Apparatus and method for creating a seal on an inner wall of a tube for hydroforming
US6502822B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/5397
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sealing unit capable of sealing engagement with an end of a tube. The tube has an outer wall and a bore surrounded by an inner wall. The seal unit comprises a tapered element having a longitudinal axis. The tapered element is adapted for insertion into the bore in the end of the tube. A sealing ring co-axial with said longitudinal axis of the tapered element to provide an annular channel between the tapered element and the sealing ring. The annular channel has an open end and a closed end. The annular channel is capable of receiving the end of the tube through the open end of the annular channel. A base, co-axial with the longitudinal axis of said tapered element, contacts the sealing ring to hold the sealing ring in place and contacts the tapered element to terminate the annular channel at the closed end. When the sealing unit is in sealing engagement with the end of the tube, the tapered element sealably engages the inner wall of the tube and the sealing ring sealably engages the outer wall of the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.