Gas Or Water Meter Replacing Patents (Class 137/315.06)
  • Patent number: 9238904
    Abstract: A flushing device includes an enclosure having an access opening; a discharge conduit; a fluid system conduit; a platform situated within the enclosure, the platform having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface facing the access opening and movable to proximate the access opening; a flushing valve mounted on the platform and in fluid communication with the fluid system conduit, the flushing valve operatively connected to a flushing controller, the flushing valve controllable by the flushing controller; and a meter mounted on the top surface of the platform, the meter including a meter inlet and a meter outlet, the meter inlet in fluid communication with the flushing valve, the flushing valve in fluid communication with the meter and the fluid system conduit, the meter outlet in fluid communication with the discharge conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Mosley, Wade Pope
  • Patent number: 8936038
    Abstract: An electromagnetic water meter holder apparatus for holding and stabilizing an electromagnetic water meter in a water meter box. A cylindrical rod, large circular tube and arched tab are used, and are optimally sized to hold and stabilize electromagnetic water meters. The method includes positioning an electromagnetic water meter into a water meter box for installation. Aligning and optimizing the electromagnetic water meter pipe nozzles of the electromagnetic water meter up with existing pipe for water flow management. Securing of the electromagnetic water meter in place by moving the cylindrical rod of the electromagnetic water meter holder apparatus, thereby preventing rotation or movement of the electromagnetic water meter; and connecting the existing pipe for water flow in and water flow out of the water meter box to the electromagnetic water meter by securing the existing pipe to the electromagnetic water meter pipe nozzles with connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Dave Tyler
  • 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: 8109297
    Abstract: Valve arrangements for use with a water meter include a first valve comprising a first valve housing, a first inlet, and a first outlet, the first inlet and the first outlet of the first valve being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another, a second valve comprising a second valve housing, a second inlet, and a second outlet, the second inlet and the second outlet of the second valve being oriented substantially perpendicular to one another; the first inlet of the first valve and the second outlet of the second valve being substantially coaxial with one another, and the first outlet of the first valve and the second inlet of the second valve being oriented substantially 180° apart from one another, with the first valve housing and the second valve housing being joined together by a connection member. The valve arrangement may also be provided as a kit of parts with a set of pipeline attachment members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: FIMCIM SpA
    Inventors: Roberto Cimberio, Jason Uder
  • 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: 20110100482
    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, a bag having at least one glove port coupled to a second connecting member, and means for connecting the first connecting member to the second connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    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: 7886761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-interruptible change out of a gas meter utilizing the meter set assembly swivel connections to create a bypass of the meter. The apparatus is machined to conform to the swivel and the threads of the meter inlet and outlet. A clamping mechanism maintains the meter and the apparatus in place while internal mechanisms create a gap between the swivel and the inlet or outlet of the meter. A sliding mechanism disengages the swivel gasket normally disposed between the meter inlet or outlet and the swivel for replacement during the meter exchange. Once the gap is created, a second apparatus similar to the first apparatus is attached to the other of the meter inlet or outlet. A hose providing fluid communication between the two apparatuses acts as the bypass during change out of the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Operations Technology Development, NFP
    Inventors: Daniel T. Germata, Jack Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 7637277
    Abstract: A water meter idler bar for use during manufacture, shipping and installation of a water meter setter to ensure and maintain proper alignment and spacing between water meter fittings of the water meter setter. Following installation, the idler bar also allows water to flow through the water meter setter prior to installation of a water meter. The idler bar is a rigid PVC pipe having threaded connectors with rubber O-rings at its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Cambridge Brass, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Norman
  • Patent number: 7584765
    Abstract: Potential leakage points are avoided, mishandling or loss of loose, unattached parts minimized and installation in tight places facilitated by a meter bar of elongated cast metal structure having a central bar, an outlet conduit section and an inlet conduit section, both integral with the meter bar. The inlet and outlet sections may include integral tail pieces and an upstream end of the inlet section includes an elongated, downwardly curved conduit to eliminate the need for the use of elbows, pipes or nipples, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: A. Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Jon Gohde
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090065068
    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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: James C. McGill
  • Publication number: 20080135106
