Process for manufacture of plastic-lined metal-encased tubing segment connector system

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a solderless metallic-encased, polymeric-lined connector system.

1 . A process for fabricating which comprises the steps of: 
 (a) inserting a length of a polymeric tube having a polymeric tube external diameter at least partially into a length of a metallic tube having a metallic tube internal and external diameter, said metallic tube internal diameter being larger than said polymeric tube external diameter; and    (b) reducing an external and internal diameter of said metallic tube until said internal diameter of said metallic tube is essentially equal to said external diameter of said polymeric tube.    
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said step of reducing is through the application of an inwardly compressive circumferential force about said metallic tube.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 1  which further comprises the step of extruding said polymeric tube prior to the step of inserting.  
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 3  which further comprises the step of cutting said polymeric tube to said length after said step of extruding.  
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 4  wherein said step of extruding comprises a step of coextruding.  
     
     
         6 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said step of inserting comprises fully inserting said length of said polymeric tube into said length of said metallic tube.  
     
     
         7 . A process for fabricating which comprises the steps of: 
 (a) reducing an outer diameter of at least a partially crosslinked polymeric tube from a first outer diameter to a smaller second outer diameter;    (b) inserting a length of said at least a partially crosslinked polymeric tube having a polymeric tube at least partially into a length of a metallic tube having a metallic tube internal and external diameter, said metallic tube internal diameter being larger than said polymeric tube second outer diameter and approximately equal to said first outer diameter of said at least partially crosslinked polymeric tube; and    (c) heating said tubes so that said partially crosslinked polymeric tube expands in diameter to approximate said first outer diameter.    
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 7  wherein said at least partially crosslinked polymeric tube is at least 50% crosslinked.  
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 8  wherein said at least partially crosslinked polymeric tube is at least 60% crosslinked.  
     
     
         10 . The process of  claim 9  wherein said at least partially crosslinked polymeric tube is polyethylene.  
     
     
         11 . The process of  claim 10  wherein said polyethylene is fully crosslinked.  
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 7  which further comprises the step of extruding said polymeric tube prior to the step of reducing.  
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 12  which further comprises the step of cutting said polymeric tube to said length after said step of extruding.  
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 12  wherein said step of extruding comprises a step of coextruding.  
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 7  wherein said step of inserting comprises fully inserting said length of said polymeric tube into said length of said metallic tube.  
     
     
         16 . A process for fabricating which comprises the steps of: 
 (a) inserting a length of a polymeric tube having a polymeric tube external diameter at least partially into a length of a metallic tube having a metallic tube internal and external diameter, said metallic tube internal diameter being larger than said polymeric tube external diameter; and    (b) sealing one end of said polymeric tube;    (c) heating said tubes to a temperature at which the polymeric tube becomes processable; and    (d) pressurizing said polymeric tube with a sufficient degree of pressure to effect radial expansion of said polymeric tube.    
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 16  which further comprises the step of extruding said polymeric tube prior to the step of inserting.  
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 17  which further comprises the step of cutting said polymeric tube to said length after said step of extruding.  
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 18  wherein said step of extruding comprises a step of coextruding.  
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 16  wherein said step of inserting comprises fully inserting said length of said polymeric tube into said length of said metallic tube.