Patent ID: 6467752
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: F16K,F16L

Abstract:
In combination with a ball-valve, the improvement comprising a threadless metallic fitting including an end wall portion formed as an integral unitary structure and serving as at least one end wall of a housing portion of said ball-valve, said threadless metallic fitting including;(a) a sleeve portion integrally formed with said end wall portion of said threadless metallic fitting and extending outwardly therefrom, said sleeve portion having a female interior surface adapted for receiving one of a tube and a pipe section therein and a male exterior surface having at least two distinct cylindrical sections; (b) a means engageable with said end wall portion of said threadless fitting for securing said end wall portion to said ball-valve housing; and (c) a driver member having at least two distinct cylindrical sections engaging said male exterior surface of said sleeve portion for deforming said sleeve portion and concurrently deforming such one of such tube and pipe section engaged within said sleeve portion when said driver member is forced longitudinally along said male exterior surface of said sleeve portion so as to effect an air tight seal between such one of such tube and pipe section and said female interior surface of said fitting.