Abstract: Selecting a dimension representing the distance between a residential gas hookup, downwardly through an intended subterranean trench to a gas main typically located along a public right of way, such as a street, and selecting a plastic pipe having a predetermined length at least equal to such dimension. Then, fabricating at a manufacturing site remote from the intended site of installation, a kit including a metallic riser having an upper end formed with a coupling screw thread and a lower end. Inserting one extremity of the plastic pipe through the riser to leave an excess length projecting from such lower end, forming a joint between the plastic pipe and such upper end, coiling such excess length into a coil and securing the assembly in a package to form the kit. A selected number of the kits may then be stored in their packaged form for subsequent shipment to the installation site to be installed and connected to make a hookup between the hookup location at respective residences and such main gas line.

Abstract: A gas service line field completion kit for providing a service line connection through a gas meter between a gas distribution main and a gas service inlet pipe fitting spaced a predetermined distance from the main. The kit is characterized by forming an integral gas meter mounting assembly including a pressure regulator mounted thereon, forming an integral riser assembly including a shut-off valve mounted thereto and having an excess coiled length of plastic gas distribution tubing projecting therefrom, packaging the riser assembly and mounting assembly to form the kit, and storing the kit for subsequent shipment. The gas service line completion kit may be rapidly installed in the field by unpackaging the kit at the installation site, coupling the outlet end of the mounting assembly to the gas service inlet pipe, coupling the outlet end of the shut-off valve to the inlet end of the mounting assembly, and uncoiling and coupling the excess length of plastic tubing to the gas distribution main.

Abstract: A fitting formed with a circular flange formed coaxially with a spigot which is formed along its length with a series of frusto-conically shaped, axially spaced apart, sealing rings which are formed at their enlarged ends with respective annular holding rings. A metallic stiffener tube is received telescopically in the fitting to provide support against radial inward collapse thereof. The spigot may be formed adjacent the flange with an enlarged in diameter centering shoulder and may be formed at its extremity remote from the flange with a reduced in diameter stress relief nipple. A finishing sleeve is provided for telescopical receipt over a polyethelene pipe fitted over the spigot. Thus the spigot may be inserted into the end of the plastic pipe to expand such pipe to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pipe repair coupling including a barrel formed centrally with a hollow cylinder for telescopical receipt therein of a hollow piston. The barrel is surrounded by a protective sleeve and is formed at one extremity with a first fitting and at the opposite extremity with a neck portion. The piston is formed in its exterior with a plurality of annular O-ring grooves which receive O-rings for dynamic sealing engagement with the interior wall of the barrel. Telescoped within the hollow piston in the area of the O-rings is a tubular stiffener which supports the walls of such piston against radial inward collapse. Consequently, the piston may be telescoped into the cylinder to facilitate connection of the cylinder fitting to an end of a pipe which is aligned axially with a second end spaced therefrom. Such second end may then be easily connected with a fitting formed on the end of the free end of such piston.

Abstract: A very reliable, trouble-free, safety shut-off is provided by a poppit valve arranged so that it can be included in series in a flow line. The head of the poppit is mounted upstream from the seat. It is biased open so that fluid can flow through the line at any rate from zero up to some maximum flow velocity. Flow through the valve is arranged so that it impinges upon the valve head, or something fixed to the valve head, whereby kinetic energy is lost at the head. That kinetic energy is used to move the valve head toward the seat until the spacing between them becomes so small that flow velocity is restricted. At that time, velocity through the valve is increased to the point where a large pressure drop appears across the valve and the static head of the fluid is used to force the valve closed and to maintain it closed. A dash pot develops viscous friction which is used both to damp any tendency of the head to oscillate and to prevent valve operation in response to short term transients or perturbations.

Abstract: A threadless coupling for rapid connection to a valve or fitting and to pipes or tubing for fluid distribution systems such as for gas or water. The coupling comprises an outer housing having an internal arrangement of O-rings and unique spacers, lock rings and other members for gripping tubing when inserted and, once inserted, the tubing is firmly gripped to provide a substantial amount of tensile resistant loading thereon.

Abstract: Ground level gas meter risers for plastic service lines in which the riser is a one-piece assembly for transition from underground plastic to above ground steel gas service lines. The riser assembly includes a mounting section of pipe connected to a plastic transition fitting. The plastic fitting in turn receives the plastic tube gas carrier. A steel casing or jacket extends from the plastic fitting around the plastic gas carrier tube for a predetermined distance to a sealing device. An upper protective steel casing interconnects the mounting pipe and the upper end of the lower protective casing. A relatively thin epoxy or plastic coating extends from under the seal device at the lower end of the riser to above the upper casing.