Patent ID: 8695626
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: F16K,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for use with an existing pipe, the system comprising: a sealing housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion, where the lower and upper housing portions are each dimensioned to partially surround an exterior surface of an existing pipe, where the sealing housing extends across at least two outer, spaced apart circumferences of the existing pipe; a plurality of sealing members that contact the existing pipe about at least two outer circumferences of the existing pipe at locations spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the existing pipe to enclose a part of the existing pipe in an airtight state; and an integral valve assembly disposed at least partially within an integral valve housing section of the upper housing portion, the integral valve assembly comprising a valve movable between an open position in which the valve provides an open pathway through an opening in an upper surface of the upper housing portion and a closed position in which the valve provides a seal adjacent to the opening, wherein the lower and upper housing portions move as a single unit around the existing pipe during a cutting operation forming a slit in the existing pipe when a cutting machine is coupled to the upper housing portion, the system further comprising: a travel limiter end ring adapted to be securely mounted around an exterior surface of the existing pipe at an axial location adjacent to the sealing housing, the travel limiter end ring having a main body and first and second end stops, wherein the first and second end stops limit rotational movement of at least a portion of the sealing assembly during the cutting operation.