Imperforate Closure Removing And Holding Tap Patents (Class 137/319)
  • Patent number: 11506296
    Abstract: A safety valve stem cap includes a valve tool that can be used for removing the valve stem and quickly deflating the tube for travel or storage. The valve stem cap has a frustoconical-shaped body with a circular bottom edge and a flat upper surface. The valve tool extends within a recess defined within the cap body. The valve tool includes a planar floor and two upright prongs extending from the floor. In an embodiment, the floor of the valve tool is integrally connected with the cap body. In an embodiment, the valve tool includes a hollow body mounted within the recess. The planar floor and upright prongs extend within the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Lucian D. Whitman
  • Patent number: 9499381
    Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging fluid with a tank through a tank port includes a bung extractor casing that has a first end configured to removably couple to a tank port. The tank port is configured to be sealingly coupled to a bung plug. The bung extractor casing also includes a second end opposite the first end, a hose connector configured to removably couple to a hose, and a channel defined between the first end and the hose connector. The apparatus also includes a bung extractor coupled to the extractor casing second end. The bung extractor includes a tip portion configured to releasably engage the bung plug. The bung extractor is operable to selectively uncouple the bung plug from the tank port such that a sealed flow path is formed through the tank port and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark J. Holthaus
  • Patent number: 9475090
    Abstract: A system and a method provide a coating on an interior surface of a tire. A valve connects to the interior of the tire. The method connects a source of coating material to the valve, propels the coating material through the valve, and applies the coating material to the interior of the tire. The system has a source of a coating material connected to the valve. A propellant causes delivery of the coating material through the valve into the tire. Another method coats an interior of a tire mounted on a rim. The method connects a first end of a tube to a source of coating material and inserts the second end of the tube into the interior of the tire encircling the rim. The coating material moves through the tube into the tire. The tube is withdrawn from the tire moving along the interior circumference of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher Marszalek
  • Patent number: 8720465
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a sealing case 20 having a branch-shaped branch hole 23 formed in a first separate case 21 and extending in the radial direction C of an existing pipe 1; and a rubber packing 30 for sealing a gap between the sealing case 20 and the existing pipe 1, wherein: the first separate case 21 is provided with a flange 28 for allowing for attachment and removal of a boring machine 3; the sealing case 20 is capable of reciprocating in the pipe axis direction L; and the rubber packing 30 forms: a first sealed area S1 surrounding a portion of the sealing case 20 where the branch hole 23 is provided for shutting the branch hole 23; and a second sealed area S2 being adjacent to the first sealed area S1, sealed against the first sealed area S1, displaced from the first sealed area S1 in the pipe axis direction L, and sized so as to be able to shut the opening bored by a cutter 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8402992
    Abstract: A gear case part (70), which has an upper aperture that opens upward and which forms a recess that houses a portion of a drive gear device (63) and for which the drive gear device (63) can be inserted from the upper aperture and assembled, is provided integrally on the upper part of a first or second divided case (21, 22); a cover (66) that blocks the upper aperture of the gear case part (70) is fastened to the gear case part (70); an operating part (67) protrudes upward from a through-hole (66a) that vertically penetrates the cover (66); and by removing the cover (66) from the gear case part (70), the drive gear device (63) can be extracted from the gear case part (70) through the upper aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Yamashita, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8156959
    Abstract: A branching unit for boring without stopping passage of fluid, which is suitable for forming an opening 11 at a pipe wall 12 by boring a part of the pipe wall 12 of an existing pipe 1 using a drill machine 3 having a hole saw 4 to connect a branch pipe to the existing pipe, comprising: a sealing case 20 having plurality of separate casing 21, 22 separated in a circumferential direction R and a branch pipe portion 27 protruding and branching off in the radial direction C; a valve body 5 rotating between an inner circumferential surface 29 of the separate casing 21, 22 and an outer circumferential surface 13 of the existing pipe 1 to open and close a branch hole 28; and a rotation mechanism 50 rotating the valve body 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Yamashita, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8015992
