Abstract: A flexible coupling tube corrects misalignment between gas meter and corresponding meter bar connections. The combination of meter bar and flexible coupling allows use of a single size meter bar for any gas meter installation. Potential damage to meter installations from external shock loads is reduced by the shock-absorbing properties of the flexible couplings.

Abstract: Disclosed in an apparatus and method for changing or replacing domestic or residential-type gas meters without interrupting the gas supply to the service line downstream of the meter and obviating the necessity of shutting off the gas water heater, furnace on other gas appliances in the dwelling. The apparatus includes a member which is clamped around the outlet fitting of the gas meter. A slide carried by the member is moveable to simultaneously close the meter outlet and to introduce an alternate supply of gas to the service line downstream of the meter. After the normal gas supply to the meter inlet is shut off, the meter is removed and a replacement meter is installed by attaching its inlet to the gas supply line and its outlet to aforementioned member. The slide is then again moved to simultaneously place the meter outlet in communication with the service line and to shut off the alternate gas supply.

Abstract: A connector construction employs a tail piece having a ball end, a socket element having a distendable end adapted to be snapped over said ball end and a coupling nut adapted to house the ball end and socket while threadedly engaging a pipe distal end to be connected thereto. The nut, when threaded into engagement with the pipe element, urges the socket element into fluid sealing engagement with the ball end and nut regardless of the angular disposition of the tail piece relative to the pipe element. The provided connector is particularly adapted for use with water meters or in similar applications in which spaced pipe ends or conduits to be interconnected by an interposed meter or the like are misaligned.