초록 ▼

The present invention comprises an improved method and apparatus, associated with a self-piercing valve assembly for mounting the self-piercing valve on a pipe and for constraining movement of the valve on the pipe. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a self-piercing

The present invention comprises an improved method and apparatus, associated with a self-piercing valve assembly for mounting the self-piercing valve on a pipe and for constraining movement of the valve on the pipe. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a self-piercing valve assembly comprises a clamping assembly and a crimping member associated with the clamping assembly, which crimping member "automatically" crimps a pipe and forms a recess therein when the self-piercing valve clamping assembly is tightened about the pipe, and simultaneously effects a crimping member/recess interface (much like a key-and-keyway interface) which inhibits relative angular rotation between the pipe and valve. The crimping member is, preferably, a rigid, projection or tab.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [10.] A method of selectively extracting fluid from a pipe, comprising the steps of:placing an upper member of a body, the upper member having a top end and a bottom end, and the bottom end of the upper member including a recess and a sealing means within the recess, the upper

[ What is claimed is:] [10.] A method of selectively extracting fluid from a pipe, comprising the steps of:placing an upper member of a body, the upper member having a top end and a bottom end, and the bottom end of the upper member including a recess and a sealing means within the recess, the upper member further including a passage extending from the sealing means to an outlet on the upper member, such that the recess on the bottom end partially encloses a fluid-filled pipe;placing a lower member of the body, the lower member having a top side including a recess and a bottom side such that the recess on the top side partially encloses the fluid-filled pipe opposite the recess on the bottom end of the upper member;fastening the lower member to the upper member to thereby form a clamp around the pipe;retarding the rotation of the pipe within the clamp through a fixed, rigid extending projection integral with one of the upper member and the lower member, the projection provided within the clamp and automatically crimping the pipe upon fastening of the upper member and lower member around the pipe to thereby retard relative rotation of the pipe held within the clamp; andselectively extending a solid needle from the upper member through the sealing means to puncture the pipe such that the fluid flows through the passage to the outlet.