Gas Or Water Meter Repairing Or Assembling Patents (Class 137/15.03)
  • Patent number: 11802624
    Abstract: A bypass valve includes a base defining a base sealing surface, the base defining a upstream utility bore, a downstream utility bore, a meter inlet bore, and a meter outlet bore each extending into the base sealing surface; and a selector defining a selector sealing surface positioned in sealing engagement with the base sealing surface, the selector defining a primary passage and a secondary passage, the selector defining at least one primary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the primary passage, the selector defining at least one secondary passage bore extending into the selector sealing surface and connecting in fluid communication with the secondary passage, the selector being rotatable relative to the base about and between a meter position and a bypass position, the selector connecting the upstream utility bore in fluid communication with the meter inlet bore in the meter position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Tomas Peleckas, Timothy Wayne Stern
  • Patent number: 10081958
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a fluid leak, thru a crack within the body of a pool return fitting, or in a pipe of close proximity to a pool return fitting, wherein an apparatus comprising of a cylindrical flow-thru elongated rubber plug, wherein a tube thru the center of the rubber plug is retained at one end by a flare in said tube or a locking nut over a uniquely shaped washer, and threaded on the other end, secured by a locking nut over a unique washer. in its compressed state, the rubber plug radially expands within the return line pipe and against a rubber extension ring inserted into the pool return fitting, sealing any leak occurring between the pool return fitting escutcheon and the return line pipe, wherein fluid may still pass thru the center tube. A trim ring is fitted around the locking nut of the threaded end tube, secured in place by a return eyeball, wherein the return eyeball is threaded female internally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Steven E Thompson
  • Patent number: 8667980
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLP
    Inventors: James Ola Williams, Leo William Fleury, Jr., Normand James Roy
  • Patent number: 8561628
    Abstract: An assembly for maintaining flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The assembly may include a first plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit, and a second plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit. The assembly may also include a first connecting member coupled to the first plate and the second plate and a bag having at least one glove port coupled to a second connecting member. The first connecting member may be connected to the second connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Centerpoint Energy Mobile Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Winston Charles Meyer, Michael Zandaroski, Thomas Seifert, Dimitri Karastamalis, Scott Ogren, James Rutherford, Daniel Kim, Ronald G. Van Gossen, John Fisher, Graham Midgley, Paul Wehnert, Chris Hambrick
  • Patent number: 8342200
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a yoke vise that can be secured to the inflow/outflow plumbing to a water meter, facilitating the removal or replacement of the meter and shutoff valve without damage to the plumbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: William Payne
  • Publication number: 20120090697
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: James Ola Williams, Normand James Roy, Leo William Fleury, JR.
  • Patent number: 8124024
    Abstract: A cassette for preparing a sample is disclosed herein. The cassette includes a housing, which encloses the structures and the processes used to prepare the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GenturaDx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesus Ching, David Hsiang Hu, Steve Jia Chang Yu, Phillip You Fai Lee
  • Patent number: 7975713
    Abstract: An assembly for maintaining flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The assembly may include a first plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit, and a second plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit. The assembly may also include a bag connectable to the first and second plates and having at least one glove port. The assembly may also include a collar configured to connect the bag to the first and second plates at a perimeter formed by the first and second plates when positioned in engagement with the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Centerpoint Energy Alternative Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Winston Charles Meyer, Michael Zandaroski, Dimitri Karastamatis, Thomas Seifert, Scott Ogren
  • Publication number: 20090173392
    Abstract: An assembly for maintaining flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The assembly may include a first plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit, and a second plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit. The assembly may also include a bag connectable to the first and second plates and having at least one glove port. The assembly may also include a collar configured to connect the bag to the first and second plates at a perimeter formed by the first and second plates when positioned in engagement with the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Winston Charles Meyer, Michael Zandaroski, Dimitri Karnastamlis, Thomas Seifert, Scott Ogren
  • Patent number: 7458385
    Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a resilient member received thereover with one end of the resilient member slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the resilient member is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into a slot formed by at least one deflectable portion formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Joseph Martin, Christopher Wayne Creager
  • Patent number: 7458387
    Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: James C. McGill
  • Patent number: 6832623
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas meter valve for connection to an outlet of a gas meter and a method for its use. The gas meter valve comprises a valve inlet coupleable to the meter outlet, a valve outlet coupleable to piping for supplying gas to a customer and a valve body coupled to the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The valve body includes a chamber for communicating gas from the valve inlet to the valve outlet and a valve assembly disposed in the chamber and adapted to prevent the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a first position and permit the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a second position. The gas meter valve further includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the valve assembly for positioning the valve assembly in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Basic Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny A. Johnson, James S. Powell
  • Publication number: 20040238027
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas meter valve for use with a gas meter and a method for its use. The gas meter valve comprises a valve inlet, a valve outlet, and a valve body coupled to the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The valve body includes a chamber for communicating gas from the valve inlet to the valve outlet and a valve assembly disposed in the chamber and adapted to prevent the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a first position and permit the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a second position. The gas meter valve further includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the valve assembly for positioning the valve assembly in the first position and the second position, and a port in communication with the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Danny A. Johnson, James S. Powell
  • Patent number: 6712086
    Abstract: An above ground meter box comprising a housing, a removable housing cap, openings on the housing, an adapter pipe, a meter, a annular ring and tubing. A below-ground annular ring is located on the bottom of the housing. A removable housing cap is attached to the top of the housing and covers the open top of the housing. A meter opening receives any brand of meter by placing a grommet on the meter to adapt the meter to conform with the size of the meter opening. At least two openings are located on the housing bottom, adapted to receive the adapter pipe and the tubing connected to the existing consumer line. A faucet may be added to the meter assembly to provide a means to test water pressure, for testing back flush meters, to test for nonfunctioning meters, and for a water sample point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Sidney T. Fails
  • Patent number: 6705340
    Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: James C. McGill, Douglas P. Arduini
  • Publication number: 20040045599
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas meter valve for connection to an outlet of a gas meter and a method for its use. The gas meter valve comprises a valve inlet coupleable to the meter outlet, a valve outlet coupleable to piping for supplying gas to a customer and a valve body coupled to the valve inlet and the valve outlet. The valve body includes a chamber for communicating gas from the valve inlet to the valve outlet and a valve assembly disposed in the chamber and adapted to prevent the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a first position and permit the communication of gas through the chamber when the valve assembly is in a second position. The gas meter valve further includes an actuating mechanism coupled to the valve assembly for positioning the valve assembly in the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Danny A. Johnson, James S. Powell
  • Patent number: 6648009
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant by-pass valve prevents an unauthorized user from tampering with the valve when it is in the closed position to block gas flow to a meter being replaced or repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Jomar International
    Inventors: Paul Craig, Giulio Pettinaroli
  • Patent number: 6484740
    Abstract: A preassembled gas well blower assembly includes a platform which supports a blower above the ground. An inlet pipe had an outlet end connected to the blower inlet and extends downwardly through the support surface to an inlet end . An outlet pipe has an inlet end connected to the blower outlet and extends downwardly through the support surface to an outlet end. The preassembled is moved to a position over first and second gas pipeline sections. The inlet pipe inlet end is coupled to the first gas pipeline section, and the outlet pipe outlet end is coupled to the second gas pipeline section, permitting the blower to cause gas to be blown through the pipeline sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Clinton Guthrie