Pipe joints or couplings – Flange
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-09
2001-08-28
Nicholson, Eric K. (Department: 3629)
Pipe joints or couplings
Flange
C285S368000, C285S205000, C285S030000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279969
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to gas pressure regulators and, more particularly, to an improved arrangement for coupling a gas pressure regulator to an inlet of a gas meter.
Gas meters commonly have a threaded insert providing an inlet at the top of the meter and the gas supply comes from the ground below the meter. Thus, a vertical pipe extends upwardly from the ground and is connected to the inlet of a gas pressure regulator. The outlet of the regulator is then commonly coupled to the meter inlet threaded insert through a nipple, an elbow, a further nipple which is horizontal, another elbow, and a swivel. It is apparent that all of the parts between the regulator and the meter add cost to the meter installation. It would therefore be desirable to be able to eliminate these parts to attain a cost reduction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved arrangement for coupling the outlet of a gas pressure regulator or the like to an inlet of a gas meter for fluid communication therebetween. The inventive arrangement includes a planar surface on an exterior wall of the meter. The planar surface surrounds an inlet opening of the meter and the exterior wall includes a plurality of internally threaded blind holes extending into the exterior wall from the planar surface. A plate having a planar surface adapted for contact engagement with the exterior wall planar surface is also provided. The plate has an opening surrounded by the plate planar surface. The plate opening is adapted for alignment with the meter inlet opening when the plate planar surface is in contact engagement with the exterior wall planar surface. The plate further has a plurality of through-bores, each adapted for alignment with a respective one of the plurality of blind holes when the plate opening is aligned with the meter inlet opening. Piping is secured to the plate and is effective to connect in fluid communication the gas pressure regulator outlet with the plate opening.
In accordance with an aspect of this invention, the coupling arrangement further includes a resilient sealing ring and the plate planar surface is formed with a continuous closed groove surrounding the plate opening for accommodating the sealing ring therein. Accordingly, the sealing ring provides a seal around the aligned meter inlet and plate openings when the plate planar surface is in contact engagement with the exterior wall planar surface.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention, the piping comprises a threaded nipple.
In accordance with yet another aspect of this invention, the piping and the plate are formed integrally as part of the outlet pipe of the regulator.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5853201 (1998-12-01), Izumi et al.
DeKock Wayne L.
Stewart Timothy J.
American Meter Company
Davis David L.
Nicholson Eric K.
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