Abstract: A stab-type coupling (10) for connecting a conduit in fluid communication with a fluid receiving article or another conduit includes a coupling body (12) having an internal recess (16). A stiffener assembly (34) is positioned in the recess (16) and includes a tubular member (36) for insertion into a bore (CB) of a conduit (C) inserted into the recess (16). The stiffener assembly (34) also includes a radially enlarged retaining and spacing member (48) connected to the tubular member (36) and located in an axially inner region of the recess (16). The retaining and spacing member (48) includes a conduit end receiving channel (74) defined therein for receiving a conduit end (T) therein. The retaining and spacing member (48) also includes an integral gripping element (76) that engages an outer surface (S) of a conduit (C) seated in the groove (74) to prevent its withdrawal therefrom.

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.

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.

Abstract: A no-hole insertion joint and method for the repair or relining of fluid conduits such as gas service lines and the like. The joint structure and method are particularly adapted for use in the repair or relining of gas service lines from a building in order to eliminate the requirement of exterior digging or excavation. A tubular conduit is provided which includes, at the free and thereof, a joint and sealing structure. The tubular conduit and the attached joint and sealing structure are inserted into the existing service line a distance so as to be in proximity with the tee at the main. Once in place, the joint and sealing structure is activated by means of heat producing a melting of a low melting point alloy which, in turn, causes a gasket to be brought into sealing contact with the internal wall of the service line.

Abstract: The gas riser connects underground natural gas service lines, particularly plastic service lines, with above ground meters and the like. The riser includes a conduit or plastic tube which has first and second ends. An annular collar is swaged onto the exterior of the conduit adjacent its first end. An annular resilient seal frictionally engages the exterior of the conduit abutting the annular collar. A retaining ring is slidably disposed on the exterior of the conduit abutting the resilient seal. A connector is integrally affixed to the second end of the conduit for connecting it to a service line. A tubular element or iron pipe has an internal bore, an annular projection into the internal bore, a tapered portion adjacent the projection, and threads at one end for connecting it with the meter.

Abstract: The angle cock valve has all plastic parts to prevent galvanic corrosion when used in hot water tanks and the like. The valve includes a valve body, a valve stem and a stem retainer. The valve body has an inlet bore, an outlet bore, and a valve stem receiving bore disposed in fluid communication with each other. The inlet and valve stem receiving bores taken together form a linear bore for allowing a rod to pass into the water tank to dislodge accumulated sediment. An annular seat is disposed between the inlet and outlet bores. The valve stem has an enlarged handle portion at one end and a detent for mounting a seat seal at the other end. The valve stem and the stem receiving bore are threaded to enable the seat seal to be selectively moved longitudinally against the annular seat. A pair of annular ridges receive an annular seal. Facing the handle portion, the ridges have a generally transverse surface. The stem retainer is mounted on the exterior of the valve body.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling and method for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe to fittings or other pipes. The coupling is defined by a non-metallic coupling body, a generally elongated hollow insert, annular spacer rings, seal rings, a collet ring, and a retaining collet all disposed within the recess of the coupling body. The retaining collet is provided with a tapered external surface which is complementary to an internal frusto-conical surface defined by a back-up ring molded within the coupling body. The coupling is made up as by inserting the end of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe into the coupling body such that the pipe is received about the generally elongated hollow insert and within the retaining collet. The toothed internal surface of the retaining collet is adapted to engage the non-metallic pipe.

Abstract: A stab-type coupling and method for connecting an end portion of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe to fittings or other pipes. The coupling is defined by a non-metallic coupling body, a generally elongated hollow insert, annular spacer rings, seal rings, a collet ring, and a retaining collet all disposed within the recess of the coupling body. The retaining collet is provided with a tapered external surface which is complementary to an internal frusto-conical surface defined by a back-up ring molded within the coupling body. The coupling is made up as by inserting the end of a smooth wall non-metallic pipe into the coupling body such that the pipe is received about the generally elongated hollow insert and within the retaining collet. The toothed internal surface of the retaining collet is adapted to engage the non-metallic pipe.

Abstract: A shutoff valve particularly suited for use with fluid pipelines such as natural gas mains or the like constructed from plastic which allows the valve to be selectively opened and closed from a remote location. The valve has a valve body which includes a mounting surface for mounting the valve to the pipeline. A first passageway extends through the valve body into communication with the mounting surface and a second passageway communicates with the first passageway intermediate the ends thereof. Fluid passing outwardly of the valve through the second passageway may be conveyed to the area of useful application. A punch arrangement is included in the first passageway which is conveniently used after valve installation to punch a hole in the side wall of the pipeline to provide fluid communication between the pipeline and valve.

Abstract: A pipe fitting comprising interconnected threaded male and female members. A fitting element in the form of a non-metallic ring is defined by a tubular body, a radial flange and a sealing portion extending from the radial flange. The tubular body of the ring is adapted to be inserted into the male member such that the radial flange overlies the end wall of the male member. The outer periphery of the sealing portion of the ring has a diameter greater than the minor diameter of the threads of the female member. As a result, a part of the sealing portion is caused to be captured between opposed thread flanks of the male and female members upon make-up of the fitting thus providing for enhanced sealing at the threads of the fitting. In addition, the ring serves to isolate the end wall of the male member from contact with fluid thus making the fitting advantageous in the embodiment in which a non-metallic lining is provided in the male member.