US 9,791,076 B2 · Swage visual indicator for fluid coupling

Abstract

A swage visual indicator for a fluid coupling is disclosed and related methods. The swage visual indicator is achieved by a non-destructive visual indication of a swaging process by one or more swage apertures formed through a flange filled with an indicator material. The swage apertures communicate with swaging grooves of the fluid conveying components being joined. As the swaging process is conducted, the swaging grooves are filled with material from one of the fluid conveying components, and the indicator material within the aperture(s) is therefore displaced in a direction toward the exposed exterior surface of the flange. According to a successful swaging process, the indicator material is displaced to a degree such that the indicator material is visible by the unaided eye of an inspector.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A visual indicator for a fluid coupling comprising:

a fluid coupling component having a sidewall defining a hollow interior, and a plurality of swage grooves formed on an interior surface of said sidewall;
an aperture formed through said sidewall such that said aperture aligns with and intersects one of said grooves;
indicator material placed in said aperture and extending beyond said aperture into one of said swage grooves;
and
a fluid conveying member connected to said fluid coupling component by a swaging process in which material from said fluid conveying member is compressed into said grooves, thereby displacing said indicator material within said aperture;
wherein the swaging process is successful when the indicator material resides flush or nearly flush with an exterior surface of the fluid coupling component.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Swage visual indicator for fluid coupling

Life of this patent

Swage visual indicator for fluid coupling

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18