Abstract: An improved automatic damper for furnace vent pipes is disclosed. The damper is part of a mounting mechanism which is installed in an existing furnace vent pipe and attached to a motor for operation of the damper. The motor is secured to a mounting bracket which in turn is secured to a collar mounting bracket which has two sections and is removably secured around the existing vent pipe. One section of the collar mounting bracket has an elongated slot which is used as a template for preparing an access slot in the pipe for the damper. Both of the sections have pilot holes in them which are used to make corresponding pilot holes in the vent pipe. After the slot and pilot holes are prepared, the two sections are removed and the damper is installed in the slot in the vent pipe. Thereafter, the two sections of the collar mounting brackets are reinstalled on the vent pipe, but in opposite positions thereby covering the access slot and securing the damper in place.

Abstract: A method and a device for interrupting or reducing a media flow through a tubular pipe, involving removal of two opposed circumferential wall portions of the tubular pipe by means of two mainly parallel pistons, thereafter moving a third piston mainly mutually perpendicularly to the direction of travel for the pistons parallel piston and the length axis of the tubular pipe to a position mainly extending through the parallel pistons, the tubular pipe and the opposed openings of same, the third piston means being arranged with expanding devices, which, after completed movement of the third piston, are expanded to reduce, or interrupt, the internal cross-sectional area of the tubular pipe.

Abstract: A line tap valve for tapping refrigerant lines of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, said line tap valve having a housing which is adapted to be clamped to a refrigeration line, said housing having two non-aligned but communicating valve bodies or chambers, a line piercing valve in one valve body or chamber and a service valve in the other valve body or chamber, said line piercing valve and said service valve being independently operable, to control the flow into and out of the refrigerant line. The service valve is removable and replaceable without refrigerant leakage when the line piercing valve is in closed position. The line piercing valve is retractable from the refrigerant line to provide an unimpeded flow therethrough when the service valve is in closed condition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vascular connector device which has features that permit the connector device to close a vascular duct and to subsequently permit the vascular duct to be re-opened, if desired. The vascular connector of this disclosure features a tubular shaped vascular connector having a guillotine type plunger arrangement or assembly which can be actuated for first closing and then re-opening the vascular duct, if desired.

Abstract: A tool for removing and replacing wing valves or master valves on an operating wellhead under pressure includes an elongated housing with a fluid coupling on one end for connecting to the outlet end of a wellhead valve and a packing assembly extending from the housing through the valve into the wellhead where it seals fluid flow to the valve. A latch on the packing assembly is used to secure it in the wellhead. The housing is equipped with a manipulator to expand and retract the packing and to engage and release the latch. An auxiliary reaming tool is provided for mounting with the manipulator and inserting through the valve to smooth the bore of a wellhead conduit if necessary prior to inserting the packing assembly into the conduit.

Abstract: In a device for tapping gas from a gas-containing cartridge, there is provided a screw socket into which a threaded end of a tap forming part of a gas-using appliance is screwed, a piston spring-loaded in the direction of the end of the socket and bearing at its end sealing means engaging the cartridge, a perforating needle mounted on the socket and extending through the piston, and stop means to limit the travel of the piston under the action of its spring. The piston is hollow and of larger diameter than the socket which latter extends into a bore in the piston, the piston sliding over and outside the socket. By this means, the risk of seizure of the piston in prolonged use of the device is considerably reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus for altering flow in an existing pipeline, including a shear and first actuator means for cutting transversely through the pipe wall and independent second actuator means for moving a surface associated with the shear into engagement with a sealing surface surrounding the pipe. The shear operates through a rotary valve element, mounted directly in a body of a housing surrounding the pipe. Channels encircling the shear sealing surfaces and rotary valve element distribute sealant between the respective mating surfaces to assure a fluidtight assembly. Fluid circulates through a chamber carried on the housing to isolate the first shear actuator means from the pipeline fluid. In a variant of the invention, a flapper plate valve replaces the rotary valve element where the pipe size is relatively large.

