With Aperture Forming Means Patents (Class 137/318)
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Patent number: 6508267Abstract: A plumbing tool includes an elongated hollow shaft and a resilient member attached to the shaft adjacent a shaft end. The resilient member extends radially outward and is sized to closely fit within a pipe inner diameter. Once the pipe has been cut, the tool is forced into the pipe end and the resilient member closely fits within the pipe inner diameter to block fluid flow. As the shaft is hollow, fluid flow is diverted through the shaft. A valve is then passed over the tool to engage the pipe end. As the fluid is being diverted through the tool, the valve is then soldered to the pipe without concern for the heat sink effect of fluid passage through the pipe. Once the valve has been properly soldered to the pipe end, the tool is simply pulled through the valve and removed. Capping of the pipe end with the valve is therefore rapidly achieved with minimal disruption to the users.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Waterfall, Inc.Inventor: Joseph D. Rippolone
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Publication number: 20020185177Abstract: A digital pressurization compound terminal 10 comprising a high accuracy digital pressure gauge 11 sheltered in a silicon housing, main body 13 made of a high-resistance allow and dimensioned to be held in the palm of the user's hand, o-ring 12, control or HP valves 14, ring 15, regulator assembly valve 16, equipped piston 17, second o-ring 18, inferior body and handle 19, third o-ring 20, male quick coupling 21, screw 22, regulator setting wheel 23, purging female quick coupling 24, service female quik coupling 25 and on-off switch 26.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Manuel Roland Fernandez
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Patent number: 6491057Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for installing a fluid tap onto a pipe or conduit containing pressurized fluid. Debris generated by cutting a coupon from a pressurized fluid conduit is directed though the apparatus and prevented from entering the conduit. The apparatus can be removed from the newly installed air tap and reused. According to the method, pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid system is used to wash debris generated from the coupon-cutting operation through the apparatus along a flow path that includes a collection chamber and filter. A kit is also provided and includes the apparatus and a variety of interchangeable connectors and cutting tools to allow the apparatus to be quickly configured for a wide variety of tap, valve, and pipe sizes.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventor: James Collins
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Patent number: 6488894Abstract: The invention relates to a device in which at least two liquid or semi-liquid reagents can be stored separately. When used, the inventive device enables precise, chronologically defined, sequential reagent discharge in a reaction chamber by means of a linear movement without any prior mixing of said reagents.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Biognosis GmbHInventors: Peter Miethe, Dimitri Plaksine, Elena Gromakovskaja
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Patent number: 6470907Abstract: The invention relates to an existing pipe cut-off method and slitting method, by which an existing pipe made of cast iron and steel can be cut off. With a cut-off method according to the invention, first, a part of an existing pipe 1 is enclosed and sealed up by a seal-up housing 2 in an airtight state, a cutting tool 30 having a plurality of blades 30c is accommodated in the corresponding seal-up housing in a state the cutting tool is attached to the abovementioned seal-up housing 2. Next, the cutting tool 30 is fed toward the center of the abovementioned existing pipe 1 while slitting the existing pipe 1 by rotating the cutting tool 30 by power of a prime mover, and the abovementioned existing pipe 1 is cut off by the cutting tool 30 by turning the abovementioned seal-up housing 2 in the circumferential direction R of the existing pipe 1.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: SuIken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Hideshige Homma, Tamotsu Yamashita, Gumpei Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20020148503Abstract: The invention relates to an existing pipe cut-off method and slitting method, by which an existing pipe made of cast iron and steel can be cut off. With a cut-off method according to the invention, first, a part of an existing pipe 1 is enclosed and sealed up by a seal-up housing 2 in an airtight state, a cutting tool 30 having a plurality of blades 30c is accommodated in the corresponding seal-up housing in a state the cutting tool is attached to the abovementioned seal-up housing 2. Next, the cutting tool 30 is fed toward the center of the abovementioned existing pipe 1 while slitting the existing pipe 1 by rotating the cutting tool 30 by power of a prime mover, and the abovementioned existing pipe 1 is cut off by the cutting tool 30 by turning the abovementioned seal-up housing 2 in the circumferential direction R of the existing pipe 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2002Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: SUIKEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Tamotsu Yamashita
