Connection apparatus with ferrule forming structure

An apparatus for connecting a first conduit having a first bore to a second conduit having a second bore to provide communication between said first and second bore comprising:

• a base;
• means to attach said base to said first conduit;
• a cap, said second conduit extending through said cap;
• a follower slidably disposed in said cap, said follower having a passageway therethrough, said second conduit extending through said passageway;
• a ferrule having an aperture therethrough with internal walls into which said second conduit is removably disposed so as to receive said ferrule onto said second conduit, said ferrule aperture being oversize with respect to said second conduit so that a flow path exists between said internal walls and said second conduit, said ferrule having a first end and a second end, at least a portion of said ferrule having a deformable cross-section;
• biasing means operative to urge said follower against said first end of said ferrule;
• said first bore in said first conduit having a frustoconical surface defining receiving formation for said ferrule, said second end of said ferrule having a portion which is circular when viewed in transverse cross section such that when said second end of said ferrule is urged into said receiving formation by said biasing means, said ferrule engages said frustoconical surface defining said receiving formation in substantially line contact;
• and
• a ferrule forming means operative to create a forming pressure on said ferrule so as to form an initial seal between said internal walls of said ferrule aperture and said second conduit, said biasing means urging against said ferrule to preserve said seal when said ferrule forming means no longer applies a pressure adequate to maintain a seal.