Tanks with flow drill bushings for receiving couplings
US5984138A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K15/03006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Tanks, such as air tanks and other compressed gas tanks as well as fuel tanks, have bushings formed by flowdrilling holes in the tanks after the tanks have been configured in substantially their final shape. The bushings are of the same material and unitary with the tank walls and have smooth bores which receive push-to-connect couplings. The push-to-connect couplings have at least two annular barbs which engage the walls of the bushings with an interference fit so as to prevent withdrawal of the push-to-connect couplings. The push-to-connect couplings are sealed with O-rings disposed between the barbs. The depth of insertion is determined by an annular flange on an outer collar of the push-to-connect coupling which engages the outside surface of an outer rim of the bushing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.