Method and system of manufacturing mechanical joint

A method of creating a mechanical joint between a tube having an end and a fluid fitting having a bore and a collar, utilizing a clamp for holding the tube, a fitting holder for holding the fitting, and a ram for forcing the fitting onto the tube, the fitting, tube and ram each have a longitudinal axis, said method comprising the steps of:

• locating the end of the tube at a predetermined distance from an edge of the fitting;
• clamping the tube with the clamp;
• inserting the fitting within the fitting holder;
• aligning the longitudinal axis of the fitting, tube and ram;
• axially forcing the fitting onto the tube by extending the ram;
• and
• retracting the ram and opening the clamp.

A method of creating a mechanical joint for a fluid fitting by using a fixture having a ram, a tube stop slideably connected to the fixture, and a clamping device connected to the fixture for securing a piece of tube, said method comprising the steps of:

• sliding the tube stop to a loading position and inserting a fitting into a pocket located within the tube stop, the fitting, ram and the tube all having a longitudinal axis;
• locating an end of the tube against the tube stop;
• clamping the tube with the clamping device;
• sliding the tube stop to a ramming position whereby the longitudinal axes of the ram, fitting and the tube are aligned;
• and
• forcing the fitting onto the tube to create a one piece fluid fitting assembly.

A system for making a mechanical joint for a fluid tube fitting assembly, the system comprising:

• a fixture operable to facilitate the manufacture of a mechanical joint;
• means for holding a fitting, said means operable to be positioned between a first position and a second position, said means being connected to the fixture;
• means for securing the tube in place while the mechanical joint is being created, said means for securing being secured to the fixture;
• and
• a ram that is operable to force the fitting onto the tube, the ram is secured to the fixture.