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Patent number: 6446662Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a combination hand cylinder drill and tool for installing a stopper plug for drilling and/or plugging a hole in a sealed fluid container. The stopper plug aspect of the invention is used to insert and secure a stopper plug to close a hole in the wall of a storage container or a pipe carrying fluid under pressure. This permits removal of a defective pipe fitting such as a tee or a valve. The stopper plug includes a toggle or anchor for engaging the inner wall of the pipe at the location of the hole to be sealed shut. After the stopper plug is secured in place, the defective fitting is removed. The drill aspect of the invention is used to drill out a cylindrical hole in the pipe and/or fitting so that the plug can be installed.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Dennis J. Wagner
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Patent number: 6416263Abstract: A piping structure of the present invention comprises an existing pipe and a seal-up housing. The existing pipe has a collection opening formed in the bottom thereof. The seal-up housing comprises two or more housing parts which are segmented circumferentially of the existing pipe. The seal-up housing encloses a part including the collection opening of the existing pipe. One of the housing parts is formed with a collection space and a drain port. The collection space serves to collect dirt or foreign substances through the collection opening. The drain port is provided for discharging the dirt or foreign substances stored in the collection space.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiyuki Sato
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Patent number: 6397881Abstract: A member for a high pressure fluid or a member for a high pressure fluid with a built-in slider having higher quality which can be provided at a low price, and by which the generation of tensile stress in the lower end inner peripheral edge part of a branch hole can be canceled by compressive residual stress to be effectively restrained, the internal pressure fatigue strength in the branch hole part can be improved to be excellent in durability, prevent a fluid leakage due to the occurrence of cracks and then exhibit a sure and stable function, further only the addition of the pressing force applying process to the ordinary manufacturing process will be sufficient, and complicated equipment is not required to hardly cause the problems of an increase in the equipment cost due to an increase in the number of processes and lowering of productivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha LimitedInventors: Kikuo Asada, Masayoshi Usui, Eiji Watanabe, Kazunori Takikawa, Ryuichi Kusanagi
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Patent number: 6390118Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap or plug welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: John M. Mankins
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Patent number: 6390241Abstract: An apparatus for lubricating a surface. The apparatus includes a cylinder having an interior wall extending longitudinally therethrough. The wall defines an opening. The apparatus also includes a lubricating fluid reservoir located upstream from the opening and a path of fluid communication fluidly connecting the reservoir and the opening. The apparatus also includes a valve located in the path of fluid communication. The valve is biased to close the path of fluid communication. At least one valve opening member is disposed in the opening, with the at least one valve opening member operatively connected to the valve. A surface to be lubricated is insertable into the opening such that the surface engages the at least one valve opening member. The at least one valve opening member opens the valve, allowing the fluid to flow downstream from the reservoir, through the path of fluid communication and to the opening to the surface to be lubricated. A method of lubricating the surface is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventor: Edward J. Nemie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6381821Abstract: Emitter barb installation tool 20 has driving mechanism 24, emitter barb feeder magazine 26 and pipe support 22. Pipe support 22 holds and supports a pipe 5. Feeder magazine 26 holds and feeds emitter barbs 10. Feeder magazine 26 places one of the emitter barbs 10 into a driving position. Driving mechanism 24 drives the emitter barb 10 from the driving position towards and into the pipe 5 held and supported by the pipe support 22. After the one barb 10 has been driven into the pipe 5, the pipe 5 with installed barb 10 is released from the tool 20. Another emitter barb 10 in the feeder magazine 26 is then automatically located into the driving position for the next installation into a pipe 5. This installation process automatically and continuously repeats for insertion of additional emitter barbs 10. Individual emitter barbs 10 are detachably coupled to one another to form an emitter barb cluster 74.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: L.A.P. Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Larry A. Panyon, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020051685Abstract: A tapping apparatus having a drilling device for producing an outlet on a medium-carrying pipeline, on which a tapping fitting is arranged, and having a drive and advance device for driving and advancing a drilling tool is proposed, a coupling and uncoupling mechanism being arranged for coupling and uncoupling the drive device to and from the advance device for the drilling tool. The tapping apparatus is of modular construction, can be dismantled into individual parts and is easy to operate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventor: Ulrich Frick
