U.S. patent application number 09/845217 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-28 for leak testing device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Inflow Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pampinella, Joseph A..
Application Number | 20020023482 09/845217 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32991613 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020023482 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pampinella, Joseph A. |
February 28, 2002 |
Leak testing device
Abstract
A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated
sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket
includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective
ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially
into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The
diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to
the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the
diaphragm member is made integral with the gasket. A hole is
provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or
closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to
thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two
conduits.
Inventors: |
Pampinella, Joseph A.;
(Vienna, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINESH AGARWAL, P.C.
5350 Shawnee Road, Suite 330
Alexandria
VA
22312
US
|
Assignee: |
Inflow Products, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32991613 |
Appl. No.: |
09/845217 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09845217 |
May 1, 2001 |
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09340438 |
Jun 28, 1999 |
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6234007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/49.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01M 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/49.8 |
International
Class: |
G01M 003/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent
conduits, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including first and second end
portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent
conduits; c) said gasket including a shoulder portion extending
into said recess; d) a diaphragm member for positioning within said
gasket and including a groove for receiving said shoulder portion;
e) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and f) a valve
operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening
or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a
fluid between the conduits.
2. The leak testing device of claim 1, wherein: a) said diaphragm
member includes first and second spaced surfaces; and b) said
groove extends radially between said first and second surfaces.
3. The leak testing device of claim 2, wherein: a) said groove
extends radially inwardly about the perimeter of said diaphragm
member.
4. The leak testing device of claim 2, wherein: a) said valve
comprses a sliding member; and b) said diaphragm member includes a
recess for receiving said sliding member.
5. The leak testing device of claim 4, wherein: a) said recess is
in fluid communication with the hole.
6. The leak testing device of claim 4, wherein: a) said recess
extends toward the hole.
7. The leak testing device of claim 4, wherein: a) said groove and
said recess are spaced from each other between said first and
second surfaces of said diaphragm member.
8. The leak testing device of claim 1, further comprising: a) an
adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said
gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the ends of the
conduits.
9. The leak testing device of claim 4, wherein: a) said valve
comprises an operating handle.
10. The leak testing device of claim 1, wherein: a) said gasket is
made of a compressible material; and b) said diaphragm is made of a
substantially rigid material.
11. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a first conduit to be leak-tested; b) providing a second
conduit; c) providing a leak testing device between the ends of the
first and second conduits, wherein the leak testing device
comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess
therethrough; ii) said gasket including first and second end
portions for receiving the respective ends of the first and second
conduits; iii) said gasket including a shoulder portion extending
into said recess; iv) a diaphragm member for positioning within
said gasket and including a groove for receiving the shoulder
portion; v) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and vi)
a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively
opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow
of a fluid between the first and second conduits; d) actuating the
valve to restrict the flow of fluid between the first and second
conduits; e) filling the first conduit with a fluid; f) inspecting
the first conduit for any leaks; and g) actuating the valve to
permit the flow of fluid from the first conduit to the second
conduit.
12. A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a
conduit, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; c) said gasket including a shoulder
portion extending into said recess; d) a diaphragm member for
positioning within said gasket and including a groove for receiving
said shoulder portion; e) said diaphragm member including a through
hole; and f) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member
for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or
restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough.
13. The leak testing device of claim 12, wherein: a) said diaphragm
member includes first and second spaced surfaces; and b) said
groove extends radially between said first and second surfaces.
14. The leak testing device of claim 13, wherein: a) said groove
extends radially inwardly about the perimeter of said diaphragm
member.
15. The leak testing device of claim 13, wherein: a) said valve
comprises a sliding member; and b) said diaphragm member includes a
recess for receiving said sliding member.
16. The leak testing device of claim 15, wherein: a) said recess is
in fluid communication with the hole.
17. The leak testing device of claim 15, wherein: a) said recess
extends toward the hole.
18. The leak testing device of claim 15, wherein: a) said groove
and said recess are spaced from each other between said first and
second surfaces of said diaphragm member.
19. The leak testing device of claim 12, further comprising: a) an
adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said
gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the end of the
conduit.
20. The leak testing device of claim 15, wherein: a) said valve
comprises an operating handle.
21. The leak testing device of claim 12, wherein: a) said gasket is
made of a compressible material; and b) said diaphragm is made of a
substantially rigid material.
