Patent ID: 6491057
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A tapping tool for tapping a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid conduit, said tapping tool comprising:a tool body having opposing ends, an opening at one of said ends, an interior cavity, and at least one shaft mount for rotatably mounting a drill bit shaft in a fixed axis of rotation with respect to said tool body while allowing sliding movement of the drill bit shaft along the axis of rotation; an exhaust port for providing fluid flow communication out of the interior cavity of said tool body such that a continuous fluid flow path is defined between a cutting area and an atmosphere of lower pressure; and a first drill bit having a drill bit shaft and a cutting bit at one end of said shaft, said drill bit shaft having a diameter such that the shaft fits in said at least one shaft mount for rotation about said fixed axis of rotation, said drill bit shaft having a length sufficient to allow said cutting bit to extend through said opening to the cutting area and remain mounted by said at least one shaft mount when said first drill bit is operatively positioned within said tool body, wherein, upon initial piercing of the conduit, a fluid stream of pressurized fluid from the conduit flows along the continuous flow path and out the exhaust port.