Abstract: A one way beer barrel dispensing support is provided to facilitate dispensing a beverage from the barrel by gravity flow. The support has a circular area on its upper surface for receiving the bottom end of a beverage barrel. A conduit is mounted in said circular area and has an inlet which enters the barrel when the barrel is placed on the support. The end of the conduit remote from the inlet has a valved spigot to control dispensing.

Abstract: A novel, fatigue resistant fitting of the joint ring type used between bolted, flanged sections of high pressure tubing is provided which safely and durably serves the dual functions of high pressure joint sealing and convenient instrumentation tap access. The fitting comprises two concentric, thick-walled cylindrical shells with the outer shell shrink-fitted onto the inner shell which is free of threaded portions or other stress concentration points except for one or two radial bores at about its midlength, and in axial alignment with each of said radial bores, a cleanly threaded aperture of substantially larger diameter through said outer shell. For maximum fatigue resistance under difficult service, the compound shell fitting is also subjected to an autofrettage treatment.

Abstract: A tubular plastic fitting is joined to the pipe wall of a plastic gas pipe and a hole is cut through the pipe wall within the fitting, leaving a ledge or shoulder around the hole as a stop for a balloon-type stopper which is then inserted and inflated within the pipe to shut off the flow of gas without substantial leakage of gas to the atmosphere. There is a ringlike compression seal within the fitting that prevents escape of gas around the cutting tool during the cutting operation and also further assures prevention of gas leakage around the stopper when the stopper is inflated within the pipe. After removal of the stopper, a closure member is placed on the pipe fitting.

Abstract: A self-piercing needle valve having a body and a shank is adapted for mounting upon a pipe. A valve support plate extends transversely of and is secured to said shank and has a right-angle extension at one end. Said extension along its length on one side has a series of variably spaced parallel wedge-shaped slots corresponding to different pipe diameters. The support plate is adapted to extend transversely of and bear against one side of a pipe. An anchor plate is spaced from and opposed to the support plate and adapted to bear against the opposite side of said pipe. A transverse slot through one end of the anchor plate is adapted to loosely receive said extension upon one side of the pipe, with portions of said anchor plate bounding said slot retainingly nested within one of said notches. A fastener upon the other side of the pipe extends between and interconnects the opposing ends of said plates for drawing the plates together and for gripping the pipe therebetween.

Abstract: An adapter for a humidifier is provided that mounts on a sealed container of purified or sterile water and connects usually to a flowmeter which is attached to a pressurized gas container. The adapter includes a spike member to pierce the container wall, a pressure chamber defined between the inner wall of the adapter and the spike member, and port means in the adapter wall establishing communication between the pressure chamber and the outside atmosphere. An audible relief valve means is located in the port to effect audible pressure relief under above normal pressure conditions in the pressure chamber during the humidifying process while pressurized gas is being introduced into the water to moisten the gas.

Abstract: An outlet fitting construction for thin-walled, flexible plastic tubing for fluid distribution systems. The outlet fitting includes first and second outlet members that in the preferred embodiment are threadedly engaged and have aligned axial passageways. One outlet member is provided with an annular rim with a riding surface that facilitates insertion of the outlet fitting into an aperture in the flexible surface irrigation tubing. In an alternative embodiment a tube piercing member is provided that is engaged with the outlet members so that the outlet fitting may be inserted into a tube which does not have pre-existing apertures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing the opening in the sidewall of a fluid carrying main during replacement of a service tee or the like comprising a gate valve, means on end of said gate valve for engaging the end of a service tee remote from the main, a plug wrench having an elongate stem adapted to pass through said gate valve in the open position, closure means on the other end of said gate valve having a passage adapted to sealingly and slidably pass said stem through the gate valve to remove a screw plug in the end of the service tee remote from the main and to receive the screw plug and wrench above the gate valve while the gate valve is closed, a stopper rod interchangeable with the elongate stem of the plug wrench in the passage in the closure means, said stopper rod having an axial passage, a resilient elongate member abutting one end of said stopper rod, an intermediate hollow shaft threaded in the hollow passage of the stopper rod and extending through the resilient member to expand th

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring toxic fluid material from a container having a closure means toward another closed location comprising conduit means and a probe member to provide a closed fluid transfer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting into and stopping the flow of fluid in a plastic pipe including a cutting blade that is forced downwardly into a pipe by a hydraulic force. The blade is slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe and thus when located within the pipe stops the flow of fluid in the pipe. The apparatus is constructed so that the cutting, flow stopping and the consequential withdrawal of the blade operation is carried out without loss of fluid from the pipe. Part of the apparatus is left on the pipe and encapsulated to complete the operation.

