Tapping A Pipe, Keg, Or Apertured Tank Under Pressure Patents (Class 137/317)
  • Patent number: 11667510
    Abstract: A monitoring system of a beer tap station is disclosed. The monitoring system can determine when a beer is being dispensed from the beer tap station and also which beer tap of the beer tap station is being pulled (i.e., which beer is being dispensed). The monitoring system also receives customer transaction data from a point of sale system and correlates data between the monitoring system and the point-of-sale system to detect errors and unauthorized serving of beer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Amish Patel
  • Patent number: 11202654
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple cannulas defining a lumen sized and dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments, an inflatable outer membrane attached to an outer surface of the cannula, and at least one activator that reversibly pressurizes a fluid contained in the outer membrane to fill or pressurize the outer membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Edward J. Mikol
  • Patent number: 11174975
    Abstract: A pipe erroneous assembly preventing structure includes a pipe and a case. The pipe includes a stay in which a stay-side abutting portion and a stay claw portion intersect with each other in an L shape. The case includes a hole forming portion; a first protrusion portion provided in the hole forming portion; a case-side abutting portion which is recessed in the first protrusion portion and to which the stay-side abutting portion of the stay abuts, and a second protrusion portion protruding from the case wall surface. In a case where a length of the stay claw portion in the insertion direction is set to Ls, a distance from the case wall surface to the case-side abutting portion is set to Lg, and a distance from the case wall surface to the second protrusion portion is set to Lp, Lg?Lp<Ls?Lg is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 10760694
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 10738929
    Abstract: An internal boss can have an outer side surface shaped to match the bored opening of the Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) pipe, an inner side surface shaped to align with an interior pipe surface of the sanitary Tee or Wye fitting component, and an internal face surface of the boss extending between the side surfaces and shaped to align with an interior pipe surface of the DWV pipe when welded thereto. Snap-fit wings can hold the interior face surface of the sanitary Tee or Wye fitting component against an exterior face surface of the DWV pipe while the fitting component and DWV pipe are homogeneously weldable into a single DWV fitting using a solvent mixture including a common plastic material. Related methods and single homogeneous fittings are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Delve Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Williams
  • Patent number: 10690643
    Abstract: An apparatus senses properties of a fluid. The apparatus has a pipe section, a valve, and an instrument. The pipe section has an envelope, through which a flow of the fluid is coupled between a tank of an electrical power device and a cooling device. The envelope is disposed about a longitudinal axis, and has a penetration disposed laterally, relative to the longitudinal axis. The valve is disposed within the one or more penetrations and has a closed position and an open position. The instrument is operable for the sensing of the fluid properties, and has a probe disposed in contact with the fluid through the valve in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Roger Alan Fenton
  • Patent number: 10613066
    Abstract: An apparatus senses properties of a fluid. The apparatus has a pipe section, a valve, and an instrument. The pipe section has an envelope, through which a flow of the fluid is coupled between a tank of an electrical power device and a cooling device. The envelope is disposed about a longitudinal axis, and has a penetration disposed laterally, relative to the longitudinal axis. The valve is disposed within the one or more penetrations and has a closed position and an open position. The instrument is operable for the sensing of the fluid properties, and has a probe disposed in contact with the fluid through the valve in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Inventor: Roger Alan Fenton
  • Patent number: 10556301
    Abstract: A tube clamp assembly for aligning and clamping a pair of tube ends includes: an elongate bar having a channel shaped to substantially conform to receive outer surfaces of adjacent tube ends when the channel is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the adjacent tube ends, the elongate bar further including a bore oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent tube ends; a clamping member having an elongate body oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the adjacent tube ends, the clamping member having a bore formed therethrough, the bore substantially aligned with the bore of the elongate bar; at least one cable attached to the clamping member and extending around a distal outer wall of the adjacent tube ends; an elongate threaded bolt extending from a first end through the bore of the clamping member and into the bore of the bar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Steven Christopher Baker
