Pipe joints or couplings – Packed – Sleeve
Reexamination Certificate
2006-07-04
2006-07-04
Bochna, David (Department: 3679)
Pipe joints or couplings
Packed
Sleeve
C285S197000, C285S133210, C285S133300
Reexamination Certificate
active
07070209
ABSTRACT:
An improved tapping sleeve includes a first sleeve member having an outlet aperture, a second sleeve member, and a unitary gasket. An outlet retaining ring is positioned around the outlet aperture. A pair of end retaining lips are positioned on inner surfaces of the first and second sleeve members at opposing ends of the sleeve members. The gasket includes a gasket outlet having a pair of tapered surfaces on opposing longitudinal sides of the gasket outlet. The gasket, when positioned on a pipe in an un-stretched, uncompressed position subtends an arc of less than 360 degrees, creating a gap in the gasket. As the first and second sleeve members are connected, the outlet retaining lip engages armor members on the gasket, thereby circumferentially stretching the gasket and closing the gap. The tapered surfaces and the outlet retaining lip prevent excessive gasket flow into the outlet aperture.
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PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation, Catalog for 3490MJ PowerMJ Stainless Steel Tapping Sleeve, date unknown, pp. 1-4.
Cascade Waterworks Mfg. Catalog for Pressure Rated Tapping Sleeves, May 1999, pp. 1-8.
Smith-Blair web site, Tapping Sleeves, www.smith-blair.com, date unknown, pp. 1-5.
Smith-Blair, Catalog on Clamp and Coupling Products, date unknown, pp. 5-8.
Cascade Waterworks Mfg., Catalog on Stainless Steel “Total Seal” Pressure Rated Tapping Sleeves, date unknown, pp. 1-2.
PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corporation, Specification sheet for Model 3460 Tapping Sleeves, Oct. 15, 1996, 1 page.
Cascade Waterworks Mfg., Specification Sheets for CST Tapping Sleeves, date unknown, pp. 1-4.
Bochna David
Ciccarelli Max
JCM Industries, Inc.
Murphy James J.
Thompson & Knight LLP
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