Patent ID: 6708978
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A method of sealing a bole having an inside diameter formed by a wall of surrounding material and a central axis, the method comprising the steps offirst, forming a generally disc shaped element with a planar outer rim smaller than the inside diameter of the hole and having an annular raised section having a transverse cross sectional inverted â€œVâ€  shape and forming an annular apex concentric with the outer rim and raised above the plane of the outer rim and second, placing the element into the hole, and thirdly, at least temporarily supporting the element in one direction within the hole such that the plane of the element rim is normal to the axis of the hole, and finally, applying sufficient axial pressure, in a second direction opposite to supported direction, on the element placed into the hole to flatten the annular raised section of the element, thereby achieving a radial expansion of the element rim and a press fit with the wall of the hole.