Importance

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Abstract

A tube fitting assembly is disclosed wherein a ductile metal tube is forced into first and second orifices within a fitting. The tube is closely received within the first orifice and the second orifice is larger so that the axial force on the tube axially contracts the tube to form a radially expanded bead on the tube substantially filling the second orifice. This establishes a fluid tight seal between the tube and the fitting and also retains the tube in the fitting. An annular deformable seal member is also provided between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the fitting and this seal may be a rubber-like O-ring or a composition material which is more yieldable than the material of the tube and fitting, may be set up from a liquid or plastic sealant material, or may be a deformable wall of the fitting. The force used to axially contract and radially expand portions of the tube is also utilized to compress the deformable seal between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the fitting to make doubly sure of a good fluid-tight seal. The tube fitting assembly is thus able to withstand higher pressures, suddenly applied pressures, corrosive fluids, and extreme and rapid changes in temperature, with only a negligible number of failures of the assemblies. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

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First Claim