22. A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a
conduit, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including a first end portion
for receiving an end of a conduit; c) a diaphragm member for
positioning within said gasket; d) said diaphragm member including
a through hole; e) a fluid discharge member operably connected to
said diaphragm member and in fluid communication with the hole; and
f) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for
selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or
restrict the flow of a fluid between the hole and the fluid
discharge member.
23. The leak testing device of claim 22, wherein: a) said fluid
discharge member extends generally transversely to said diaphragm
member.
24. The leak testing device of claim 22, wherein: a) said fluid
discharge member is integral with said diaphragm member.
25. The leak testing device of claim 24, wherein: a) said diaphragm
member is positioned within said gasket in a manner that said fluid
discharge member extends away from the end of the conduit.
26. The leak testing device of claim 22, wherein: a) said gasket
includes a second end portion; and b) said fluid discharge member
extends along said second end portion.
27. The leak testing device of claim 26, further comprising: a) a
fluid outlet conduit for connecting with said fluid discharge
member.
28. The leak testing device of claim 22, further comprising: a) an
adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said
gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the end of the
conduit.
29. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a conduit to be leak-tested; b) providing a leak testing
device adjacent an end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing
device comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; ii) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; iii) said gasket including a
shoulder portion extending into said recess; iv) a diaphragm member
for positioning within said gasket and including a groove for
receiving said shoulder portion; v) said diaphragm member including
a through hole; and vi) a valve operably connected to said
diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to
thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough; c)
actuating the valve to restrict the flow of fluid through the hole;
d) filling the conduit with a fluid; e) inspecting the conduit for
any leaks; and f) actuating the valve to permit the flow of fluid
through the hole.
30. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a conduit to be leak-tested; b) providing a leak testing
device adjacent an end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing
device comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; ii) said gasket including an end portion for
receiving an end of a conduit; iii) a diaphragm member for
positioning within said gasket; iv) said diaphragm member including
a through hole; v) a fluid discharge member operably connected to
said diaphragm member and in fluid communication with the hole; and
vi) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for
selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or
restrict the flow of a fluid between the hole and the fluid
discharge member; c) actuating the valve to restrict the flow of
fluid through the hole; d) filling the conduit with a fluid; e)
inspecting the conduit for any leaks; and f) actuating the valve to
permit the flow of fluid through the hole.
31. A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a
conduit, comprising: a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; b) said gasket including a first end portion
for receiving an end of a conduit; c) a diaphragm member for
positioning within said gasket; d) said diaphragm member including
a through hole; e) first and second connecting members for
interconnecting said gasket and said diaphragm member; and f) a
valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively
opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow
of a fluid therethrough.
32. The leak testing device of claim 31, wherein: a) one of said
first and second connecting members comprises a projection
extending from said gasket.
33. The leak testing device of claim 32, wherein: a) the other of
said first and second connecting members comprises a groove for
receiving said projection.
34. The leak testing device of claim 33, wherein: a) said diaphragm
member comprises said groove.
35. The leak testing device of claim 34, wherein: a) said groove
extends about the perimeter of said diaphragm member.
36. A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: a)
providing a conduit to be leak tested; b) providing a leak testing
device adjacent an end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing
device comprises: i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a
recess therethrough; ii) said gasket including a first end portion
for receiving an end of a conduit; iii) a diaphragm member for
positioning within said gasket; iv) said diaphragm member including
a through hole; v) first and second connecting members for
interconnecting said gasket and said diaphragm member; and vi) a
valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively
opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow
of a fluid therethrough; c) actuating the valve to restrict the
flow of fluid through the hole; d) filling the conduit with a
fluid; e) inspecting the conduit for any leaks; and f) actuating
the valve to permit the flow of fluid through the hole.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
09/340,438, filed on Jun. 28, 1999, which is incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference.
FIELD AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a leak testing device
to be positioned between two adjacent conduits, or adjacent an end
of a single conduit.
[0003] In the plumbing industry, it is common to test pipes for
leaks prior to use. In particular, in the installation of new
plumbing systems in buildings, or the replacement of an existing
pipe, the government regulations require that a pipe be
leaked-tested prior to its use as part of the overall plumbing
system. The current practice is to install a T-fitting between the
new pipe and an existing adjacent pipe. The two arms of the
T-fitting are vertically connected to the ends of the new and
existing pipes with a conventional split-clamp assembly. The
side-arm of the T-fitting includes a screw-on cap which can be
removed for allowing access to the inside of the T (FIG. 1).
