Apparatus for crimping a tube in a thick panel

An apparatus for expanding a tube and securing said tube to a panel, said apparatus comprising:

• an elongated mandrel adapted to be inserted into a tube;
• said mandrel and tube defining an expansion chamber and adapted to receive a pressurized fluid;
• a plurality of deformable annular seals arranged between said mandrel and tube for axially sealing one side of said expansion chamber, said plurality of seals axially arranged with respect to each other and to said mandrel;
• a supporting means for supporting said seals while said expandable chamber is pressurized, said supporting means comprising an annular ring and an annular array of fingers having first ends and free ends, a plurality of slots for separating adjacent said fingers, said first ends connected to said annular ring, said free ends defining camming surfaces, said free ends radially outwardly moveable;
• camming means operatively disposed with respect to said camming surfaces for moving said free ends of said fingers radially outwardly, whereby said tube is expanded by said free ends and is secured to said panel.