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve that controls a flow of gas or solid objects through a pipe, and particularly a z-valve used in an elevated rail transportation system. The valve includes vanes hinged to a valve stem that fold into a z-shape and retract into the valve body when the valve is open. A valve cap positioned at the top of the valve stem matches the contour of the inner surface of the pipe, allowing unobstructed flow. When the valve is closed, the valve stem is elevated into the interior of the pipe and the valve cap rotates 90° to match the contour at the top, providing a seal. The vanes extend from the z-shape to completely block a cross-section of the pipe, stopping the flow. The flow may be modulated by varying the extension of the vanes to allow a portion of the flow to pass the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Flight Rail Corporation
    Inventors: Max P. Schlienger, Larry D. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6810903
    Abstract: The invention is an improved conduit flow controller for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture defined by a continuous peripheral edge in the sidewall of the conduit. An elongated housing surrounds the aperture and is sealingly connected to the conduit. A conduit stopper is movably mounted in the housing and is positionable in the conduit. The conduit stopper includes a deformable sealing element having opposed flat sides and an edge engageable with the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected with the sealing element. A resilient seal is mounted on a carrier and is engageable with the continuous edge. The sealing element is cooperative with the seal to close a portion of the conduit to regulate the flow of fluid along the elongated conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hydra-Stop, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Murphy, Michael Murphy, Garland Y. Smith
  • Patent number: 5957147
    Abstract: After removal of a valve cap from an in line shut off valve the Retaining Snap Ring Adapter with male threads and seat at one end, female threads and seat at the other end, a hex outer surface at the female threaded end, a longitudinal passageway down its center, is designed to be permanently installed on an in line shut off valve having a threaded moveable plug (operator) and said Adapter will not interfere with the moveable operator which opens and closes the valve when turned by a hexagonal wrench. The Retaining Ring Adapter prevents an improperly back seated operator from being ejected as a deadly missile by the normal operating pressures.The Retaining Snap Ring Adapter having been permanently installed on the valve, the cap is returned to the valve but is now screwed onto the added Retaining Snap Ring Adapter which is essentially now part of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Hubbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5934304
    Abstract: A gas meter bypass apparatus and method for removing a gas meter from operation for service or replacement and placing the meter back into service without interrupting the flow of gas to the user. The apparatus connects to a standard tee which is utilized on the customer side of most residential or commercial meter installations. The bypass apparatus includes a clamp assembly, a seal fitting, an isolation valve, an extraction fitting, an isolation fitting, and a flexible tube connector. The clamp assembly is used to attach the bypass apparatus to the tee. The seal fitting connects to the clamp assembly and seals between the bypass apparatus and the port of the tee where the plug is installed. The isolation valve attaches to the seal fitting. The extraction fitting attaches to the isolation valve and is used to extract and re-install the plug through the isolation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Michael H. Peterson, Joe Palmer
  • Patent number: 5634484
    Abstract: A device for venting a container having a bung includes a saddle assembly curable to a container and having a support extending therefrom. A first arm is rotatably secured to the support, and the first arm extends in a first direction. A second arm has a first end portion drivingly engaged with the first arm, so that rotation of the first arm causes rotation of the second arm. A second end portion of the first arm is positionable proximate the bung of the container. A socket is operably associated and rotatable with the second end portion and is drivingly engageable with the bung, so that rotation of the socket causes corresponding rotation of the bung for thereby venting the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: James M. Vodila, Jeffrey A. Bergersen
  • Patent number: 5479955
    Abstract: An aseptic valve assembly (10) is provided for filling and discharging containers. A valve fitting (11) is fixably attached in a bottom wall (19) of a container (20). A plug (12) may be secured within the container fitting (11). A sterilization/fill unit (14) is removably attached to the container fitting (11) so that the container (20), the plug (12) and the container fitting (11) may be sterilized and the container (20) filled and sealed under aseptic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Spartanburg Steel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Roodvoets, Jeffrey L. Girman, Philip E. Nelson, Richard S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5472011
    Abstract: The primary component of the apparatus is a full port ball valve. One port of the valve is adapted to attach to the bonnet threads of a stop valve. A tubular chamber is attached to the other port of the ball valve with the axes of the ball valve body and chamber aligned with the axis of the stop valve. A cylindrical probe fits through the chamber and open ball valve with a seal between the probe and the free end of the chamber. The inserted end of the probe is adapted to engage splines on a valve stem assembly of a stop valve. A rod extends through the probe and seals prevent leakage through the probe around the rod. The inserted end of the rod is adapted to engage the threads in the end of the stop valve stem assembly. Once the probe and rod are inserted and the splines and threads in the stop valve stem assembly are engaged, the probe is rotated to remove the stem assembly from the stop valve. The probe is then retracted so that the stem is in the chamber and the ball valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Mark D. St. Marie