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Publication number: 20020040732Abstract: A drainage valve tap assembly for connection of a branch line to a main line while simultaneously forming a freeze proof drain comprising a hollow body having a first end and a second end, a cutting tube attached to the first end of the body; a handle having a hollow interior, the handle attached to the second end of the body for rotating the body; and a resilient drain plug extending at least partially in the body for blocking off the flow of water therethrough under a water pressure and for allowing the draining of water therethrough and out of the drainage valve when the water pressure is cut-off.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: April 11, 2002Inventor: Lloyd Herbert King
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Patent number: 6357471Abstract: A valve insertion method without stopping passage of fluid, wherein, first, a part of an already-installed pipe is enclosed air-tightly with a valve casing, a milling type cutting tool which has cutting edges on a free end surface and an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a gate being housed in the valve casing with the gate and the cutting tool fixed thereto. The gate and cutting tool are provided in positions spaced from each other in the axial direction of the already-installed pipe. A worker then feeds the cutting tool in the radial direction of the already-installed pipe as he has the cutting tool make cutting motions for cutting the pipe by the rotation of the cutting tool. The valve casing is then turned in the circumferential direction of the already-installed pipe as the cutting motions are kept made, whereby a cut groove cut in the direction of the range of the whole circumference of the pipe is formed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Suiken Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Tamotsu Yamashita
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Patent number: 6357472Abstract: A self-tapping tee for heavy walled plastic pipe such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thick walled polyethylene tubing. The self-tapping tee includes a saddle for gripping a tubular line to be tapped, a coupling tap with a stem for poking a hole in a sidewall of the line, with the sidewall of the line around the hole stretched about the stem, forming a seal, and a removable mandrel for supporting the stem while the hole is being made.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Tom King Harmony Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. King
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Patent number: 6343616Abstract: A drip emitter attaching apparatus for easily attaching drip emitters to a tube. The drip emitter attaching apparatus includes a drip emitter attaching apparatus for puncturing holes in a piece of piping and attaching a 45 degree drip emitter, a straight drip emitter and a T-drip emitter to the pipe. The drip emitter attaching apparatus comprises a housing. The housing comprises a first block portion. The first block portion includes a first end, a second end, a bottom side, a top side with a peripheral edge extending therebetween. The top side includes a elongated arcuate depression therein and extending between the first end and the second end. The housing also comprises a second block portion. The second block portion includes a first end, a second end, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The top surface includes a elongated arcuate depression therein. The arcuate depression includes a well extending therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventor: Charles R. Houtchens
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Patent number: 6341619Abstract: The invention relates to devices for retrofitting a pipeline (1, 1′) which is under pressure with a fluid meter (2). The device comprises a branch fitting (60) with two sealing sockets (61, 62) placeable in a fluid-tight manner on the pipeline (1, 1′) and a branch socket (63). The branch socket (63) has an outer thread (64) onto which a lock fitting can be seal-tightly screwed. After opening the pipeline (1, 1′) by milling, a flow-guiding insert (50) is inserted into the branch socket (63) in a seal-tight manner which guides the fluid out of the pipeline (1) and returns it again into the pipeline (1′) after it has flown through the fluid meter (2). A temperature sensor (7, 8) can be inserted into the branch socket (63). By means of bladders (66.1, 66.2), which can be inflated by means of a fluid, the fluid flow through the branch socket (63) can be shut off. The device according to the invention finds its application in gas, water, and heating installations.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventor: Ewald Beninga