  • Patent number: 10221982
    Abstract: A milling adaptor and system for use in milling a cross-cut slot in a pipe with a mill and a valve housing, the pipe having a longitudinal axis, the mill having a cutting bit extendable from a working end, the valve housing being positionable about the pipe, the milling adaptor including a main adaptor plate removeably connectable to the valve housing; a sliding gate cutting adaptor slideably contactable with the main adaptor plate; and a top retainer track removeably connectable to the main adaptor plate. When the main adaptor plate is connected to both the valve housing and the top retainer track with the sliding gate cutting adaptor disposed within the slider passage, and when the cutting bit is rotating and extended through the cutting hole to contact the transmission pipe, translating the cutting hole along the milling slot cuts the cross-cut slot in the transmission pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Jerome Latos
  • Patent number: 10145830
    Abstract: An apparatus senses properties of a fluid. The apparatus has a pipe section, a valve, and an instrument. The pipe section has an envelope, through which a flow of the fluid is coupled between a tank of an electrical power device and a cooling device. The envelope is disposed about a longitudinal axis, and has a penetration disposed laterally, relative to the longitudinal axis. The valve is disposed within the one or more penetrations and has a closed position and an open position. The instrument is operable for the sensing of the fluid properties, and has a probe disposed in contact with the fluid through the valve in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Roger Alan Fenton
  • Patent number: 10113657
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus of joined valves used to test and maintain refrigeration systems. More particularly, the present application provides a Multiple Valve Refrigerant Leak Protection Device having a specifically preferred embodiment including a ball valve with a soldered pipe connection, as part of the fitting with a Schrader valve, primarily used for the maintenance and transfer of refrigerant from commercial refrigeration equipment. Schrader valves are most commonly used in this application with a ball valve. A ball valve would be the preferred valve, but a wide range of valves could be used. The resulting valves can be used to test and maintain refrigeration systems, and act to prevent leakage where refrigeration fluids are often released to the atmosphere when the system is being maintained or repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: PRESCOTT, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt M. Prescott, Katharyn A. Prescott
  • Patent number: 10036473
    Abstract: A sealing profile is used in a clamp. The clamp includes two circumferential sealing sections and a connection section and is designed that the circumferential sealing sections classed the part to be clamped and therefore seal the gap between the clamping means and the part to be clamped, and the connecting section finishes with the outer contours of the clamping sections and therefore seal the clamping slits between the clamping sections of the clamping means to the other side. The sealing section contributes to the hygienic design of cross-clamps and can be used in cross-clamps of clamping parts in the food industry or food processing industry. The continuous sealing profile permits cavities and gaps to be sealed to prevent a microorganism growth and ensures that the part of the plant is easy to clean without leaving cleaning agent residue to accumulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: MULTIPOND WÄGETECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Peters
  • Patent number: 9891080
    Abstract: A probe assembly for inserting a probe into a flexible or semi-rigid vessel or tubing having a distal aseptic connector for coupling to the vessel or tubing, the probe sheath comprising at least a portion that is rigid, the probe sheath extending longitudinally from the aseptic connector and having at least one inner longitudinal lumen configured to receive an elongate sensor or probe body and to permit longitudinal movement of the sensor/probe body within the probe sheath lumen, and an actuator for deploying a probe within the vessel or tubing by advancing the probe body through the aseptic connector to a position where the probe can measure at least one parameter within the vessel or tubing is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES CORP.
