Method of forming double O-ring

Abstract

A process of roll forming a tubular metallic body for a fluid connector comprised of first affixing a tubular metallic body of substantially constant diameter in a roll forming machine, then positioning a series of freely rotatable independent tools in a circumferential pattern surrounding the tubular body. The tools are then rotated within a predetermined velocity range and minimal radial contact is applied between the series of tools and the tubular body. This contact forms at least one radial groove in the tubular body, smoothes the outer surface of the tubular body and decreases the outside diameter of a portion of the tubular body for a predetermined distance along its periphery at a constant, uniform rate. Also the proximate end of the decreasing diameter portion is rounded. Further, the metallic tubular body is fabricated from a 5000 series aluminum alloy.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A process of roll forming a tubular metallic body for a fluid connector, comprising the steps of: 
 i. affixing a tubular metallic body of substantially constant diameter in a roll forming machine;    ii. positioning a series of freely rotatable independent tools in a circumferential pattern surrounding said tubular body;    iii. together rotating said series of tools within a predetermined velocity range;    iv. applying minimal radial contact between said series of tools and said tubular body;    v. forming at least one annular radial groove in said tubular body;    vi. smoothing the outer surface of said tubular body;    vii. decreasing the outside diameter of a portion of said tubular body for a predetermined distance along its periphery at a constant, uniform rate; and    viii. rounding a proximate end of the decreasing-diameter portion of said tubular body.    
     
     
         2 . The process as in  claim 1  further including: 
 during the forming step, moving material to said proximate end and forming a rounded, rolled-over nipple nose thereat.  
 
     
     
         3 . The process as in  claim 1  wherein said rotational velocity of said series of tools is in the range of 300-800 rpm.  
     
     
         4 . The process as in  claim 1  wherein said series of tools is comprised of three essentially equally spaced parallel rollers each having at least one protrusion extending from its outer peripheral surface and said minimal contact occurs substantially simultaneously between each of said at least one protrusion and said tubular body.  
     
     
         5 . The process as in  claim 1  wherein said decreasing diameter portion extends from one of said at least one annular groove toward said proximate end.  
     
     
         6 . The process as in  claim 1  wherein said metallic tubular body is fabricated from a 5000 series aluminum alloy.  
     
     
         7 . The process as in  claim 5  wherein said decreasing diameter portion has an about 2° pitch.  
     
     
         8 . The process as in  claim 5  wherein said at least one annular groove includes two axially-spaced, parallel, substantially similar grooves.  
     
     
         9  The process as in  claim 1  further including the step of smoothing said tubular body excluding said grooves, said decreasing diameter portion and said rounded proximate end.