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Publication number: 20020007851Abstract: An existing straight pipe 1 is cut off at two locations by rotating two seal-up housings 2 each mounted with a cutter 3, to form two cutoff groove 12C. A straight pipe portion 1p between the two cutoff grooves 12C remains left without retrieval, to impart a flexibility and contraction and expansion properties to a pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: Suiken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Tamotsu Yamashita
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Publication number: 20010054439Abstract: An end-cap lockingly securable to the end of the pipe at the same time a secondary action such as a branch line is formed to the main pipe line. The end cap housing has an integral branch forming member to allow a user to lock the end cap to the pipe by forming a branch line on the side of the pipe with the end cap housing sandwiching the end of a pipe between a pipe insert and a pipe receptor in the end cap housing. The pipe receptor includes an insert having a sealing surface, which when engaged to the interior surface of a pipe, forms a leak-proof relationship with the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Applicant: King Technology of Missouri Inc.Inventor: Lloyd Herbert King
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Patent number: 6321778Abstract: An apparatus for pipeline construction comprises a constructing means located on the lower part of the apparatus, which includes a chest and a unit for completing the operation of construction; a feeding means located on the upper part of the apparatus, which drives the constructing means to rotate and to approach to the constructed pipe, and which includes a main shaft having a central hole, a rod placed in the central hole, a drive means as well as a rod feeding means; a base of the apparatus, the bottom of the base and the top face of the base are detachably connected with the feeding means and the constructing means respectively.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: China Liaohe Oilfield Huasheng Pipeline Research InstituteInventors: Jisheng Chen, Mingyi Li
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Patent number: 6308726Abstract: A valve insertion method without stopping passage of fluid, wherein, first, a part of an already-installed pipe is enclosed air-tightly with a valve casing, a milling type cutting tool which has cutting edges on a free end surface and an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a gate being housed in the valve casing with the gate and the cutting tool fixed thereto. The gate and cutting tool are provided in positions spaced from each other in the axial direction of the already-installed pipe. A worker then feeds the cutting tool in the radial direction of the already-installed pipe as he has the cutting tool make cutting motions for cutting the pipe by the rotation of the cutting tool. The valve casing is then turned in the circumferential direction of the already-installed pipe as the cutting motions are kept made, whereby a cut groove cut in the direction of the range of the whole circumference of the pipe is formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Suiken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Tamotsu Yamashita
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Publication number: 20010032667Abstract: A hollow tap having an axially outward extending cutting tooth so that when the cutting tooth is brought into rotational pressure engagement with a resilient tubing the cutting tooth cuts a hole partially through the resilient tubing leaving a coupon hingedly but securely attached to the resilient tubing to maintain the coupon in an out-of-the-way condition within the resilient tubing. Continued rotation of the tap within a saddle brings a sealing surface on the cutting tube into fluid tight seal with the resilient tubing to provide a branch outlet to the resilient tubing though the tap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Applicant: King Technolgy of Missouri, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd Herbert King, Glenn M. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6286542Abstract: An improved method and article of manufacture for introducing a locator wire into an interior portion of a pressurized, or non-pressurized, subterranean or otherwise concealed plastic pipeline. The present invention introduces a locator wire into a plastic pipeline while simultaneously minimizing the escape potential of a transported volume, such as, but not limited to, gas, water, sewerage or oil. A locator wire feeding unit initially feeds the locator wire through a locator wire alignment coupling and proceeds thereafter to project the locator wire through a valve assembly, a locator saddle, and ultimately into a plastic pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Continental Industries, Inc.Inventors: Eldon W. Morain, David S. Jordan
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Patent number: 6284549Abstract: In a system and method for venting trapped gas from a reagent chamber in a reagent tube system and method, the system includes a valve insertion tool for inserting a valve in the tube so as to seal the chamber and enclose a reagent therein, and so as to vent trapped gas from the chamber. The system further includes a tube and valves comprised of materials for enabling momentary deflection of the valves for insertion in the tube. The tube and valve materials further enable the valve to remain in place to obstruct the flow of reagent from one chamber to the next upon insertion in the tube. They are further adapted to be readily displaceable with minimal focused force when separate dispensing or interaction and intermixing of the reagents is required for use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Ventrex, Inc.Inventor: Robert Guthrie