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-interruptible change out of a gas meter utilizing the meter set assembly swivel connections to create a bypass of the meter. The apparatus is machined to conform to the swivel and the threads of the meter inlet and outlet. A clamping mechanism maintains the meter and the apparatus in place while internal mechanisms create a gap between the swivel and the inlet or outlet of the meter. A sliding mechanism disengages the swivel gasket normally disposed between the meter inlet or outlet and the swivel for replacement during the meter exchange. Once the gap is created, a second apparatus similar to the first apparatus is attached to the other of the meter inlet or outlet. A hose providing fluid communication between the two apparatuses acts as the bypass during change out of the meter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, NFP
    Inventors: Daniel T. Germata, Jack Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 7347219
    Abstract: A meter bar and meter bar system are provided for directing a fluid. The meter bar includes a first portion, a second portion and a bypass path extending between the first and second portions. The first portion includes a first service port, a first meter port and a first valve. The second portion includes a second service port, a second meter port and a second valve. Each of the first and second valves are movable between metering positions and bypass positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: A. Y. McDonald Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Jon Gohde, Brian Kretz
  • Publication number: 20070295407
    Abstract: A water meter idler bar for use during manufacture, shipping and installation of a water meter setter to ensure and maintain proper alignment and spacing between water meter fittings of the water meter setter. Following installation, the idler bar also allows water to flow through the water meter setter prior to installation of a water meter. The idler bar is a rigid PVC pipe having threaded connectors with rubber O-rings at its ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE BRASS, INC.
    Inventor: JAMIE NORMAN
  • Patent number: 7281545
    Abstract: A unitary water meter setter, preferably provided in an integral brass casting, has a continuous inlet pipe having an inwardly extending inlet service leg with a threaded end, and an inlet meter support leg extending upwardly with respect thereto to a threaded meter inlet end and a continuous outlet pipe having an inwardly extending outlet service leg aligned with the inlet service leg with a threaded end and an outlet meter support leg extending upwardly with respect thereto to a threaded meter outlet end. A central bracing structure rigidly connects spaces and positions the inlet and outlet pipes to receive a water meter and connecting components. The connecting components include a first set of two riser pipes each providing substantially the same rise, one of the riser pipes threadably connected at one end to the threaded meter inlet end of the inlet pipe, and the other riser pipe connected at one end to the meter outlet end of the outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Mueller International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell Hunt
  • Patent number: 6860164
    Abstract: A meter installation system has a hollow support arm with a first end and a second end and a central vertical portion there between. A retention device has a vertical slit defining a first edge and a second edge. A coupling bar lies adjacent to the first edge. A swivel is secured in line with the hollow coupling bar and has a flexible strap coupled between the swivel and the second edge to enable the diameter of the cylindrical retention device to vary. A crank adjacent to the first end of the support arm allows the user to supply rotational energy. A series of beveled gears transmit rotational energy from the crank through the hollow support arm and to the swivel to facilitate changing the retention device between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Edward Holbrook
  • 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: 20040149334
    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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: James C. McGill, Douglas P. Arduini
  • 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
  • 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: 6588447
    Abstract: A break-away ring manufactured from a frangible material and removably received by a water meter of the type used to measure the volume of water consumed by a residence or a commercial facility. The break-away ring applies a holding pressure for retaining within the water meter a register to measure the volume of water consumed. The ring has a plurality of notches formed therein. A tool is inserted in one of the notches for prying the break-away ring outwardly from the water meter, whereby to break the ring and end the holding pressure generated thereby. Accordingly, the register can now be easily lifted out of the water meter for repair or replacement. The foregoing removal of the register is accomplished without having to either interrupt the water service to the consumer or disconnect the water meter from the consumer's water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur A. Hendey
  • Publication number: 20010047825
    Abstract: A pressure flow stop which can be used for temporarily blocking flow of water from a main water supply line to a residence or business in order to facilitate replacement of a damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve, or “curbstop”, at the residence or business. The pressure flow stop may include an elongated shaft housing which is removably attached to the damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve after the water shutoff valve is closed and the water meter is removed from the water shutoff valve, respectively. An elongated inflation shaft, terminated by an inflatable balloon, is slidably disposed in the shaft housing, and the water shutoff valve is opened to facilitate extension of the balloon end of the inflation shaft from the shaft housing, through the water shutoff valve and into the water source pipe leading from the main water line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Joe L. Williams