    Inventors: Richard L. Damren, Colin R. Tuohey, Thomas Erdenberger, Michael Fisher, Jonathan A. Kenney, Parrish M. Galliher, Joseph D. Crowell
  • Patent number: 9829141
    Abstract: This patent document discloses an improved series of nozzles and completion plugs for use in installing linestops in pressurized pipes. The improved nozzles are capable of accommodating two different types of completion plugs, including a threaded completion plug and a push-in type completion plug that is held in place within the nozzle by pins that extend through a flange of the nozzle. Lower edges of the nozzles are designed to facilitate the welding of the nozzle to an upper clamp or upper saddle member. Specifically, the lower or proximal beveled edge includes an inner lip that acts as a dam to prevent seepage of welding material between the proximal edge of the nozzle and the upper saddle member during the welding of the former to the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hydra-Stop LLC
    Inventors: Christopher C. Vazzana, Carl Mastny, Stephen Roehrig, Panagiotis Tsafaras
  • Patent number: 9810338
    Abstract: A valve for connection to a pressurized gas cylinder includes a housing including a gas cylinder aperture which is connectable to a gas cylinder, and a housing conduit which extends through the housing from the gas cylinder aperture to one or more inlet/outlet apertures so that the valve is capable of providing fluid communication between the gas cylinder through the housing conduit and the one or more inlet/outlet apertures. A flow control ball within the housing conduit is movable between open and closed positions. Ball seals have sealing surfaces corresponding to a shape of the flow control ball for substantially sealing the flow control ball in the housing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: LUXFER CANADA, LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen Alan Carter
  • Patent number: 9638336
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for valve insertion and linestopping. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sealing housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion that are each dimensioned to partially surround an exterior surface of an existing pipe in an airtight state. In one embodiment, an integral valve assembly is disposed at least partially within an integral valve housing section of the upper housing portion. The integral valve assembly comprises a valve movable between an open position in which the valve provides an open pathway through an opening in the upper housing portion, and a closed position in which the valve provides a seal adjacent to the opening. The upper housing portion may be adapted to selectively receive each of an adapter plate for a cutting machine, a valve bonnet, and a blind flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Valve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Murphy, Michael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9194761
    Abstract: A cable condition monitoring device for monitoring a damaged condition of a cable including a conductor part including a plurality of element wires and an insulating material part formed on a periphery of the conductor part includes a gas feeding device configured to feed a compressed gas into the conductor part, a pressure gauge configured to measure a pressure in the conductor part, and an insulating material part damage judgment part configured to judge whether the insulating material part is damaged or not based on the pressure measured by the pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Eshima, Fumihito Oka
  • Publication number: 20150129048
    Abstract: A device and method for inserting a tool into a pipeline transporting a fluid. The device includes a housing that is attachable to a vertical fitting applied on the pipeline, and a launch tube supported by the housing and including a tool passageway through which a tool is fed. The launch tube moves relative to the housing to raise and lower a shoe at an end of the launch tube into the pipeline. The shoe is and adapted to insert a tool into the pipeline at an angle to the launch tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jeff MAINZER, Dennis R. JARNECKE
  • Patent number: 9004095
    Abstract: A pipeline control unit that connects two conduits attached to opposing sides of a housing with an attachable pressure cover plate and a valve servicing assembly that can be installed onto the housing to form a fluid-tight structure. A pipeline control mechanism can be mounted in an access opening of the pipeline control unit to enable a user to selectively control fluid flow through the housing. The pipeline control unit allows the removal and replacement of the pipeline control mechanism without depressurizing a pipeline system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Maichel
  • Patent number: 8955722
    Abstract: An assembly (1) of a tapping keg (2) with neck (5) and a connecting device (15) for placement on said neck (5). In the neck is at least one valve (20, 22). The neck is provided with an outwardly reaching flange (8) with a top surface (14) and an inclined bottom surface (9). The bottom surface (9) is inclined with respect to the top surface (14). The connecting device has a substantially horse shoe-shaped connecting element (16), provided with a slot (18) by way of which the connecting element (16) is slidable over the flange (8). The side of the slot facing the bottom surface (46) during use comprises a lower surface (19) which is inclined at an angle which is at least virtually equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined bottom surface (9) and, in coupled condition, abuts at least against a planar central part (9A) of the inclined bottom surface (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Guido Petrus Johannes Van Der Klaauw, Bart Jan Bax
  • Patent number: 8839806