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Publication number: 20010017159Abstract: A fluid supply interruption free cutting apparatus of the present invention comprises a seal-up housing and a drill. The drill has a milling cutting tool turned by a motor. The seal-up housing is of a structure suited to turn in the circumferential direction of an existing pipe. A first housing part of the seal-up housing is formed with a cutting tool insertion aperture through which the cutting tool is inserted and with a gate passage aperture through which a gate passes that is inserted for cutting off the flow of a fluid through the interior of the existing pipe after cutting of the existing pipe. The first housing part is provided with a first operation valve to open or close the gate passage aperture and with a second operation valve to open or close the cutting tool insertion aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Applicant: Suiken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Tamotsu Yamashita
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Patent number: 6276878Abstract: A horizontal cutting type-tapping machine has a vertically extending drive shaft and a pair of detachably engaged surface gears. The surface gears have a curved upper surface gear, fixedly connected to the drive shaft, and a lower surface gear. A gearbox is connected to the lower surface gear and converts a horizontal rotating force of the drive shaft to a vertical rotating force. An externally threaded shaft is horizontally mounted to a vertically rotating gear of the gearbox. An internally threaded sleeve is disposed in the gear housing of the gear box and engages the externally threaded shaft so as to be horizontally moved by rotation. A saw part is fixed to a front end of the internally threaded sleeve. An internal tube, mounted around the drive shaft, has a thread at its upper portion and a lower portion with a diameter smaller than that of the upper portion. A vertically moving sleeve is slidably mounted around the lower portion of the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Woo Kag Lee
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Publication number: 20010010233Abstract: A valve insertion method without stopping passage of fluid, wherein, first, a part of an already-installed pipe is enclosed air-tightly with a valve casing, a milling type cutting tool which has cutting edges on a free end surface and an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a gate being housed in the valve casing with the gate and the cutting tool fixed thereto. The gate and cutting tool are provided in positions spaced from each other in the axial direction of the already-installed pipe. A worker then feeds the cutting tool in the radial direction of the already-installed pipe as he has the cutting tool make cutting motions for cutting the pipe by the rotation of the cutting tool. The valve casing is then turned in the circumferential direction of the already-installed pipe as the cutting motions are kept made, whereby a cut groove cut in the direction of the range of the whole circumference of the pipe is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventors: Toshiyuki Sato, Tamotsu Yamashita
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Patent number: 6260573Abstract: A pipe-drilling fitting for a medium-conveying pipe, comprising a housing which has a drilling stub, which can be fitted at an angle to the pipe axis, for drilling into the pipe wall, and a branch stub which is arranged at an angle to the drilling stub, a rotationally actuable cutting bush being arranged in the drilling stub, the cutting bush and the drilling stub having mutually complementary screw threads, and at least one sealing means for sealing the medium-conveying pipe with respect to the outside being provided between the drilling stub and the cutting bush, in which fitting the sealing means is arranged in the cutting bush on an external diameter which is significantly smaller than the internal diameter of the complementary screw threads.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Georg Fischer Wavin AGInventors: Ernesto Lehmann, Reinhard Muller, Bernd Schwarz
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Patent number: 6257266Abstract: A method and apparatus for the in situ repair or replacement of a pipeline, such as, a natural gas pipeline is made up of a transition fitting having a tubular section with means for temporarily sealing off that section, an expansion tool having an elongated handle control and an expandable portion insertable through the transition fitting and into an upstream pipeline to form a seal which prevents the escape of gas from the pipeline while one end of the transition fitting is being joined to the upstream pipeline. After the expandable portion is removed from the pipeline and the transition fitting, the tubular section of the transition fitting is sealed to prevent the escape of gas into the atmosphere as the fitting is being joined with the downstream or replacement pipeline. Once joined, the seal on the transition fitting is removed and the gas in the pipeline is free to flow through the pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Samuel A Valdez
