Hydra-stop, Inc.

Panagiotis Tsafaras

Christopher C Vazzana

Carl Mastny

Stephen Roehrig

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.

Linestops, nozzles and completion plugs for installation in pressurized pipes

A gate valve assembly is disclosed that may be installed in a pressurized pipe or conduit. The gate valve assembly includes a nozzle that is connected perpendicularly to the pipe. The nozzle includes a distal end, a proximal end and a through passage extending therebetween. The through passage includes a proximal portion with a circular cross-sectional profile for sealingly engaging a wiper seal disposed on a valve cartridge. The passage also includes a distal portion with a non-circular cross-sectional profile that complements a non-circular cross-sectional profile of the cartridge. The non-circular cross-sectional profiles of the cartridge and passage prevent the cartridge from twisting or rotating within the nozzle or pipe. The proximal end of the nozzle also features an inner lip, which facilitates the welding of the proximal end of the nozzle to an upper saddle member, which is used to clamp the nozzle to the pipe prior to cutting or pressure tapping of the pipe.

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Elmwood Park, IL, United States of America

Panagiotis Tsafaras