Abstract: A device for clamping a tubular conduct and piercing the wall of the conduct to establish fluid communication with the inside of the conduit includes a clamp having a pair of jaws which are openable to allow the clamp to be inserted around the conduit and closed to create a cradle for the conduit and allow the conduit to be pierced by a hollow piercing member carried by one clamp jaw. The jaws are readily and easily locked into position by locking tabs on one end of the jaws and the jaws are hinged together at the other end. Two embodiments are disclosed; one in which the device is used for medical purposes for tapping into a tube, e.g., as used for intravenous feeding, and the other for industrial purposes, e.g., for tapping into a tube transporting maple sucrose.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling pipes or containers under pressure employing a drill support device attachable to a surface of the pipe or container and having peripheral sealing means between said device and said container. A seal across an aperture in said device has sectoral leaves normally closed by the pressure to seal the aperture but able to be opened inwards to pass a drill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a tapered pipeline seal includes a means for enabling a line to be sealed with a rotatable tapered sealing plug or apparatus.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for plugging a branch line connection from a main line connection includes welding a suitable flange connection to the main line across from said branch line, tapping the walls of the main line from the flange connection to the branch line and positioning a plugging member adjacent and in said branch line wherein the plugging member seals against the inner surface of the main line which is normally smooth and also enables the pressure in the main line to further enhance the seal by enabling the pressure from the main line to exert pressure on the rear of the plug to seal against such main line immediately adjacent and around the periphery of the opening of the branch line.

Abstract: A tapping tee cutter for cutting plastic pipe is provided which comprises an externally threaded plug body attached to a thin-walled, hollow band cutter having a cutting edge with the portion of the band wall nearest the cutting edge having an external diameter at least as great as the cutting edge and forming a shoulder with an adjacent portion of the band cutter wall having a relieved external diameter sufficiently less than the diameter of the cutting edge so that frictional contact between the relieved diameter and a pipe wall being tapped is minimized.

Abstract: A pipe tee unit which may be mounted to a pipe for attachment of an extension tube to the pipe. The tee unit is formed of a pair of clamp members which are each formed with a circular concave recess of less than semi-circular section on their respective inner faces for clamping about a cylindrical pipe. One of the clamp members is externally fitted with a threaded nipple formed with a through hole for use in guiding a drill so as to cut a hole in a pipe clamped by the two members, when the two members are bolted together about a pipe. An extension tube fitted to a threaded collar is then fastened by the said collar to the nipple.

Abstract: An invention relating to a device adapted to connect a branch line to a main pipeline without interrupting flow of fluid through the mainline. The device includes a pair of tubular, cutter-containing portions and a branch line connection. The device further includes the means to pressure test the branch line prior to the actual cutting or tapping into the mainline.

Abstract: A tapping T for effecting a house outlet connection on non-metallic plastic pipe. A tapping tool is threadedly supported in the body of a tapping T service connector adapted for mounting on a pipe main under pressure. The cutting nose of the tool is secured on a plastic head and is comprised of a smooth, thin wall circularly tubular sleeve the radial end facing of which is serially stepped axially inward in a repetitively controlled pattern of sequential relief about its periphery. To cut a slug or coupon, the cutting nose via the head is threadedly advanced into the pipe wall while a screw extending centrally outward of the cutting nose aids in retaining the cut coupon within the open bore of the sleeve.