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a pressure tap assembly includes a passage formed through a wall, a counterbore formed in the passage proximate an inner surface of the wall and a first end of a tube positioned in the passage, wherein a spacer positioned on the tube is positioned in the counterbore and deformed about the inner surface and counterbore to prevent fluid flow between the passage and tube. The pressure tap assembly also includes a second end of the tube disposed proximate a pressure sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fredrick Levi Fuller, Wayne Armond Deyoe, Lawrence James Moore
  • Publication number: 20140261760
    Abstract: A tapping sleeve assembly comprising a sleeve having first and second shells, a gasket, a connection assembly comprising first and second side bar elements connected to the first and second shells, respectively, multiple lugs extending from the first and second side bar elements, and a bolt extending between each of the respective lugs, the first side bar element comprising an upper leg connected to the first shell at an upper connection, a lower leg supporting at least one of the lugs, an intermediate bearing unit configured to bear against the first shell, and the bearing unit having at least one bearing surface not affixed to the outer surface of the first shell, whereby the first and second side bar elements may be drawn towards each other to tighten the sleeve to a conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Raymond C. Minich, Daryl M. Piontek
  • Patent number: 8800601
    Abstract: An apparatus for fluid flow control, including flow stoppage, in a pipe having a saddle fitting with an axially extending outer launch tube and a coaxially aligned inner launch tube longitudinally split into two inner launch tube halves disposed within the axially extending outer launch tube. At least one inflatable flow stopper bag is disposed within the inner launch tube for stopping flow of a fluid through the pipe with which the saddle fitting is connected. An inner launch tube control rod for manipulating each of the inner launch tube halves during the inflatable stopper insertion and removal processes is connected with each of the inner launch tube halves, and a flow stopper bag control rod for manipulating the inflatable flow stoppers is connected with each of the inflatable flow stopper bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Operations Technology Development, NFP
    Inventor: Jeffrey William Mainzer
  • Patent number: 8757195
    Abstract: A keg tapping system made up of an upper coupler and a lower coupler having, respectively, upper and lower housings and slidable upper and lower coupler conduits therein. The upper and lower coupler conduits each have top and bottom ends. The upper coupler includes a handle moveable between up and down positions. The handle is in operational contact with the upper conduit. The bottom of the upper coupler conduit is in operational contact with the top of the lower coupler conduit. Moving the handle between up and down positions causes up and down movement of the upper coupler conduit and the lower coupler conduit. In one non-limiting embodiment the upper coupler can be releasably attached to a range of lower coupler types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Four Sheets, LLC
    Inventors: David Allen Gitlin, Jr., Randall Alan Henderson, John Robert Sims
  • Publication number: 20140158222
    Abstract: A hot tapping assembly for hot tapping into a multiple string configuration to obtain access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing, the hot tapping assembly including a hot tapping clamp and a hot tapping seal assembly. In one embodiment, the hot tapping clamp includes a clamp plate having an access bore. The clamp plate can engage with an outer surface of a pipe. In another embodiment, the hot tapping seal assembly can engage with the hot tapping clamp, and includes a hot tapping tubular that can engage with the outer surface of the pipe through the hot tapping clamp's access bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BTI Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Cenac, Richard J. Robichaux, John William Angers, JR.
  • Patent number: 8701699
    Abstract: A hot tapping assembly for hot tapping into a multiple string configuration to obtain access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing, the hot tapping assembly including a hot tapping clamp and a hot tapping seal assembly. In one embodiment, the hot tapping clamp includes a clamp plate having an access bore. The clamp plate can engage with an outer surface of a pipe. In another embodiment, the hot tapping seal assembly can engage with the hot tapping clamp, and includes a hot tapping tubular that can engage with the outer surface of the pipe through the hot tapping clamp's access bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: BTI Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Cenac, Richard J. Robichaux, John William Angers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8695626
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for valve insertion and linestopping. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sealing housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion that are each dimensioned to partially surround an exterior surface of an existing pipe in an airtight state. In one embodiment, an integral valve assembly is disposed at least partially within an integral valve housing section of the upper housing portion. The integral valve assembly comprises a valve movable between an open position in which the valve provides an open pathway through an opening in the upper housing portion, and a closed position in which the valve provides a seal adjacent to the opening. The upper housing portion may be adapted to selectively receive each of an adapter plate for a cutting machine, a valve bonnet, and a blind flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Valve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Murphy, Michael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8651133
