Patent ID: 6173967
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A branch gasket disposed between a main conduit and a tapping sleeve disposed about said main conduit, wherein said branch gasket is further disposed about a side opening in the main conduit and said tapping sleeve includes a side branch disposed adjacent to and aligned with said side opening, said branch gasket comprising:a generally circular compressible, resilient member having an aperture disposed about the side opening in the main conduit and further including a first inner portion in contact with the main conduit and a second outer portion in contact with the tapping sleeve;a hydraulic lip disposed on a first inner edge of said compressible, resilient member in facing relation to the side opening in the main conduit;a first pair of concentrically spaced O-rings disposed on the first outer portion of said compressible, resilient member about the aperture therein for engaging and forming a double seal with the tapping sleeve;a second pair of concentrically spaced O-rings disposed on the second inner portion of said compressible, resilient member about the aperture therein for engaging and forming a double seal with the main conduit; anda metal reinforcing ring disposed within said circular member to prevent said circular member from expanding or changing shape in response to the application of a fluid pressure.