Fatigue Technology, Inc.

Tom G Poast

Mark R Weiss

Dean C Madden

Charles M Copple

Jude H Restis

A fitting () is inserted into an opening () in a wall (). The fitting () includes a ring portion () where it extends through the opening (). It also includes one or two end portions () that extend axially outwardly from the ring portion (). The ring portion () has an inside diameter () that is smaller than the inside diameters of the end portion or portions (). The fitting () is positioned within the wall opening (). Then, an expansion tool is moved through the interior of fitting () for the purpose of expanding the ring portion (). The ring portion () is expanded to such an extent that it makes a tight fit with the opening (). Also, the degree of expansion may result in a cold working of the wall material surrounding the opening (). The expansion tooling only expands the ring portion () and does not exert a substantial expanding force on the end portions ().

Tubular metal fitting expandable in a wall opening and method of installation

A fitting is inserted into an opening in a wall. The fitting includes a ring portion where it extends through the opening. It also includes one or two end portions that extend axially outwardly from the ring portion. The ring portion has an inside diameter that is smaller than the inside diameters of the end portion or portions. The fitting is positioned within the wall openings. Then, an expansion tool is moved through the interior of fitting for the purpose of expanding the ring portion. The ring portion is expanded to such an extent that it makes a tight fit with the opening. Also, the degree of expansion may result in a cold working of the wall material surrounding the opening. The expansion tooling only expands the ring portion and does not exert a substantial expanding force on the end portions.

An elongated first tubular member has a mandrel receiving center passageway and a slotted outer end portion that comprises first axial fingers separated by first axial slots. An elongated second tubular member surrounds the first tubular member and has a slotted outer end portion that comprises second axial fingers separated by second axial slots. An elongated third tubular member surrounds the second tubular member and has a slotted outer end portion comprising third axial fingers separated by third axial slots. An elongated mandrel is positioned inside the center passageway. The first tubular member is extendable and retractable longitudinally of the second and third tubular members. A tubular sleeve is provided that has an inner end and a flange projecting radially outwardly from the sleeve at the inner end. The mandrel is extendable axially through the center passageway of the first tubular member and axially through the tubular sleeve when the radial flange is clamped by and between the first and second fingers.

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Tom G Poast