    Abstract: Tap safety devices are disclosed. The tap safety devices may include a shield which is positioned between the fluid supply line and an operator space such that in an occurrence of an unintended break in the fluid supply line in which a first portion of fluid exits the fluid supply line and travels towards the operator space the shield substantially redirects the first portion of fluid away from the operator space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas G. Buttz
  • Patent number: 8613291
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling flow of fluid through a pipe, comprising: a housing configured to enclose a portion of a pipe through which fluid flow is to be controlled, the housing comprising: a first part defining a chamber configured to receive the portion of the pipe; and a second part extending from the first part, the second part defining a stowage space adjacent the chamber; a flow control device from a stowed position in the stowage space to an installed position in the chamber for selectively controlling flow through the housing, the flow control device comprising a body having a leading end defining a cutting surface for removing a section of the pipe enclosed by the housing as the flow control device moves from the stowed position to the installed position in order to form an opening in the pipe for receiving the flow control device when in the installed position; and a rotary drive mechanism for moving the flow control device from the stowed position to the installed position in response to a rotary i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: NLB Engineering Limited
    Inventor: John Francis Steeple Heffernan
  • Patent number: 8573243
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device for fixing to and delivering a fluid into a pressurized pipe, the device operable for restricting a flow of fluid through the pipe, thereby generating a restricted flow region within the pipe, the device including a delivery conduit arranged to open into the restricted flow region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas Burnham
  • Publication number: 20130240054
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a pressure tap assembly includes a passage formed through a wall, a counterbore formed in the passage proximate an inner surface of the wall and a first end of a tube positioned in the passage, wherein a spacer positioned on the tube is positioned in the counterbore and deformed about the inner surface and counterbore to prevent fluid flow between the passage and tube. The pressure tap assembly also includes a second end of the tube disposed proximate a pressure sensing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Fredrick Levi Fuller, Wayne Armond Deyoe, Lawrence James Moore
  • Patent number: 8522813
    Abstract: A sampling port includes a housing and a valve assembly. The housing includes an internal passage through which fluids flow and defines a port in fluid communication with the internal passage. The valve assembly is mountable adjacent the port of the housing and includes a bezel having a channel extending therethrough and a bladder mounted adjacent the bezel. The bladder includes a bladder base and a bladder stem depending from the bladder base which is at least partially received within the channel of the bezel. The bladder stem is movable within the channel of the bezel between a first position substantially preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly and a second position in which a fluid path is established through the valve assembly and in fluid communication with the internal passage of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Geoffrey R. McElroy
  • Patent number: 8511328
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a T-pipe designed for transfer of high pressure fluids through the main run and where the branch run is left in a standby position for possible use in the future. The opening, or outlet, of the branch run is sealed by a material continuous with the main run. An opening and fluid flow in the branch run while the main run is in production and remains under full pressure, is to be provided. The sealing includes a metal membrane which is in contact with the fluid flowing in the main run. The metal membrane is thinner than the wall thickness of the T-pipe and is supported by a plug inserted in the branch run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Apply Nemo AS
    Inventor: Per Lillejordet
  • Publication number: 20130061939
    Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes a housing within which at least a portion of a pump element can be disposed. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface and defines a cavity therethrough. The housing is configured to be coupled to a reservoir such that the first surface is disposed within an interior volume of the reservoir and the second surface is disposed outside the interior volume of the reservoir. The housing includes a seal portion configured to fluidically isolate the first surface from the second surface. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the pump element such that movement of the pump element produces a fluid flow from an inlet opening defined by the first surface and an outlet opening defined by the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SYNERJECT LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. LEPPERT, Jason D. KEOWN
  • Publication number: 20130008527