[0004] The testing procedure involves a plumbing professional to
manually insert a pneumatically inflatable plug through the
side-arm of the T-fitting and into the end opening of the new pipe.
The plug is then inflated to seal-off the new pipe opening leading
into the T-fitting. The new pipe, which in many instance extends to
one or more floors of a building, is then filled with a fluid,
typically water, and is left in this condition until a government
official visually inspects the new pipe for any leaks. Upon
completion of the inspection, the fluid from the new pipe must be
discharged for final assembly of the plumbing system. The fluid
discharge involves deflating the plug by actuating a valve located
on the plug which is completely hidden inside the T-fitting. The
access to the valve is typically gained through the side-arm of the
T-fitting.
[0005] The current practice of deflating the plug and removing it
from inside the T-fitting is not very desirable in that severe
physical injury, including death, or property damage may result if
the plug fails for any reason, or due to improper handling thereof.
The inflation of the plug to a desired pressure of 30 PSI, and its
deflation at the completion of the testing procedure, requires
additional equipment and proper training of the associated
technician. This procedure further involves the use of a T-fitting
which adds to the overall expense of the testing procedure.
Finally, in many instances, the inflatable plug weakens or gets
damaged due to inflation and deflation and can not be reused.
[0006] In view of the above, there is a need in the industry for a
leak testing device which is safe for the plumbing professional and
the surrounding property, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use,
and simple in construction.
[0007] Examples of various valves and pipe testing devices are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,133,714; 2,823,887; 3,232,577;
3,941,349; 3,945,604; 4,194, 721; 5,076,095; and 5,197,324.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to provide
a leak testing device which does not suffer from the disadvantages
of the conventional devices.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a leak
testing device which can be easily provided between two adjacent
conduits, or adjacent an end of a single conduit.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a leak
testing device which is safe to use in that it does not threaten
physical injury to the plumbing professional, property damage, or
damage to others.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
leak testing device which eliminates the use of a T-fitting.
[0012] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a leak testing device which does not require additional equipment,
such as a pneumatic pump or the like for inflation and deflation
purposes.
[0013] Yet an additional object of the present invention is to
provide a leak testing device which is simple in construction,
inexpensive to manufacture and is reusable.
[0014] In summary, the main object of the present invention is to
provide a leak testing device which can be easily installed between
two adjacent conduits. The device is simple in construction, easy
to use and reuse, and does not pose danger of bodily harm to the
plumbing professional and associated personnel or risk of property
damage, and is inexpensive to manufacture.
[0015] In accordance with the invention, a leak testing device
includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which
defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second
end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent
conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for
supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member
includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of
the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made
intregal with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm
member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve
assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or
restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a leak
testing device includes a generally cylindrical sealing gasket
which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and
second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two
adjacent conduits, and a shoulder portion extending into the
recess. A diaphragm member is positioned within the gasket and
includes a groove for receiving the shoulder portion. A hole is
provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or
closed by a valve assembly operably connected to the diaphragm
member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between
the two conduits.
[0017] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical gasket
defining a recess, therethrough. The gasket includes a first end
portion for receiving an end of a conduit. A diaphragm member is
positioned within the gasket and includes a through hole. First and
second connecting members are provided for interconnecting the
gasket and the diaphragm member. A valve is operably connected to
the diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to
thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and other objects, advantages and novel features
of the present invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention,
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a partial elevational view of a plumbing system
showing a T-fitting installed between two conduits;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial elevational view showing the leak
testing device of the invention installed in cooperation with two
adjacent conduits;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2;
[0022] FIGS. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view taking along line
4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing the valve in the
open position;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing an alternative
embodiment of the leak testing device;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a second
alternative embodiment of the leak testing device;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line
8-8 of FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, showing the valve in the
open position;
[0028] FIG. 10 shows the leak testing device of FIG. 7 installed
adjacent an end of a single conduit;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2, showing a third
alternative embodiment of the leak testing device installed
adjacent an end of a single conduit;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line
12-12 of FIG. 11; and
[0031] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, showing a hose
connected to the fluid discharge member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the leak testing device LD of the
present invention is used in connection with an existing pipe or
conduit 10 extending from a floor F or the like, and a new pipe 12.
