초록

An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling nut that is visually perceptible that indicates the pull-up position of the tube fitting assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed: 1. Intrinsic gauging assembly for a ferrule type tube fitting, comprising: a coupling body having a female threaded end and at least one ferrule contained therein; a threaded male coupling nut that mates with said female threaded end of the coupli

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed: 1. Intrinsic gauging assembly for a ferrule type tube fitting, comprising: a coupling body having a female threaded end and at least one ferrule contained therein; a threaded male coupling nut that mates with said female threaded end of the coupling body; a visually perceptible marking on the male threaded coupling nut; wherein said marking includes a first demarcation and a second demarcation; wherein said first demarcation corresponds to an finger-tight position and said second demarcation corresponds to an initial pull-up position. 2. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises knurling. 3. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a colored region. 4. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a colored band. 5. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a ring. 6. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises one or more etchings. 7. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a groove. 8. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a recess. 9. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein said visually perceptible marking is on a neck portion of said male coupling nut. 10. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the coupling body is work hardened. 11. Intrinsic gauging assembly for a ferrule type tube fitting, comprising a coupling body having a female threaded end; a male threaded coupling nut tat mates with said female threaded end of the coupling body; at least one ferrule retained in the coupling body interior; and a visually perceptible marking on the male coupling nut; wherein said marking includes a first demarcation and a second demarcation; wherein said first demarcation corresponds to an initial pull-up position and said second demarcation corresponds to a subsequent remake position. 12. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises knurling. 13. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a colored region. 14. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a colored band. 15. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a ring. 16. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said first demarcation and said second demarcation comprise etchings. 17. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a groove. 18. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking comprises a recess. 19. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein said visually perceptible marking is on a neck portion of said male coupling nut. 20. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11, wherein a portion of the coupling nut is work hardened. 21. The intrinsic gauging assembly of claim 11 further comprising a third demarcation that is visible when the fitting is in a finger tight condition and generally imperceptible when the fitting is in an initial pulled-up position.