Patent ID: 7062834
Filing Date: 2006-06-20
Classification: B21D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process for forming a metallic tubular connector of the type having a cylindrical shell which extends circumferentially about a tubular body for joining said tubular connector to a conduit, comprising the steps of: i. gripping a first end portion of a tubular metallic body, having a substantially uniform diameter and wall thickness, in a first forming machine that utilizes a first forming tool for contact with said tubular body; ii. reducing the outside diameter of a second end portion of said tubular body and sloping an intermediate surface portion joining said uniform diameter first end portion and said reduced diameter second end portion; iii. forming a first peripheral bead in the tubular body in said first end portion; iv. gripping said tubular body first end portion on the portion thereof not adjoining said intermediate surface portion in a second forming machine that utilizes a second forming tool for contact with said tubular body intermediate surface portion, said second tool carrying a metallic socket on a first end portion thereof and having a longitudinal, central, axial passage extending from said first end portion for an axial length exceeding the diameter and at least the axial length of said tubular body reduced diameter second end portion; v. axially advancing said second forming tool toward said tubular body such that said tubular body second end portion is freely received within said longitudinal passage, said second tool first end contacting said sloped intermediate surface portion and forming a second peripheral bead adjacent said first peripheral bead; and vi. compressing and locking an annular end surface of said socket between said first and second beads.