Charles Eugene Ray

US Patent:

42574463, Mar 24, 1981

Filed:

May 29, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/043433

Inventors:

Charles W. Ray - Fort Wayne IN

International Classification:

F16L 500
F16L 5514

US Classification:

137368

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for providing interruptible fluid flow to consumers is disclosed wherein a consumer distribution system for a fluid, such as natural gas, includes somewhat flexible plastic pipe with that pipe passing through buried access receptacles, such as curb boxes, at strategic locations for easy access to a short section of the supply line at each receptacle location. Each receptacle is adapted to receive a removable shut-off tool having a generally C-shaped frame with a slidable intermediate member for spanning the buried resilient service line within the access enclosure and having a threaded coupling arrangement for collapsing the service line between one end of the C-shaped member and the intermediate slidable member to squeeze the line sufficiently to interrupt fluid flow therethrough. The removable shut-off tool is typically left in the curb box only so long as it is needed there to maintain the blockage of flow with the tool being removed and flow resumed when service suspension is no longer desired.

US Patent:

41530675, May 8, 1979

Filed:

Feb 4, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/765521

Inventors:

Charles W. Ray - Fort Wayne IN

International Classification:

F16l 5510

US Classification:

137 15

Abstract:

A sacrificial top tap T and the method of using such a T to tap into a main supply pipe in such a manner that the T may ultimately be plugged and the greater portion thereof removed from the main supply pipe in such a manner as to protect the remaining T portion and the main supply pipe itself from potential damage. The Service T has an axial through bore and a lateral outlet with means near one end of the T for connecting the T to a main and means near the lateral outlet for connecting the T to a service line. Remote from the one end which connects to the service line may be located a sealing element and threads are provided inside the bore near the end which attaches to the main supply pipe for receiving an element for sealing that bore when the service line is to be disconnected. When disconnecting the service line, the Service T interior is sealed against the passage of material from the main and at a point close to the main. A portion of the Service T is severed from the main in a region more remote from the main than the point of sealing and the unsevered or remaining portion of the Service T is capped for example, by welding a cover over that unsevered portion and to the main.