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Patent number: 6216723Abstract: A self-tapping tee for heavy walled plastic pipe such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thick walled polyethylene tubing. The self-tapping tee includes a saddle for gripping a tubular line to be tapped, a coupling tap with a stem for poking a hole in a sidewall of the line, with the sidewall of the line around the hole stretched about the stem, forming a seal, and a removable mandrel for supporting the stem while the hole is being made.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Tom King Harmony Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. King
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Patent number: 6216724Abstract: A safety valve to stop flow in the flow pipe (3), the safety valve including a drilling device (8) with its frame (6) to drill a hole in the flow pipe, a winding device (7) fixed to the frame of the drilling device and a band (4) wound with a winding device. The safety valve includes a sleeve to which sleeve a drilling device (8) and a winding device (7) have been fixed and the sleeve has been equipped with systems to fix it to the outside surface of the pipe (3).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: AB Grundstenen (Metal Patent WHSS AB)Inventor: Juhani Niinivaara
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Patent number: 6202673Abstract: The invention relates to a valve self-piercing tap for a plastic tube with a plastic housing (1) which has a branch connection member (2) and holds a valve body (3), in which a blocking body (5) engaged with a threaded spindle (6) and carrying a punch ring (9) for forming an opening in the plastic tube is displaceably arranged to be moved into axial engagement with a valve seat (10) to block access to the branch connection member (2). To avoid sealing rings, the valve body has at least one circumferential groove (12) with a side (13) directed towards the outlet (11). The housing is injection-molded around the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AGInventor: Lars Bunger
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Patent number: 6199578Abstract: A fluid container draining device (10) for use in draining a fluid container, such as an oil filter (12) in a controlled manner. It has a drill bit (14) with a sharpened tip (16) and exterior channels (20) on its shaft (18) extending from its tip (16) to a rear region (22). The drill bit (14) is immobilized in an axial bore (3) of a drill bit holder (24) which has a threaded front region (26) which is preferably frustum-shaped. Located rearwardly of the drill bit holder (24) is a valve (42) which when opened up permits fluid to be drained from the fluid container (12) through the channels (20) on the drill bit's shank (18), through the axial bore (30) in the drill bit holder (24), and out through the valve (42).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: C.H. & I. Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James E. Clark, II
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Patent number: 6161563Abstract: A plumbing tool for providing a passageway through a blockage, such as a test cap or other blockage, in a fluid-carrying line. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main in the street is positively sealed off by a test cap welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the top-out test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: John M. Mankins
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Patent number: 6142165Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a branch connector on a buried pipe for transporting a fluid, and to do so by means of a multi-purpose long handle from the top of an excavation. The apparatus comprises a bottom saddle positioner having a support structure on which there are disposed firstly clamping connection means adapted to the diameter of the pipe together with a support adaptor for supporting a bottom saddle, and secondly means for releasably fixing the positioner to the end of the multi-purpose long handle and situated on the side of the support structure opposite from its side on which the clamping connection means are situated.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Gaz de FranceInventors: Christian Wartel, Dominique Pfeiffer, Patrick Le Cointe
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Patent number: 6142166Abstract: A tool and method for plugging a service connection to a gas main in preparation for removal of the service tee removes the perforator, mills the hole in the main to provide a smooth seat for a sealing plug, and inserts a gas-tight sealing plug into the hole. The tool of the invention is operable through a narrow "keyhole" excavation, which decreases the risk to service personnel and significantly reduces costs of repairing the excavation. In the preferred embodiment the tool is loaded with a milling bit and a sealing plug before attachment to the service tee. The tool head is engaged to the service tee in a gas-tight fit to prevent the escape of gas during the procedure, and an adapter plate is pivoted between three working positions to perform the three steps of the service connection plugging method.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: The Consumer's Gas Company Ltd.Inventors: Pawel Kuzan, Jacek Wiercienski