Conventionally, a T-fitting 14 is provided between the existing and
new pipes 10 and 12, respectively, prior to testing the new pipe 12
for any leaks. In this regard, it is noted herewith that the leak
testing device LD of the present invention can be used with a
T-fitting, and preferably without a T-fitting, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0033] As best shown in FIG. 3, the leak testing device LD includes
a generally cylindrical elongated gasket 16 which defines therein a
recess 18. As best illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, a shoulder or lip
portion 20 extends radially into the recess 18, and preferably
extends throughout the internal perimeter of the gasket 16. In
other words, shoulder portion 20 is in the form of an internal ring
that extends radially into the recess 18. A substantially circular
diaphragm member 22, with a central hole 24, is provided so as to
rest on the diaphragm member 22. Preferably, the gasket 16 is made
of a resilient or compressible material, and the diaphragm member
22 is made of a generally rigid, yet somewhat flexible material.
The diameter of the diaphragm member 22 substantially corresponds
to the recess 18 in order to provide a fluid-tight engagement
therebetween.
[0034] As best shown in FIGS. 2-5, the diaphragm member 22 includes
a valve assembly 26. Preferably, the valve assembly 26 includes a
valve chamber 28 integral with the diaphragm member 22. The valve
chamber 28 includes an upper opening 30 which is in vertical
alignment with the hole 24 in the diaphragm member 22. A manually
actuable valve member 32 slides within the chamber 28 between a
closed position (FIGS. 2-4) and an open position (FIG. 5). The
dimensions of the valve member 32 are selected so as to
substantially correspond to the dimensions of the valve chamber 28,
so that when the valve member 32 is in the closed position (FIGS.
2-4), the flow of fluid between the conduits 12 and 10 is
restricted. Likewise, when the valve member 32 is in the open
position (FIG. 5), the fluid flows between the conduits 12 and 10,
through the upper opening 30, valve chamber 28 and the hole 24. In
order to facilitate the opening and closing of the valve 32, a
manually actuable valve handle 34 is detachably connected to the
valve member 32. Preferably, interlocking screw- threads 36 are
provided on the valve stem 38 and the valve member 32. As can be
observed from FIGS. 2-5, the valve stem 38 extends through the
gasket 16 for being detachably connected to the valve member
32.
[0035] The leak testing device LD further includes a split-clamp
assembly 40 (FIGS. 1-2). In particular, the clamp assembly 40
includes a metal ring 42 split about the location of conventional
upper and lower mechanical fasteners 44 and 46. The fasteners 44
and 46 are parts of upper and lower metallic rings 48 and 50,
respectively, the diameter of which about the perimeter of the
metal ring 42, can be adjusted by actuating fasteners 44 and 46 and
interlocking with corresponding series of holes 52 and 54, in a
known manner.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the leak
testing device LD of the invention, which is similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, with the exception that the
diaphragm member 56 is integral with the gasket 16. (It is noted
herewith that in the alternative embodiment like parts are
designated with the same reference numerals as in the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 2-5.) Preferably, the diaphragm member 56 is made
slightly thicker than the diaphragm member 22, in order to impart
sufficient strength to withstand fluid pressure when the new pipe
12 is filled with a fluid.
[0037] FIGS. 7-13 illustrate various other embodiments of the leak
testing device LD of the invention, wherein like parts are also
designated with the same reference numerals as in the embodiments
shown above in FIG. 2-6.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the leak testing device LD,
according to a second alternative embodiment, is similar to the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-5, with the exception of the
configuration of the diaphragm member 60. As shown, the diaphragm
member 60 includes axially spaced surfaces 62 and 64, and a
radially inwardly extending groove 66 that is dimensioned to
receive the shoulder portion 20 of the gasket 16. Preferably, the
groove 66 extends throughout the external perimeter of the
diaphragm 60. It is noted herewith that it is not necessary for the
shoulder portion 22 to extend throughout the external perimeter of
the gasket 16. For example, one or more shoulder portions 20 may be
circumferentially spaced about the internal perimeter of the gasket
16. Likewise, one or more corresponding grooves 66 may be provided
on the external perimeter of the diaphragm 60 to receive the
circumferentially spaced shoulder portions 20.
[0039] The diaphragm member 60 is preferably made of a rigid
plastic, metal, PVC, or the like material and includes a hole 68.
As in the previous embodiments, the diameter of the diaphragm
member 60 substantially corresponds to the recess 18 of the gasket
16 in order to provide a fluid-tight engagement therebetween.
[0040] As best shown in FIGS. 8-9, a valve assembly 70 includes a
radially extending recess 72 in the diaphragm member 60 for
receiving a valve 74 member therein. The valve 74 is preferably
integral with a valve handle 76 positioned externally of the gasket
16. The recess 72 is in fluid communication with the hole 68. A
hole 78 is provided in the valve handle 76 for the ease of holding
and actuation thereof.