  • Patent number: 5099868
    Abstract: A concentrically multi-shafted apparatus compresses a compressible stopper to effect a seal in a through-hole of a main utility line to permit a substantially leak-free removal and replacement of a service saddle or a service seal. Counter rotation of concentric shafts, depending upon the direction of rotation, increases or decreases an axial load on the compressible stopper. The external concentric shaft is in sealing engagement with a housing which, when coupled to a utility customer's gate valve permits a main line through-hole to be sealed by the compressible stopper without leakage of water or gas. Once the through-hole is sealed, the service saddle can easily be removed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: James D. Weber
  • Patent number: 4899780
    Abstract: A device for use in connection with tapping off fluid from or filling fluid into a container through a hole (13) closable by a threaded cup-shaped plug (17). The device comprises a housing (10), mountable over the hole (13), and a tool (30) for manually handling the plug (17). The tool comprises a plug holder (34), including two movable gripping jaws (37) having gripping portions (38), insertable into a cavity (18) in the plug (17). The gripping jaws (37) are brought into contact with opposite portions of the side wall (20) of the cavity (18). In order to make it possible to use the tool (30) for handling plugs (17) having cavities (18) of considerable varying diameter, the gripping portions (38) of the gripping jaws (37) are arranged to be moved from rectracted inner end positions to expanded outer end positions through the action of spring forces applied from a spring (45) contained in the plug holder (34 ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Erik J. H. Astrom
  • Patent number: 4809735
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for tapping a tubular member includes a split ring type clamp arrangement having a tapping tee assembly extending therefrom. The clamp arrangement includes a combination alignment/hold structure to facilitate orientation of the clamp arrangement with the tubular member. A combination valve and cutting tool cooperates with the tapping tee assembly. An annular cutting surface on the tool has a first diameter for cutting an aperture in the tubular member. An annular, conical flange portion on the exterior of the tool spreads the aperture to a diameter greater than the first diameter, while a sealing land on the cutting tool has a second diameter larger than the first diameter and is adapted for close receipt in the aperture. A radial shoulder engages an internal surface of the tubular member for securely clamping and sealing the tapping tee assembly thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventors: Frank R. Volgstadt, Albert H. Reschke, Ralph L. Hart
  • Patent number: 4779636
    Abstract: This process permits an inlet/outlet to be established in a liquid filled tank using an underwater diver without the necessity of draining or otherwise putting the tank out of service. The diver enters the tank at the top and places a dry pot against about the center of the back of the manhole cover. A hole is drilled in the manhole cover and a pipe nipple inserted through the hole. A flange is provided on the pipe nipple and if a gasket is not used, it is welded completely around to prevent leakage. A cap or valve is screwed onto the pipe nipple on the outside and the dry pot is removed. Various other ways of placing the pipe nipple through the wall are described. The installed nipple can be used by attaching a suction hose thereto for the purpose of removing sediments from the floor of the tank. If desired a smaller inlet/outlet installed in this manner is used to supply air for a diver working on the inside of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: John W. Crowe
  • Patent number: 4730636
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for tapping a tubular member includes a split ring type clamp arrangement having a tapping tee assembly extending therefrom. The clamp arrangement includes a combination alignment/hold structure to facilitate orientation of the clamp arrangement with the tubular member. A combination valve and cutting tool cooperates with the tapping tee assembly. An annular cutting surface on the tool has a first diameter for cutting an aperture in the tubular member. An annular, conical flange portion on the exterior of the tool spreads the aperture to a diameter greater than the first diameter, while a sealing land on the cutting tool has a second diameter larger than the first diameter and is adapted for close receipt in the aperture. A radial shoulder engages an internal surface of the tubular member for securely clamping and sealing the tapping tee assembly thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Perfection Corporation
    Inventors: Frank R. Volgstadt, Albert H. Reschke, Ralph L. Hart
  • Patent number: 4648419