Abstract: For extracting a test sample of fluid from a cable or the like, the present invention provides a combination drill and plug that has cutting means at one end thereof and tapered thread forming or cutting means proximate the other end thereof. When the combination drill and plug is driven forwardly by the apparatus and utilizing the method comprising the present invention, the cutting means thereof removes a mass of material in the form of chips and/or a disk and retains the mass of material so that it does not contaminate the fluid in the cable. After a suitable quantity of fluid is removed from the cable, the combination drill and plug is further advanced so that the thread forming or cutting portion thereof engages the hole formed by the drill portion and forms or cuts threads therein so as to seal the cable and permit its further usage without additional leakage of fluid.

Abstract: An inflator probe for filling gas containers and the like comprising a one-piece body molded from suitable plastic material and providing a cylindrical externally threaded end piece for attachment to a pump followed by an enlarged-diameter shoulder with an elongated tapered nozzle extending therefrom insertable into the inflatable container, an internal center bore commencing at the threaded end reduced to form a circular ridge acting as a seat for a ball positioned in a chamber formed in the end piece, the ball sealing against back flow of gas between strokes of the pump, a non-circular restricted throat providing communication between the chamber and the bore for the flow of gas forced by the pump toward the nozzle outlet but restraining passage of the ball through the bore, the molding material being sufficient resilient to permit insertion and retention of the ball within the chamber after molding and including therein a lubricant for assisting easy entry of the nozzle into the inflatable container.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating holes in a transport pipe by means of explosive power is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guiding channel attached to the transport pipe with a hole piercing member inserted in the guiding channel, and with the hole piercing member connected to a maneuverable adjusting member which moves the hole piercing member toward and away from the transport pipe. A channel for carrying the explosive cartridge is provided in communication with the guiding channel and in position above the hole piercing member. Upon actuation, the explosive cartridge moves the hole piercing member at high speed toward the transport pipe to create a hole therein.

Abstract: A tapping apparatus and method is provided whereby a sleeve having at least one annular groove around the circumference thereof and an outwardly extending flange at one end thereof is, during the cutting of an opening in the wall of a conduit, carried by the cutter to a position at which the at least one angular groove is located within the cut opening and is engaged by the conduit material surrounding the opening to maintain the sleeve in a fixed position relative to the conduit, and wherein the outwardly extending flange contacts a portion of the tapping means for maintaining the tapping means in a fixed relationship to the tapped conduit.

Abstract: A pump device for flow rate control of liquid in a piping system in which the pump housing sealing engages a pipe of the system, the housing having an axial channel extending parallel to the pipe and communicating at its ends with the pipe via holes in the pipe, a guide member adjacent the upstream hole for guiding a portion of the flow into the pipe, and the rotatable part of a power driven pump mounted on the housing being located in the axial channel for pumping the fluid therein into the pipe through the downstream hole thereby accelerating the liquid flow through the pipe.

Abstract: A line tap valve having a body portion integrally formed with opposed leg portions defining a saddle for the reception of a line to be tapped and bendable into embracing relation about the line to retain it securely in place during soldering or brazing, the line tap valve further comprising piercing needle mechanism separable from the body portion during the soldering or brazing operation, but adapted to be permanently assembled thereto after such soldering or brazing by a body screw-on cap and associated flare mechanism operative to simultaneously pierce the line and swadge a retaining ring for securing the piercing needle mechanism in place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening a flow-way in a main when the main is to be connected to a secondary main or service line. The apparatus includes a fitting arranged to be at least temporarily secured to the main, the fitting being provided with a cutter member for preliminarily cutting a coupon from the main to form a preliminary hole in the main and a tapping tool for progressively enlarging the hole to a predetermined size, the tapping tool directing the material from around the hole as the hole is being progressively enlarged in the predetermined direction. The tapping tool remains in the fitting and in the hole formed in the main to function as an internal mechanical connector for holding the fitting securely on the main.

