fittings
Patent 6502323 Issued on January 7, 2003. Estimated Expiration Date: 
August 7, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
August 7, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 2029798 2322587 3103373 3139293 3153974 3287813 Method of gaging and joining pipe Permanent flareless tube connector Joint mechanism for thin-wall stainless steel pipe Quick connector with visual checking method InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 924030 filed on 08/07/2001US Classes:33/501.45, Fixed size33/645, Alignment285/93, WITH INDICATOR, ALARM OR INSPECTION MEANS411/14Including gauge meansExaminersPrimary: Fulton, Christopher W.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesG01B 003/00F16L 035/00 B23Q 017/00 AbstractAn 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. 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.Other References
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