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly of pipes, particularly but not exclusively submarine pipes, adapted to permit disconnection of a tubular member therefrom while maintaining the interior of the remainder of the assembly isolated therefrom. The assembly comprises a first pipe provided with a first tubular connection portion for coaxial connection to a second tubular connection portion of a tubular member. The tubular member is also provided with a tubular extension which is coaxial with the second connection portion and houses a closure means. The end of the tubular extension is adapted to receive the casing of a manipulator for moving the closure means from the tubular extension into the first connection portion of the first pipe to isolate the first pipe from the tubular member and permit disconnection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignees: Total Compagnie Francaise des Petroles, Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A/S
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Herve, Jean-Francois Jouanneau, Ivar G. Kristensen, Finn Haugen
  • Patent number: 4505295
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a shut-off device 9 laterally into a pipe via a branch 48 which is inclined at an obtuse angle to the pipe, comprises a housing 1 for connection at one end to the branch and containing a first carriage 6 which is movable relative to the housing to a forward position projecting from the housing into the pipe and includes a receptacle for the shut-off device and a guide member 8 for guiding the shut-off device out of the receptacle, a second carriage 10 which is movable relative to the first carriage and is connected to the shut-off device by an insertion jack 13, and displacement means for first moving the first carriage to its forward position, the second carriage moving with the first carriage, and for then moving the second carriage relative to the first carriage to move the shut-off device out of its receptacle further into the pipe, the insertion jack finally being operated to move the shut-off device into position in the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles
    Inventors: Rene A. Quin, Paul A. Wiet, Jean-Louis M. Caputi
  • Patent number: 4420012
    Abstract: A device for use in connection with tapping off fluid from or filling fluid into a container comprises a bell-like housing which is adapted to be removably mounted with an open end thereof over an internally threaded tapping or filling hole in a wall of the container and which is provided with an opening through which fluid may be fed into or discharged from the housing, and a tool for manually operating an externally threaded generally cup-shaped closing plug for said hole, from a position outside the housing. Said tool comprises a shaft which extends slidably and rotatably through a portion of the housing opposite to the open end of the housing, handle means provided at an outer end of said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Tekno-Detaljer Sture Carlsson AB
    Inventor: Erik J. H. Astrom
  • Patent number: 4335757
    Abstract: A temporary pipeline capping unit wherein the unit is permanently attached over an opening in a pipeline and includes a capped branch line nipple and an internal element isolating the branch line nipple from the pipeline opening whereby a branch line can be connected to the pipeline by uncapping the branch line nipple and attaching the branch line to this nipple. The internal element is forced by the fluid pressure in the pipeline to a position communicating the subsequently installed branch line with the pipeline opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Lankston
  • Patent number: 4204661
    Abstract: A connection valve for connecting together and disconnecting a tank and a hose without wastage or spillage. A first housing part has a duct containing a slidable piston and communicating with at least one connection socket. A second part has a throughbore, a socket coaxial with the duct, a plug for sealing said socket, and a locking device for locking the plug in a sealing position. An axial drawing means is provided for pressing a surface of rotation of the plug against a mating surface of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Inventor: Thore Stromberg
  • Patent number: 4175581
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided to move a fitting relative to a hole provided through the wall of a water main or the like. The apparatus includes a housing provided with an internal chamber communicating with the atmosphere through two openings. The housing is mounted on the water main such that a marginal portion of the housing about the first opening surrounds a fitting positioned in such hole. A pivotal member is sealingly mounted in the second housing opening for pivotal movement relative to the housing. A rod slidably penetrates a throughbore provided through the pivotal member, and has one end arranged to move toward and away from the hole. This rod end carries an adapter which may be engaged with a fitting. Thereafter, the rod may be selectively manipulated to move the fitting relative to the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Inventor: Ralph L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4100929
    Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for plugging a branch line connection from a main line connection includes welding a suitable flange connection to the main line across from said branch line, tapping the walls of the main line from the flange connection to the branch line and positioning a plugging member adjacent and in said branch line wherein the plugging member seals against the inner surface of the main line which is normally smooth and also enables the pressure in the main line to further enhance the seal by enabling the pressure from the main line to exert pressure on the rear of the plug to seal against such main line immediately adjacent and around the periphery of the opening of the branch line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Team, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Harrison