[0041] Preferably, the shoulder portion 20 is axially spaced from
the recess 72. In other words, shoulder portion 20 is adjacent
diaphragm surface 62 and the valve assembly 70 is adjacent
diaphragm surface 64. It is noted herewith that the relative
positions of the shoulder portion 20 and the valve assembly 70
could be varied.
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates the leak testing device LD, shown in
FIGS. 7-9, installed adjacent an end 79 of a single conduit 80.
This type of arrangement is useful for leak testing a conduit by
installing one leak testing device LD of the invention at each end
thereof.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, showing a third alternative
embodiment of the leak testing device LD of the invention, which is
similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, with the exception that
a fluid discharge nipple 82 extends from diaphragm surface 64. The
nipple 82 defines an internal passageway 84 that is in fluid
communication with the hole 68 and the recess 72. Preferably, the
nipple 82 includes external screw-threads 86 for cooperating with
the internal screw-threads of, for example, a garden hose coupling
88. As best shown in FIG. 13, the fluid from conduit 80 may be
easily discharged through the garden hose 90 by actuating the valve
74.
USE AND OPERATION
[0044] When it is desired to test the leak integrity of a new pipe
12, the leak testing device LD of the present invention is provided
such that the respective end portions 11 and 13 of the existing and
new pipes 10 and 12 respectively, are slidably received in the
recess 18 of gasket 16. As best shown in FIGS. 4-5, the end portion
11 of the pipe 10 would sealingly engage the lower surface 58 of
the shoulder portion 20. The end portion 13 of the pipe 12 would
come to sealingly engage the diaphragm member 22. The clamp
assembly 40 would then be provided and tightened around the gasket
16, to form a fluid-tight engagement between the leak testing
device LD and the end portions 11 and 13 of the pipes 10 and 12.
The valve handle 34 would then be actuated to close the hole 24 in
the diaphragm member 22 (or 56). Upon assuring that the leak
testing device LD is in proper fluid-tight engagement with the pipe
end portions 11 and 13, the pipe 12 would then be filled with the
fluid and allowed to stand until the inspection for any leaks is
completed. Upon completion of the inspection, the valve handle 34
would be carefully and slowly pulled outwardly to allow gradual
flow of fluid from the new pipe 12 into the existing pipe 10.
[0045] The manner of installation and use of the embodiments shown
in FIGS. 7-13, is similar to as described above with reference to
FIGS. 1-6. It would be appreciated, however, that the shoulder
portion 20 would be snugly received in the groove 66 in a
fluid-tight manner, and the end portions 11 and 13 of the pipes 10
and 12, respectively, would sealingly engage the respective
surfaces 64 and 62 of the diaphragm member 60. When using the leak
testing device of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-13, it would be
particularly appreciated that the clamp assembly 40 would include
only one metallic ring 48. With respect to the embodiment of the
leak testing device shown in FIGS. 11-13, it would be particularly
appreciated that the garden hose 90 (or similar conduit) would be
connected to the fluid discharge nipple 82 to allow the fluid from
the conduit 80 to flow therethrough to be discharged.
[0046] As can be seen from the above, since the opening and closing
of the valve assembly 26 (or 70), is done completely external of
the pipes 10 and 12, and the fluid flows only between the pipes 10
and 12, the leak testing device LD of the present invention poses
no danger to the personnel or the property involved. In addition,
the operation of the leak testing device LD of the present
invention does not require any additional equipment, such as a
pneumatic pump or the like, and thus the entire procedure is
straightforward, fast and significantly less complicated than the
conventional devices. Finally, since the leak testing device LD of
the present invention does not require the use of a T-fitting,
significant savings in terms of time and expense are achieved.
[0047] It is noted herewith that in the instances where the
installation of a T-fitting is necessary, the leak testing device
LD of the invention can be simply used in the same manner as
without a T. In particular, the upper arm 15 of the T-fitting 14
would take the place of the existing pipe 10 with the lower arm 17
thereof connected to the existing pipe 10, and the leak testing
device LD can be operated in the same manner as described
above.
[0048] While this invention has been described as having preferred
designs, it is understood that it is capable of further
modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention and
including such departures from the present disclosure as those come
within the known or customary practice in the art to which the
invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features
hereinsetforth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of
the limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *