Abstract: A gas service tee designed to facilitate tamper-proof termination of gas service to a residential or business location and/or removal of the gas meter without interruption of gas service. The gas service tee is characterized in a first preferred embodiment by a tee fitting located in the gas service line downstream from the gas meter and an adaptor having a tamper-proof adaptor stem mounted in the tee fitting, which adaptor stem can be adjusted to stop the flow of gas through the line. In a second preferred embodiment of the invention the adaptor stem is hollow and is provided with spaced stem openings and a stem grip may be provided for threadably rotating the stem inside an adaptor fitting located in the tee fitting. A tube fitting may also be provided on the stem or stem grip for receiving the hose of an auxiliary gas supply bottle and supplying gas to the residential or business location while the gas meter is being repaired or replaced.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for use in a meter box or a meter yoke. The mechanism composed of two principal elements includes a body having an at least partially threaded axial body opening passing therethrough and a bushing having a nut with a threaded female portion into which the meter threads and a threaded male portion adapted to thread into the threaded body opening. A cup having a cup opening passing therethrough is secured to an annular rim on the interior of the body and is provided with a tubular surface axially aligned with the bushing and body. The cup is provided with a sleeve having an O-ring sealer that continuously provides a seal between the tubular surface and the bushing so that the seal is maintained in any relative axial position between the body and the bushing.

Abstract: A universal expansion connection (32) couples a water meter (10) to an outlet pipe (30). The expansion connection (32) comprises a threaded expansion tube (36), a threaded packer (38) and a lock case (40). The threaded packer (38) is threaded onto the expansion tube (36), which has been installed on an outlet (34) on the meter (10). The lock case (40) is then positioned over and onto the packer (38) such that a driver dog (63) on the packer (38) matches a driver dog recess (64) in the case (40). By holding the expansion tube (36) from turning, the lock case (40) is turned to unscrew the threaded packer (38) from the tube (36). The unscrewing action forces the packer (38) into the internal surface (68) of the lock case (40), as well as forcing the threads (58) into the threads (54) on the tube (36 ). When the lock case (40) has been sufficiently unscrewed, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the meter (10) and the outlet pipe (30).

Abstract: A resetter device is for described use in a water supply system having a meter box and, extending therewithin, a system outlet from a water supply system and a system inlet to a water consumer system aligned on a main water supply axis and spaced apart by a predetermined distance selected to receive a water flow meter in connection therebetween. The resetter has a body defining first and second conduits, and first and second horns. The first conduit has a inlet for connection to the system outlet and an outlet connected to the first horn. The first horn defines a flow path from first conduit to a horn outlet. The second conduit has an inlet at which there is connected, via a joint, the second horn which defines a flow path from horn inlet to the second conduit. The horn inlet and outlet are opposed to each other and disposed along a water meter axis spaced from and lying at an acute angle to the main water flow axis.

Abstract: A valve device for use in a gas flow system which has a gas meter connected to a supply line. The valve device is especially made to break the threads of a riser pipe nipple that is screwed into the top outlet end. The valve device has an annular shoulder at the inlet and outlet ends and a passageway extends through the valve device and through the shoulders. A length of the outlet end of the passageway has internal threads at the outlet end that terminate at the shoulder. A smooth cylindrical marginal length of the inlet length of the passageway is spaced from a threaded portion of its length located intermediate the smooth part of the passageway and the valve element. The smooth cylindrical length has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the supply line so that a lateral load placed on the supply line is transferred into the valve device through the smooth part of the passageway and avoids breaking the supply line threads.

Abstract: A water meter with integrally constructed fire hydrant to be used for residential applications. The device comprises an input, an output, and a hydrant. The output directs water into the home water supply. Water travels throught the input and through a water meter. The path of the water then experiences a divergent path. One path passes through a valve and out of the hydrant. The other path passes into the home water supply. The device can be installed as easily as a water meter presently is installed. In an alternate embodiment, the hydrant is placed prior to the meter in relation to the flow of water.

Abstract: A cleaning tool (46) for removable attachment to a valve manifold (10) upon removal of instrumentation (26) therefrom for cleaning the axial bore (29) of the valve manifold (22). The manifold (22) which has a mounting flange (56) supporting the instrument (26) for measuring, monitoring, or recording differential fluid pressures from a main flow line. The cleaning tool (46) has a flange (56) thereon adapted to fit in mating relation against the flange (36) on the valve manifold (22) upon removal of the instrument (26). A cleaning rod (62) of the cleaning tool (46) has an enlarged diameter cleaning member (68) thereon for cleaning the axial bore (29) of the valve manifold (22) upon manual reciprocation of the cleaning rod (62).

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for structurally interconnecting an instrument manifold with a differential pressure assembly having a pair of tapered NPT threaded outlet ports each adjoining an exterior body surface. First and second connector flanges are provided each having a through passageway for transmitting a pressure signal from the corresponding NPT outlet port in the differential pressure assembly to an inlet port in an instrument manifold. Each connector flange includes a tapered threaded end, a flange end, and a threaded portion fixed between the threaded end and the flange end. The apparatus also includes first and second stabilizer members, and first and second tensioning nuts for exerting a compressive force on the stabilizer members such that the stabilizer members will transmit substantially all radially-directed forces to the differential pressure assembly.

Abstract: A threaded packer (40) is inserted into a first enlarged end (52) of an expansion tube (31). Driver dogs (50) on the threaded packer (40) mesh with dog recesses (54) on the expansion tube (31). The threaded packer (40) and the expansion connection (31) are then threaded onto an outlet pipe (30) on a water meter (10) to interconnect the meter (10) to an inlet (26) and outlet pipe (28). By securely holding the meter (10) the expansion tube (31) may be turned away from the tube (31) with a wrench (70), which forces the packer (40) into the tube (31). By forcing the packer (40) into the tube (31), the tube (31) is pushed into the inlet and outlet butt compression joints creating fluid tight joints. A case (37) is then installed over the expansion connection (32) and is secured in place with a locking pin (68 ) and a locking bar (67).

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for a meter box or a meter yoke. The mechanism includes a body having an at least partially threaded axial body opening passing therethrough. The body has four spaced spokes extending generally radially out therefrom in the form of a cross. The body has first and second diametrically opposed positioning prongs and a third positioning prong disposed generally midway between them. The three prongs each have inwardly-disposed lips at their outer ends. A bushing having a nut with a threaded female portion into which the meter threads and having a threaded male portion adapted to thread into the threaded body opening is provided. The bushing includes a sleeve adapted to pass through and partially out of the body opening when the threaded male portion is threaded into the threaded body opening. A cup having a cup opening passing therethrough and an outwardly flaring annular cup lip at one end thereof is also provided.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for a meter box or a meter yoke. The mechanism includes a body having an at least partially threaded axial body opening passing therethrough. The body has four spaced spokes extending generally radially out therefrom in the form of a cross. The body has first and second diametrically opposed positioning prongs and a third positioning prong disposed generally midway between them. The three prongs each have inwardly-disposed lips at their outer ends. A bushing having a nut with a threaded female portion into which the meter threads and having a threaded male portion adapted to thread into the threaded body opening is provided. The bushing includes a sleeve adapted to pass through and partially out of the body opening when the threaded male portion is threaded into the threaded body opening. A cup having a cup opening passing therethrough and an outwardly flaring annular cup lip at one end thereof is also provided.