    Abstract: A keg tapping system made up of an upper coupler and a lower coupler having, respectively, upper and lower housings and slidable upper and lower coupler conduits therein. The upper and lower coupler conduits each have top and bottom ends. The upper coupler includes a handle moveable between up and down positions. The handle is in operational contact with the upper conduit. The bottom of the upper coupler conduit is in operational contact with the top of the lower coupler conduit. Moving the handle between up and down positions causes up and down movement of the upper coupler conduit and the lower coupler conduit. In one non-limiting embodiment the upper coupler can be releasably attached to a range of lower coupler types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: David Allen Gitlin, JR., Randall Alan Henderson, John Robert Sims
  • Publication number: 20120192963
    Abstract: An improved tapping sleeve assembly comprising a sleeve configured to clamp a main fluid conduit oriented about a longitudinal axis, the sleeve having a connecting assembly between a first member and a second member, the connection assembly configured and arranged to tighten the first and the second members to the main fluid conduit, a gasket disposed between the first member and the main fluid conduit, the gasket comprising a flexible sheet having an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface and a thickened aperture seal configured to extend around a branch aperture in the first member between the sleeve and the main fluid conduit, and the aperture seal having a non-uniform radial thickness around the branch aperture when the connection assembly is in a non-actuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond C. Minich, Daryl M. Piontek
  • Patent number: 8201573
    Abstract: A tapping tee assembly (10) comprises an integrally moulded saddle (12), body (14) and socket (16). The tapping tee assembly can be mounted on a pipeline thereby enabling a cutter to travel through the body of the fitting in order to cut a hole in the pipeline. The saddle (12) is provided with a saddle-shaped electrofusion element mat (18) and the socket (16), which is integral with the body (14) and in fluid connection with the axial bore (20) of the body, is provided with a second electrofusion element (22). The electrofusion elements (22,30) are connected by an integrated anvil-shaped connector (26) and connecting pin (28) such that both electrofusion elements (22,30) can be energized simultaneously using two electrical terminals (24,38), and the device can be manufactured with relative ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Radius Systems Limited
    Inventors: Mario John Christodoulou, Colin Hughes, Jeffrey Richard Utting
  • Patent number: 8176929
    Abstract: A spigot for a line-stopping sheath assembly includes a flange including a flange plate and a flange barrel. The flange barrel includes a wall extending from the flange plate, with an end of the wall of the flange barrel opposing the flange plate having a projection defining a periphery of a socket area for receiving an end of a pipe. The spigot also includes a pipe having an end disposed within the periphery of the socket area defined by the projection of the flange barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: JCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Caldwell Najera Collins
  • Publication number: 20120067435
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tapping into a pressurized multiple strings of coaxially situated tubulars for wells and/or platforms which have overturned wherein the tapping occurs underwater via a diver or remotely operated vehicle. The assembly includes a tapping tool connectable to the tubular via a saddle connection and an adjustable tapping clamp with adjustable support/locking feet, compression plate with view ports, and angularly adjustable hot tapping system, along with a drill/saw system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Harry MCGRAW, Leslie M. BLAND, Daniel S. BANGERT, Mark F. GRAVOUIA, Rizal MASINGKAN
  • Publication number: 20120067437
    Abstract: A tap arrangement (10) is provided, which includes a spout (15) for communicating and dispensing a primary fluid, and one or more spout fluid passages (20,25) located within the spout (15) for communicating and dispensing one or more secondary fluids, and a tap portion (30). The tap portion (30) includes a generally cylindrical tap body (35), a primary control (40), a secondary control (60) and a cap (65), and is adapted to allow a user to independently dispense the primary and the one or more secondary fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Lijun Xia
  • Publication number: 20120037649
    Abstract: A tapping fitting, particularly a flap or ball cock, with a fitting housing made from plastic for connection to a drain spigot of a plastic container for liquids, particularly an interior container of a transport and storage container, wherein the fitting housing is provided with a conductive device at least part of which is made from electrically conductive plastic for dissipating an electrostatic charge, wherein the conductive device is the conductive device has an integrally conformed earthing conductor for the electrically conductive connection of the conductive device to a ground potential and is also connected integrally with the fitting housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: PROTECHNA S.A.
    Inventor: Udo SCHÜTZ
  • Patent number: 8056773
    Abstract: An assembly of a tapping keg with neck and a connecting device for placement on the neck. In the neck is at least one valve. The neck is provided with an outwardly reaching flange with a top surface and an inclined bottom surface. The bottom surface is inclined with respect to the top surface. The connecting device has a substantially horse shoe-shaped connecting element, provided with a slot by way of which the connecting element is slidable over the flange. The side of the slot facing the bottom surface during use includes a lower surface which is inclined at an angle which is at least virtually equal to the angle of inclination of the inclined bottom surface and, in coupled condition, abuts at least against a planar central part of the inclined bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Heineken Technical Services B.V.