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Patent number: 6135136Abstract: An apparatus for recovering coolant from a motor vehicle includes an inlet tube with a sharply pointed end for penetrating a wall of a hose of the vehicle cooling system. The inlet tube is connected to an inlet of a closed container. An outlet of the closed container is coupled to a suction port of a venturi that also has a fluid inlet for attachment to a source of a pressurized fluid, and a fluid outlet. The flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet creates a suction at the suction port which draws coolant from the cooling system of a vehicle into the closed container. A muffler is provided at output from the venturi to reduce noise produced by fluid flowing form that output. Specific structures for the venturi and the muffler are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: UView Ultraviolent Systems, Inc.Inventor: Thomas L. Klamm
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Patent number: 6131597Abstract: A method and apparatus for stopping or otherwise altering fluid flow in a pipeline at a desired location, originally without provisions to do so, and particularly suited for use with heavy wall pipes. The method and apparatus includes use of chip forming cutting tools that are carried in a circumferential orbit around the pipe within a housing assembled around the pipe. The cutting tools are progressively advanced into the wall of the pipe to cut two axially spaced circumferential grooves in the pipe wall. Thereafter, a shear plate with cutting edges coinciding with the grooves can be forced through the pipe to sever a coupon from it and thereby gain access and control over flow through it.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: The Pipeline Development CompanyInventors: Kerrigan Mendicino, Gregory D. Schroeder, Christopher S. Arthur
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Patent number: 6125928Abstract: System for controlling oil well fires by blocking the production or drilling pipes. A box incorporating a movable piston is fitted around the pipe. The piston carries, on its forward end, a drilling cylinder (3), which can be brought to the pipe by a hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement. Subsequently, the drilling cylinder drills through the pipe wall and after that the drilling cylinder or a separate plugging cylinder (4) is left in the drilled hole and blocks the fluid flow through the pipe. The process is remote controlled.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: AB Grundstenen AB (Metal Patent WHSS AB)Inventors: Tarmo Ninivaara, Tero Hurtta, Juhani Ninivaara
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Patent number: 6126369Abstract: A tool for tapping from a branch pipe into a main pipe to establish communication between the pipes. The tool has a bit for cutting a hole in the main pipe which is secured to an upstream end of a shaft for transmitting torque to the bit. The tool has a branch-engaging member engaged to the branch pipe adjacent to the downstream end of the branch pipe. The shaft has a threaded section engageable with a threaded section of the branch-engaging member so that as the shaft is rotated, the bit is driven along the longitudinal axis of the branch pipe toward the main pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Stephen L. Jiles
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Patent number: 6105595Abstract: An automatic fluid valve (25) includes a drive member (32) having an aperture (43) and a driven member (54). The automatic fluid valve (25) also includes at least one torque transfer member (38) for transferring torque from the drive member (37) to the driven member (54) and at least one elastic member (36) disposed between the drive member (32) and the driven member (54). The at least one elastic member (36) is responsive to a force transferred by the driven member (54). The automatic fluid valve (25) also includes a fluid blocking member (30) disposed within the aperture (43) for selectively allowing or preventing the flow of fluid (100) through the aperture (43). The fluid blocking member (30) is responsive to compression or decompression of the at least one elastic member (36).Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1997Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Cooper Technologies Co.Inventor: Sam C. Jensen
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Patent number: 6095395Abstract: A friction welder drill and fuse fitting apparatus. This invention relates generally to a friction welder fitting apparatus and method for combining the operation of drilling a hole into a substrate workpiece and fusing a friction welding fitting onto that substrate in one set-up operation. The friction welding fitting (stud, shaft or other type fitting) to be friction welded to a workpiece, of either similar or dissimilar materials, or two circular shafts, can be friction welded together by use of a friction welder fitting apparatus that can first drill a hole and then weld a fitting in place, in line with that hole. The friction welder drill and fuse fitting apparatus includes the following integrally coupled components: a friction welding fitting, a drilling mechanism, an engagement mechanism, and an attachment means.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: The Fusion Bonding CorporationInventor: John William Fix, Jr.
