Apparatus and method for gas meter bypass
US5934304A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6126
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gas meter bypass apparatus and method for removing a gas meter from operation for service or replacement and placing the meter back into service without interrupting the flow of gas to the user. The apparatus connects to a standard tee which is utilized on the customer side of most residential or commercial meter installations. The bypass apparatus includes a clamp assembly, a seal fitting, an isolation valve, an extraction fitting, an isolation fitting, and a flexible tube connector. The clamp assembly is used to attach the bypass apparatus to the tee. The seal fitting connects to the clamp assembly and seals between the bypass apparatus and the port of the tee where the plug is installed. The isolation valve attaches to the seal fitting. The extraction fitting attaches to the isolation valve and is used to extract and re-install the plug through the isolation valve. The isolation fitting also attaches to the isolation valve and is used to supply gas from an alternate source to the tee outlet and to seal off the flow of gas from the meter. The isolation valve is closed for switching between the extraction fitting and the isolation fitting and open for extraction and re-insertion…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.