    Inventors: Guido Petrus Johannes Van der Klaauw, Bart Jan Bax
  • Patent number: 8052351
    Abstract: A method is disclosed that comprises the steps of preassembling the connector pipe in a support; coupling a frame to the pipeline at or towards an end thereof such that the location of at least one part of the frame is known with reference to the throughbore and the end of the pipeline; engaging the support with a portion of the frame; substantially aligning the connector pipe with the end of the pipeline; and connecting the connector pipe to the end of the pipeline. A cutting tool is also disclosed that can be coupled to a portion of a guide means and used to cut the pipeline at a predetermined distance from the guide means such that the end of the pipeline is created. A remotely operable vehicle can be used to remotely actuate and control the connection of the pipe and the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Subsea 7 Norway NUF
    Inventor: William Tobias Bird
  • Patent number: 8047219
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of plugging a pipeline having an exterior surface including the steps of affixing to the exterior of the pipeline first and second spaced apart collars, welding each collar to the pipeline so that an operating space is provided between the collars, positioning a seal with each collar, affixing a containment housing to the opposed collars providing a confined space around the pipeline and surrounding the operating space between the collars, the confined space being accessed by a passageway, cutting and removing a length of pipeline between the collars providing opposed pipeline exterior end surfaces, positioning first and second seal cups between the collars, each seal cup having a forwardly extending circumferential lip of internal diameter greater than the external diameter of the pipeline, and applying force to move the seal cups away from each other, the circumferential lips of the seal cups engaging with the opposed seals to compress them into sealing engagement with the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: TDW Delaware Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Puckett, Tony R. Garrison
  • Patent number: 8028711
    Abstract: A hot tap clamp. The clamp includes a first clamp part, a second clamp part, a fastener for stable fastening of the clamp parts around a section of a pipeline provided with a hot tap coupling, a pipe socket fixedly integrated with one of the clamp parts at an inner end and extending outward from the clamp part to an outer end, a hub on the outer end of the pipe socket, the pipe socket at the inner end going through the clamp part abutting the surface of the pipeline, such that the pipe socket can be sealingly welded to the pipeline by internal welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventors: Carl Henrik Ahlen, Jan Olav Berge, Kjell Edvard Apeland, Michael Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8020575
    Abstract: A method for tapping a water line, the water line being buried below a subterranean frost line, the water line traversing a water meter box's lower end, and having first and second sections within the water meter box respectively extending upwardly to and extending downwardly from a water meter, the method for tapping the water line including steps of providing a flexible tube having an intake end and an output end, the flexible tube having a length sufficient for, upon attachment of the flexible tube's intake end to the water line within the water meter box, extensions and retractions of the flexible tube between first and second positions, the flexible tube's output end residing below the subterranean frost line while in the first position and the flexible tube's output end extending upwardly from the water meter box while in the second position; attaching the flexible tube's intake end to the water line within the water meter box; providing a spigot and attaching the spigot to the flexible tube's output en
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald D. Watson
  • Patent number: 8020580
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a no-leak drain pipe connector for a fluid filter which helps prevent the splashing of hot fluid on individuals performing filter element and oil changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Purolator Filters NA LLC
    Inventors: Rajan Ahuja, L. Steven Cline
  • Patent number: 8001988
    Abstract: A method according to this invention employs a set of valves, a series of pressure checks, and a physical stop for verifying the closing of a locking system of a cylindrical passageway. The method may also employ an equalization piping. The valves isolate a tapping machine, a pipeline, and the equalization piping from one another so that product cannot flow from one to the other. The valves are then opened as a series of pressure checks are performed. A completion plug is then lowered into the passageway until the plug comes to rest within the passageway and is oriented so that a locking ring of the plug is in a filly expanded position. The expanded position is then confirmed by raising the plug until its upward travel is restricted. The plug is then released and pressure above the plug is reduced to 0 psi gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Buddy A. Wilson, Randy B. Billington, Bruce W. Bingham, Tony R. Garrison, Mark A. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20110192469
    Abstract: A gear case part (70), which has an upper aperture that opens upward and which forms a recess that houses a portion of a drive gear device (63) and for which the drive gear device (63) can be inserted from the upper aperture and assembled, is provided integrally on the upper part of a first or second divided case (21, 22); a cover (66) that blocks the upper aperture of the gear case part (70) is fastened to the gear case part (70); an operating part (67) protrudes upward from a through-hole (66a) that vertically penetrates the cover (66); and by removing the cover (66) from the gear case part (70), the drive gear device (63) can be extracted from the gear case part (70) through the upper aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Tamotsu Yamashita, Taihei Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20110061743
    Abstract: A tapping apparatus 1 for beverage 7, provided with a beverage holder 2 and a pressure regulating device 9, the pressure regulating device 9 comprising a first compartment 11 and a second compartment 12, wherein the first compartment 11 contains a first substance 23 and the second compartment 12 a second substance, between the first and the second compartment at least a part of a dosing device 13 is provided and wherein at least one of the first and second compartment is in communication with an inner space 6 of the beverage holder 2. The first and second component can react with each other while forming a gas, in particular C02 gas which dissolves in the beverage 7 and pressurises the beverage holder 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Humphries, John Coppendale, David Morrison Russell, David Richard Stonehouse, David William Neil Edington