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Patent number: 6068019Abstract: A branch apparatus for a pipe and a branch method using the same connect a branch pipe installed to a place requiring a fluid such as a gas, a chemical substance and water to a main pipe through which the fluid flows. The branch apparatus for a pipe and the branch method using the same make a laying depth of the main pipe be identical with that of the branch pipe by horizontally installing a branch apparatus, and thus make the branch pipe receive both a low vibration and a small load from the ground. The branch apparatus includes a T-type pipe having a horizontal pipe whose both ends are opened and a vertical pipe connected to an upper part of a center of the horizontal pipe; a reinforcement plate welded to the main pipe for being welded to one end of the horizontal pipe of the T-type pipe; a flange which is welded to an upper part of the vertical pipe of the T-type pipe, and has female screw lines in a center thereof; and a plug coupled with the center of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Woo Kag Lee
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Patent number: 6065488Abstract: A fluid-sampling tool for obtaining a fluid sample from a container. When used in combination with a rotatable drill, the tool bores a hole into a container wall, withdraws a fluid sample from the container, and seals the borehole. The tool collects fluid sample without exposing the operator or the environment to the fluid or to wall shavings from the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Anthony R. Garcia, Roger G. Johnston, Ronald K. Martinez
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Patent number: 6053199Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovery of oil from submerged tanks is disclosed together with a specialized cutting tool for attaching to and cutting an entry aperture into a submerged tank. The apparatus includes a surface floating vessel having a conduit (preferably conventionally coiled tubing) for receiving oil at the submerged tank and discharging the oil into the vessel. The vessel includes a source of hydraulic power for the remote operation of hydraulic equipment at the site of the submerged tank. Two points of entry are made in each tank for the purpose of equilibrating pressure within the tank; in one point of entry fluid is pumped into the tank to replace the fluid that is removed. At the remaining point of entry, fluid is evacuated to a positive displacement pump, typically of the Moyno.RTM. variety. This pump discharges fluid received from the tank with sufficient pressure to overcome viscosity-induced friction.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Stanley William Ellis
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Patent number: 6053362Abstract: A can-breaker including a first and a second clamping members pivotally connected with each other by a pivot member. The second clamping member is disposed with a thrusting section having a first fixing seat and a thrusting sting. An outer cover is fitted on outer side of the thrusting section. The outer cover is pivotally connected with the second clamping member. One end of the outer cover is disposed with a second fixing seat. A resilient member is connected between the first and second fixing seats. The thrusting sting is prevented from be bent or deformed. So, it can prolong the using life of the can-breaker.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Hsi Chung Lin
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Patent number: 6041806Abstract: A method for inserting a valve in a line, including polyethylene, PVC, plastic, and copper line, pipe, and tubing, without, for example, having to first shut down a line containing fluid under pressure, includes the step of providing first and second ball valve subassemblies that are adapted to be assembled over the line to form a ball valve assembly having a ball component within a housing component. The ball defines a bore, includes cutting edges, and is adapted to be rotated ninety degrees within the housing about an axis of ball rotation perpendicular to the central axis of the bore. The method proceeds by assembling the first and second ball valve subassemblies over the line, and rotating the ball relative to the line so that the cutting edges on the ball cut out a section of the line. In one embodiment, the ball is rotated ninety degrees within the housing about the axis of ball rotation so that the cutting edges slice through the line.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Inventor: Jeffrey L. Maichel
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Patent number: 6041810Abstract: A disclosed tool provides convenient use thereof. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. A spacer is configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a relatively small container may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Technical Chemical CompanyInventor: Newton Howard Dudley
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Patent number: 6012878Abstract: A machine for use underwater and therefor subject to ambient hydrostatic pressure for tapping a pressurized pipeline has an elongated tubular tapping machine body with a boring bar therein that receives a cutter at its lower end. A passageway in a lower end portion of the tapping machine body senses the internal pressure of a pipeline after the pipeline is penetrated by the cutter, the passageway being connected to a pressure equalizer having communication with the interior of the tapping machine body to thereby balance hydraulic forces applied to the boring bar during a tapping operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: TDW Delaware, Inc.Inventor: David J. Hicks