Abstract: Three embodiments of MicroCube Interconnection Hardware are disclosed: the MicroVac Vacuum Generator, the MicroControl Module, and the MicroSensor. Each embodiment is a combination of a MicroCube Precision Fitting and Various enhancements which provide precision control, regulation, or measurement of flows of gas or liquid in a semiconductor fabrication environment. The Microcube Precision Fitting is a substantially cubical unitary body that includes a central chamber and at least one external port. Each port comprises an annular counterbored step surrounded by a support wall which both enclose an aperture that extends into the central chamber. The MicroVac Vacuum Generator is a combination of a MicroCube Precision Fitting and three appendages: an inlet, a contaminant port, and an outlet. A first stage fits inside the inlet and is disposed coaxially to a second stage that resides within the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flow measuring device between an input fluid line and an output fluid line has a sleeve with an opening therethrough mounted to a base and capable of reciprocating between extended and retracted positions. The sleeve secures the flow measuring device in the extended position and releases the device in the retracted position. A cam secures the sleeve in the retracted or extended positions. A valve is fixed to the sleeve such that, when the sleeve is in its extended position, fluid flows around the valve and through the sleeve. When the sleeve is in its retracted position to remove the flow measuring device, the valve seats on the input fluid line.

Abstract: A water meter is locked into its housing to prevent tampering by placing a cover over a hexagon nut and a hand nut. Relative rotation between the hexagon nut and the hand nut is necessary to remove the meter from the housing. The cover has a wrench which fits the hexagon nut and prevents relative rotation between the hexagon nut and the cover. The cover has a boss which engages the hand nut and prevents relative rotation between the case and the hand nut. The cover has legs which engage the housing to prevent relative rotation between the cover and the housing.

Abstract: The device for connecting and supporting a water-meter (1) comprises a water-inlet pipe (2) and a water-outlet pipe (3) secured in a support (8). The support comprises a stationary seat (9) in which are mounted the water-inlet pipe (2) and the water-outlet pipe (3). The seat carries a plate (10) comprising two conduits (11, 12) designed to be connected to inlet (4) and outlet (5)-apertures on the meter (1). The plate (10) is mounted to rotate upon seat (9) about an axis (X-X') for the purpose of opening up or shutting off the flow of water, or for testing the meter.

Abstract: A below ground meter box for a fluid meter includes a first sleeve for placement at the bottom of a pit in which the fluid meter is located, the first sleeve having apertures for receiving fluid conduits for the fluid meter and a second sleeve of greater axial length than the first sleeve but of substantially the same diameter; the upper edge of the first sleeve has internally an abutment edge spaced a small distance therefrom and externally a curved wall section extending above the upper edge so that when the second sleeve engages the upper edge of the first sleeve, the curved wall section will prevent lateral movement between the sleeves.

Abstract: A device of the antifraud sealing cap type in the form of a unit having: a covering skirt (5) provided on the inside face of its upper edge with recesses extended downward by hooks (9) able to engage in shoulder (3) of threaded lock nut (2) provided on the body of the meter; a ring with an inside vertical lip (10) whose pin (11) projecting from the collar come to be inserted in said recesses (8); and a cover (12) whose opening and closing hinge (13) is pivoted in an opening made on the upper edge of the skirt. The device is particularly useful for antifraud covering of water meters.

Abstract: A meter box including a bottom tray having a floor, side walls, a collar releasably connected to the top of said tray, and a lid releasably connected to the top of the collar. All of the parts fit together and are releasably secured in this position without the need for nuts and bolts or the like. Also, except for removal of the lid, the parts may be connected and disconnected without the need for tools. The inlet valve is also releasably secured in place and may be assembled and disassembled from the remainder of the meter box without the use of tools.

Abstract: An assembly is described for securing a flow conditioning device such as a water meter between fittings of a fluid conduit along with another conditioning device such as a backflow preventer. The assembly includes a manifold including two fluid passageways pivotably connected to return bends that facilitate mounting of the meter along an axis parallel to the axis of the conduit. Fittings along the manifold enable one end of the manifold to be mounted to the conduit while the remaining end mounts the backflow preventer. The manifold ends are spaced such that the one manifold end and the remote end of the mounted backflow preventer are spaced by a distance substantially equal to the distance between mounting fittings on the meter. Additional provision is supplied for mounting of an accessory such as a pressure relief valve on the manifold.

Abstract: An instrument manifold and pressure transducer are provided for detecting a pressure differential across an orifice fitting. Removable flanges are utilized on the output side of the orifice fitting, and on the input and the output ends of the manifold. Each flange may be structurally secured to its respective piece of equipment by special nipples, and is provided with apertures for receiving bolts to interconnect the flanges and the equipment. The versatility of the equipment is substantially increased, the response time and signal reliability is increased, and the installation costs are reduced.

Abstract: A meter box including a bottom dish having a floor, side walls, an inlet valve at one end and an outlet valve at another end passing through the sidewall. The inlet and outlet valves are integrally formed as one rigid piece with the floor and the side walls and constructed so that they are in precise alignment with each other so that a fluid meter and expansion mechanism can be installed therebetween. An upwardly extending collar is connected to the dish and a lid is secured to the upper end of the collar. A snap-fast connection releasably connects the collar to the dish and is formed as part of the collar and the dish. The inlet and outlet valves have connecting mechanisms at their outer external ends for connecting the meter box to external pipings.

Abstract: A meter reading apparatus includes a telescopic tubular viewer attached to the underground meter and provides a clear sight path through water in the meter box for easy meter reading. In a first embodiment, the viewer member is connected to the meter by a collar, brackets and clamps including a clevis and J-shaped connecting rod. In a second embodiment, the viewer is connected to the meter by a collar integrally formed with the meter and including threads for engaging the viewer. In both embodiments, the viewer is moisture tight and includes a transparent sealing lens at the top end, and an O-ring seal at the bottom end between the viewer and the meter. A coiled air tube may be provided to maintain ambient pressure inside the viewer during extension and retraction.

Abstract: A water meter service installation including both a water meter and a backflow protection device, both utilizing the same water meter box. The present installation can be retrofitted to existing meter boxes in the field as an elongated tubular extension is detachably connected to the water meter box in alignment with an opening therein, the extension extending therefrom and being capable of housing a cartridge insert member telescopingly positioned therein, the cartridge insert member having a pair of check valves in series to prevent backflow of water through the meter. By utilizing the tubular extension bolted to the exterior of the meter box, very little, if any area is taken up within the meter box and, thus, an existing meter box can still accommodate the conventional water meter while being provided with a backflow protection device in the form of a double valve cartridge insert.

Abstract: An improved meter vault cover having a window-like access for externally viewing and reading the internal register of liquid or gas passing through the meter is provided. The improved meter vault cover not only provides the window-like opening but also provides a carriage-like support on the inside of the cover to hold a digital readout device to serve as the register. The digital figures of the readout device are projected and exhibited at the window-like access for making the register externally visible. The improved meter vault cover consists of a meter vault cover plate, a worm-type cover locking screw, a register support carriage with suitable screws for affixing the carriage to the cover, and a register device with suitable wiring to connect it to the meter.

Abstract: A holder releasably mounts a water flow control device to a water supply line to enable installation and removal of the device from a meter "pit". The holder includes a clamping linkage that can be selectively operated from above ground to release or clamp the device in position between saddle members of the holder relative to the water line. Gasket sleeves are mountable over pipe connectors of the water control device and are releasably received in saddle members of the holder. The sleeves are removable with the flow control device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for working on a section of gas main while it is in service comprising a work chamber formable around a section of the gas main and having means for admitting a tool thereto in a manner that it can be manipulated from outside the work chamber; means for removing the tool from the work chamber while maintaining the work chamber under gas pressure and means for safely evacuating the work chamber of gas.

Abstract: Structure and method for prevention of unauthorized access to effluent monitoring stations or the like.

Abstract: A tamper-proof cover for a fluid flow monitor comprises a guard portion at least partly disposed about the monitor when the cover sealingly engages the fluid system in which the monitor is disposed. Preferably, the cover comprises an assembly including a plate fixed to the cover of the flow monitor to seal the interior of the device. Access to the monitor and alarm or actuator circuits disposed therein is impeded by the assembly so long as the cover seals the fluid system, and access thereto requires breaching the fluid system by removing the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas meter provided with means for preventing unauthorized disconnection from the gas pipeline and unauthorized access to the interior of the meter housing.

Abstract: To measure low volumes of gas flow in high-pressure systems a conventional gas meter is incorporated within a high-pressure container. Connections from inside the high-pressure container are connected to a warning system outside the container to alert the operator when too great a volume of gas is flowing through the meter and a restriction of the size of the outlet to the heavy-duty container prevents the damage to the meter which is designed to measure small volumes and is relatively delicate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring wastewater includes lowering a probe-carrying member into the manhole and moving the member into engagement with a primary measuring device for gauging the depth of the monitoring equipment probes. The member is then moved upstream therefrom and maintained at the same depth for enabling thereafter the wastewater to be monitored. The apparatus includes a housing having a base portion adapted to be mounted over the manhole opening and adapted to rest on the ground. The base portion has an opening therein for registration with the manhole opening. Monitoring equipment is confined within the housing, which includes a lockable access door for permitting access to the monitoring equipment when the door is opened, by authorized persons only. Mounting devices fix the base portion of the housing to the rim of the manhole opening.

Abstract: A camming device for centering a meter or other instrument having a cylindrical body with respect to the upstream and downstream pipes of a flow line in which the meter is interposed. Each pipe is provided with an end flange having a circle of bolt holes, the pipe flanges being bridged by clamping bolts which pass through the holes to encage and compress the meter, the holes having clearances allowing limited bolt play. Rotatably mounted on the meter body is a camming device provided with a symmetrical array of camming edges that tangentially engage the bolts. When the device is turned on the meter body, it acts to force the bolts to their extreme hole positions, as a result of which the meter body is caused to assume a position concentric with the bolt circle that is centered with respect to the pipes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging a gas meter without interrupting customer service. The apparatus preferably comprises a rigid frame for temporarily securing a meter to be exchanged independently of its mounting nuts, and an isolating enclosure adapted to be selectively removeably coupled about a portion of the meter loop terminal to provide a fluid flow bypass around the meter. A rigid conduit is adapted to be positioned within the enclosure means until the meter is removed, at which point it will be inserted in the meter loop to bypass the meter to facilitate enclosure removal. Purging apparatus is included to remove air from the enclosing volume and the replacement meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved meter installation for a deep underground pipeline employing a meter pit. Pre-coiled, flexible tubing lengths are coupled between the ends of the pipeline in the pit and a flowmeter which is also housed within the pit. The meter is vertically movable within the pit. As the meter is raised, the pre-coiled tubing uncoils or expands, and as the meter is lowered, the pre-coiled tubing re-coils or contracts.The meter installation of this invention is particularly useful for water metering in pipelines laid a substantial depth below ground level--as, for example, in cold plains states. The present system provides a meter reader, repairman, or the like, with ready access to the meter without the necessity of physically entering the pit. The meter is easily raised to ground level without interrupting the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A system for in situ testing of fluid meters is disclosed in which two 4-way valves utilized in combination with a by-pass line such that with the valves in a first position, all the supplied fluid flows through the meter and, in the alternate position, the entire flow of fluid is through the by-pass system completely isolating the meter. In addition, one port of each valve leads to a test connection which is in line with the meter when the valves are in the alternate or by-pass position. This effectively removes the meter from the line and allows test equipment to be connected across the meter for calibration, verification, or other tests to be performed. The valves are preferably designed to operate in unison and such that during position switching, flow is initiated in accordance with the position to which the valve is being switched before flow in accordance with the original position is terminated.

Abstract: A mounting support and fluid interfacing connection between process conduits of differing pressure and an instrument capable of sensing the differing pressure and providing a signal indicative of the pressure differential of the process medium contained within the conduits. The mounting support, in addition to providing structural support for the differential pressure sensing apparatus, serves to transmit pressure to the high and low pressure portions of the differential pressure sensing mechanism. The support may also include valves for controlling fluid pressure communication in the high and low range pressure transmitting passages and for establishing a balanced pressure condition between the low pressure and high pressure sides of the differential pressure sensing mechanism for the purpose of calibration.

Abstract: An orifice fitting of an orifice meter installation is provided, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, with a tamper indicating cover positioned in a manner to obstruct access to the bolts which clamp the seal bar into sealing engagement with the fitting housing. Because the path of orifice place movement into and out of the fiting extends through the position normally occupied by the sealing bar, the tampering indicator also spans the path of movement of the orifice plate. The tampering indicator is made of plastic material having an external surface of one color and an internal surface of contrasting color. To gain access to the clamping bolts and to move the orifice plate out of its seated or operative position, the tampering indicator must be destroyed. Destruction of the tampering indicator is visible from a substantial distance. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tamper indicating cover is positioned to obstruct opening movement of the clamping and/or sealing bars.

Abstract: An improved utility pedestal is a completely enclosed, ground-mounted container adapted to hold multiple utility metering and shut-off devices for a plurality of users. Partitions inside the pedestal separate the interior into a series of user-accessible compartments containing valves and connections, and separate locked compartments which contain metering devices and which are accessible only to the appropriate utility company. The enclosed meters are readable through transparent windows in each locked section. Incoming and return conduits to the pedestal are guided by a preformed template.

Abstract: A metering device carried by and housed within a two part housing, said housing being composed of two matching hemispherical portions, one of which hemispherical portions contains both an inlet and an outlet for the fluid to be metered, whereby the meter assembly may be disassembled for inspection and repair without disturbing any fluid piping, joints or connections, and reassembled and sealed in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed which is securable to the butt end of a pipe such as a filler tube for domestic fuel oil tanks. The meter comprises a housing which is threadably securable to the butt end of a pipe through a first opening in the housing. A transverse opening is provided in the housing for the insertion of a flow meter through the first opening and a U-shaped cutout in the pipe to which the housing is threadably secured. A door is provided over the top of the housing and the first opening, the door being lockable to the housing so that the meter and housing may not be unscrewed from the pipe, the door also comprising a lockable cap over the butt end of the pipe.

Abstract: A flexible coupling tube corrects misalignment between gas meter and corresponding meter bar connections. The combination of meter bar and flexible coupling allows use of a single size meter bar for any gas meter installation. Potential damage to meter installations from external shock loads is reduced by the shock-absorbing properties of the flexible couplings.

Abstract: A combination is disclosed of a meter box having a meter connected to service pipes within it. To position the service pipes and meter within the meter box, a tubular member is positioned within the meter box and has two parallel transaxial holes through which the service pipes pass. The tubular member is held in place either by an expansible portion which causes pressure against opposing sides of the meter box, by a stake which connects between it and the floor of the meter box, or by wires suspending the tubular portion from the side walls of the meter box.

Abstract: Disclosed in an apparatus and method for changing or replacing domestic or residential-type gas meters without interrupting the gas supply to the service line downstream of the meter and obviating the necessity of shutting off the gas water heater, furnace on other gas appliances in the dwelling. The apparatus includes a member which is clamped around the outlet fitting of the gas meter. A slide carried by the member is moveable to simultaneously close the meter outlet and to introduce an alternate supply of gas to the service line downstream of the meter. After the normal gas supply to the meter inlet is shut off, the meter is removed and a replacement meter is installed by attaching its inlet to the gas supply line and its outlet to aforementioned member. The slide is then again moved to simultaneously place the meter outlet in communication with the service line and to shut off the alternate gas supply.

Abstract: A meter supporting and positioning apparatus for use with a public utility meter to facilitate its use and connection into a supply line. The apparatus includes inlet and outlet pipe members with one connecting the meter to a service line and the other pipe member connects with a supply line. the pipe members each have a generally horizontally disposed foot forming portion extending partially under the meter and being adapted for engagement with a support surface. Each of the pipe members also include an upstanding leg forming portion having the meter connected to a free end thereof whereby the meter is spaced above the support surface. A connector engages the two upstanding pipe portions holding same in spaced relation and forms a unitary and rigid support structure. The meter is positioned relative to the feet forming portions so as to have balanced loading to reduce torque applied to the pipe members. A form of the apparatus includes a pipe member for connecting a pressure regulator in series with a meter.