Abstract: A pipe connection means for connecting at least one transversely extending pipe to a longitudinally extending transport pipe in which a connection unit engaging the transport pipe is provided with a flow channel extending normal and leading to the transport pipe to which the transversely extending pipe is attached, the connection unit also having a guiding channel extending transversely relative to the transport pipe, with the transport pipe having a recess arranged in the guiding channel, and a longitudinally movable and rotatable valve body mounted in the guiding channel and provided with a transverse through flow hole, with the transverse flow hole, in a fixed end position of the valve body, being arranged in line with the recess in the transport pipe and the flow channel and at right angles to the recess and the flow channel to prevent communication between the transport pipe and the transversely extending pipe, but upon rotation of the valve body, the transverse flow hole co-acts with the recess and flow

Abstract: A method and means for connection of crosswisely extending pipe connections at a longitudinally extending transport pipe for fluid, gas or similar media. The method and the means involves the attachment of two separate parts in an embracing relationship to the transport pipe, thus forming a body for the connection means, said body including a guiding channel directed towards the transport pipe and in which a hole piercing member is movably arranged, the hole piercing member being arranged to take up a hole under the influence of an applied force.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve assembly for use on a refrigerating pipe line to gain access to the refrigerant so that it can be removed or replaced without disassembly of the piping while repairs are being made. The assembly is a compact structure comprising a single integral body member having a stem within which is a movable pierce valve and having a transverse threaded nipple forming an internal fluid passageway controlled by the adjustment of said movable pierce valve. The valve is in non-removably position within said body and is sealed to said body by an O-ring placed in an undercut on the stem of said valve. Interchangeable clamp plates secure the pipe line to the body adjacent the point of the pierce valve. Each of two interchangeable plates has two sets of grooves so that four sizes of tubes can be accommodated by interchanging and adjusting the two clamp plates. The construction is simple but reliable and an improvement over all known prior art.

Abstract: The problem of seals not functioning properly with known service tapping tools can be solved through the use of interfitting yokes and fasteners holding these yokes in securing such tools relative to couplings on branch or service lines. Such tapping tools are constructed so as to each include a plug structure adapted to internally fit in sealed relationship within the interior of a branch line and/or coupling on the same, a boring bar mounted on the plug structure so as to extend through the plug structure and so as to be linearly and rotatably mounted with respect to the plug structure, an appropriate cutting tool held by the boring bar, and a mechanism for holding the plug relative to the branch line, such mechanism normally being constructed so as to engage the coupling on the branch line. When a yoke and fastener structure as referred to in the preceding is used the plug structure is held so that it cannot cock in such a manner as to affect the sealing at the exterior of the plug structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gaining access to the contents of pressurized vessels and systems and for discharging the contents safely under controlled conditions. The apparatus, comprised essentially of a ball valve and pressure tube assembly having a coaxial conduit in which is mounted for longitudinal movement a rotatable shaft and drill bit, is connected to the pressurized vessel. The rotatable shaft in the preferred embodiment is provided with fluid conducting means so that when communication with the contents of the vessel is made, pressure on both ends of the shaft is equalized. At this point, the ball valve is shut off, the pressure tube assembly, shaft and drill bit are removed, and a hose or other take-off device is connected to the ball valve for safe disposal of the contents of the pressurized vessel.

