Fluid conduits with integral end fittings and associated methods of manufacture and use
US7942456B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L21/035
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fluid conduits for plumbing and other uses having integral end fittings are disclosed herein. A fluid conduit configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a tube, such as a copper tube, having an end portion adjacent to a body portion. The body portion has a first wall thickness and the end portion has a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. The fluid conduit also includes a seal positioned in an annular groove formed in an interior surface of the end portion. In this embodiment, the tube can be joined to another tube by at least partially compressing the end portion around a portion of the other tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.