The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 15, 1988
Filed:
Nov. 19, 1986
Frank R Volgstadt, Madison, OH (US);
Albert H Reschke, Chagrin Falls, OH (US);
Ralph L Hart, Madison, OH (US);
Perfection Corporation, Madison, OH (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and method for tapping a tubular member includes a split ring type clamp arrangement having a tapping tee assembly extending therefrom. The clamp arrangement includes a combination alignment/hold structure to facilitate orientation of the clamp arrangement with the tubular member. A combination valve and cutting tool cooperates with the tapping tee assembly. An annular cutting surface on the tool has a first diameter for cutting an aperture in the tubular member. An annular, conical flange portion on the exterior of the tool spreads the aperture to a diameter greater than the first diameter, while a sealing land on the cutting tool has a second diameter larger than the first diameter and is adapted for close receipt in the aperture. A radial shoulder engages an internal surface of the tubular member for securely clamping and sealing the tapping tee assembly thereto. A second portion of the combination valve and cutting tool is removed from a first portion to thereby open a continuous flow passage from the tubular member to the tapping tee assembly. In another preferred embodiment, the first and second portions are retained together and adapted for relative movement.