Abstract: Upper and lower blocks with registering grooves are assembled about a pipeline with an upper block piercing needle moved downwardly piercing the pipeline. The piercing needle is then moved upwardly providing communication through the pipeline pierced hole and into a transfer passageway of the upper block. A resilient O-ring is positioned within an annular chamber spaced outwardly of a lower portion of the piercing needle compressed upwardly against the upper block and downwardly against the pipeline to seal the upper block groove from the pipeline pierced hole. The lower block groove is formed semi-circular in transverse cross section and the upper block groove is formed semi-elliptical in transverse cross section with the pipeline being deformed totally conforming to the block grooves when the blocks are brought into assembled abutment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively connecting different sizes of service conduits to mains. The apparatus has a fitting with first and second bores therethrough. These bores are axially spaced and positioned in the fitting to radially extend from the main when the fitting is fixed thereto. A port adjacent the end of the fitting shaped for connection to the exterior of the main interconnects the two through bores. An annular flange is provided around a counterbore in the first bore for selectively connecting various sizes of service lines to the fitting. Internal threads are formed in the second bore for receiving an externally-threaded tapping means for manipulation axially through the bore to cut a coupon from the wall of the main to interconnect the main with the first bore. A sealing plug is provided for sealing the open end of the second bore.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sterile handling of fluids is provided, in particular blood, in which a manifold assembly having a plurality of ports or openings is connected to a fluid to be handled in sterile condition and to a sterilizing solution. The sterilizing solution is introduced into the manifold assembly preferably after the fluid unit is connected thereto so that all connections to the manifold are sterilized. The fluid is then permitted to flow into the manifold which is utilized to move it to one or more processing locations under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A split coupling for repairing, hot tapping, or joining pipelines, and particularly underwater pipelines, is disclosed. The coupling comprises a pair of members each having semicylindrical inner surfaces and a pair of faces adapted to oppose the faces of the other member. A first gasket continuously extends circumferentially on each semicylindrical surface and along the faces, with the face extending portion of each first gasket being adapted to mate with the face extending portion of the other first gasket. A second gasket is spaced from each first gasket. Each second gasket continuously extends circumferentially on each semicylindrical surface and along the faces with the face extending portion of each second gasket being adapted to mate with the face extending portion of the other second gasket. Ports are drilled through the coupling and into a zone defined by the first and second gaskets.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a water shut-off control valve to a predetermined position on a water distribution pipe, such as, for example, an installed service pipe, without stopping the passage of water therethrough wherein a T-pipe is attached to the damaged water distribution pipe, a first valve assembly is then mounted on the T-pipe assembly, a hole boring assembly is mounted on the free end of the first valve assembly in watertight relation therewith, and a hole then bored into the water distribution pipe and the hole is closed by the first valve member after which the boring assembly is withdrawn. A second valve assembly having an external housing is mounted to the free end of the first valve assembly by means of the external housing and the valve seat of the second valve housing then inserted through the opening and the water distribution pipe locked in place to shut off the flow of water through either distribution pipe and the external housing is thereafter removed.

Abstract: A safety valve for pressure fluid flow lines and which may be utilized in combination with a punch tee, said valve being responsive to pressure differentials acting thereacross for automatically closing to preclude accidental loss of pressure fluid from the line. The valve comprises body means adjustably secured in communication with the pressure fluid of the flow line, valve seat means provided on the body means, cage means carried by the body means, ball means loosely disposed in the cage means to provide a normally open position for the valve and responsive to pressure differentials thereacross for automatically engaging the valve seat to provide a closed position for the valve, locking means adjustably disposed in the proximity of the body means for providing a predetermined positioning or setting for the body means for calibrating the pressure responsive sensitivity for the ball means, and means for selectively opening the valve against said closing pressure differential.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for connecting a service line at a right angle to a main, having a fitting with one end shaped to be fixed to the exterior surface of the main in a plane with the fitting extending horizontally from the main. First and second through bores are formed in the fitting. These bores are axially spaced and positioned in the fitting to radially extend from the main when the fitting is fixed thereto. A port adjacent the end of the fitting shaped for connection to the exterior of the main interconnects the two through bores. Means is provided in the first through bore for connecting a service line to the fitting to extend radially from the center of the main. Internal threads are formed in the second through bore for receiving an externally-threaded tapping means for manipulation axially through the bore to cut a coupon from the wall of the main to interconnect the main with the first through bore. A sealing plug is provided for sealing the open end of the second through bore.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for securing an externally threaded line tap valve to the exterior of a penetrable tubing line such as that found in a closed refrigeration system. The apparatus is adapted to secure a line tap valve to a line having any of a plurality of outside diameters. The apparatus includes a body member having a threaded passage extending therethrough and a substantially square lateral cross-section. A first cylindrical outer surface is formed adjacent one end face of the body member and a second cylindrical outer surface is formed intermediate the first cylindrical outer surface and the opposite end face of the body member.