Line tapping and clamping assembly for refrigeration systems

The disclosure is directed to a self-contained line tapping and clamping device for removing fluids from a refrigeration system. The apparatus includes a main inner shaft, and an outer tubular shaft slidably fitting over at least a portion of the inner shaft. A pair of opposing clamp arms are provided, one carried by the lower portion of the inner shaft and the other carried by the outer shaft. The clamp arms align by relative movement of the inner and outer shafts. One of the clamp arms carries a piercing device which includes a piercing point for piercing a line supported by the other clamping arm such that the piercing point is aimed directly at the line. A threaded actuating device including a mechanism for rotating the actuating device is provided for urging the two arms together as they move relative to each other to thereby cause the piercing point to pierce the line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
I. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates generally to line tapping and clamping devices and 
more particularly to a line tapping and clamping device for piercing a 
line of a refrigeration system to alter the level of the coolant contained 
therein. 
II. Discussion of the Prior Art 
A combination line tapping and clamping device must be small and adjustable 
to be used in the confined areas found in modern, compact refrigeration 
and air conditioning systems. The function of a line tapping and clamping 
device is to tap a tube or main line and tightly clamp a temporary branch 
or auxiliary line to the tube so high pressure fluid, such as freon, can 
be siphoned off or added without leakage. This prevents dangerous fluids 
from leaking into the atmosphere. Many line tapping and clamping devices, 
previously built, were incapable of simultaneously piercing a main line 
and clamping a branch line to the main line. These devices were also not 
built for use in the confined areas commonly found in modern refrigeration 
systems. 
Simple clamping devices for coupling a branch line to a main line are well 
known in the prior art. These clamps are variations on a C-clamp having 
one arm fitting around the outside of a main line or tube and a second arm 
providing a seal and hole that aligns with a predetermined hole in the 
main line. Examples of this type of clamp can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 
444,235, 915,230 and 4,157,195. In each of these patents, the hole 
extending through the wall of the main line must be present before the 
clamp is used to connect a branch line to the main line. No element for 
piercing the wall of the main line is present. 
A simple line tapping device, described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,392,059, issued 
to O'Neil, is a C-clamp shaped device wherein the line of interest is 
cradled in one arm of the C-clamp and a threaded shaft, having a bit at 
one end, is threaded through the other arm of the C-clamp perpendicular to 
the line of interest. The threaded shaft is rotated to screw the bit 
through the line. The focus of the '059 patent is the ability of the 
device to tap the line and direct the fluid or gas flow down, in a 
controlled manner. Once the hole is made through the line and the bit is 
removed, the fluid or gas contained therein is free to flow out of the 
line through the hole. The device in the '059 patent is not designed to 
clamp a branch line to the main line and guide the fluid or gas in the 
line through a hose or branch line. Of course, the bit described in the 
'059 patent is solid and does not permit fluid or gas to flow through it. 
The device described in the '059 patent also does not have an adjustable 
handle for manipulating or moving the line tapping device into a confined 
area and holding the tapping device firmly while torque is applied for 
drilling the hole. 
Devices incorporating the ability to clamp a line or pipe and pierce the 
pipe are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,115,889, 3,547,144 and 3,648,725. 
Each of these patents disclose a clamp for securely clamping a valve to a 
section of conduit or pipe. Incorporated into each clamp and valve 
assembly is a needle or tapered hollow tube that can be forced through the 
wall of the pipe being clamped. Wrenches and screw drivers are used to 
securely fasten each clamp to the main pipe and to force the needle 
through the pipe. The problem with using these devices on a refrigeration 
system is apparent from the means used for clamping them to the main pipe 
and the means used for forcing the needle or tapered hollow tube through 
the wall of the pipe. The permanent nature of the fixtures once attached 
and the inability of the devices to be easily installed in a confined area 
make them cumbersome to use. 
A device with problems similar to these is described in U.S. Pat. No. 
1,812,907, issued to one William Tell. The device described in Tell is 
first clamped around a pipe, which requires the use of an auxiliary tool 
for rotating a bolt. A drill bit is then rotated to drill a hole in the 
pipe. Rotation of the drill bit also requires using an auxiliary tool. 
Finally, after the hole is tapped, the hollow drill bit is secured in 
place with a threaded sleeve. An auxiliary tool is also used to turn the 
threaded sleeve. Use of an auxiliary tool in a confined area is very 
cumbersome at best. If the Tell device is used to tap a pipe, an auxiliary 
tool must be used three times. 
In contrast, the present invention is self-contained, in that no auxiliary 
tools are required to pierce a tube or pipe and secure a hollow needle to 
the pierced tube. Instead, a hand rotated disk member is provided for 
forcing a hollow needle through the tube or line of interest. The hole is 
not drilled but pierced in the line of interest. At essentially the same 
time as the piercing occurs, the line of interest is clamped in place and 
the hollow needle is secured to the line. This requires one motion and no 
extra tools, as opposed to three motions and three extra tools if the 
device described in Tell is used. 
Other tools developed for overcoming the problem of working in a confined 
area include vice grip style devices. Using these devices, as shown in 
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,395,724 and 3,698,419, a pipe is pierced either as the 
vice grips close or by squeezing a third handle having a bit. One problem 
with these devices is the inability to adjust the vice grips handles in 
relation to the direction of the pipe being tapped. In a confined area, it 
is possible that the pipe will be in such a position that the handles of 
the vice grips will not allow the jaws to be securely clamped around the 
pipe. Also, if a thick walled pipe is encountered, the user may not be 
able to apply enough force to pierce the pipe with these devices. The 
force that can be applied on the jaws of the vice grips is limited by the 
lever arm of the vice grip handles and the force applied by squeezing the 
handles. This force may be further limited by the inability to get one or 
both hands into the confined area. To improve upon these devices, the 
present invention uses an adjustable handle and a rotatable threaded 
member or forcing means including a disk member. 
By adjusting the handle, the present invention can be made to fit into a 
confined area. Further, by using the threaded member or forcing means to 
apply force while holding the adjustable handle, a large amount of force 
can be applied to the piercing element to pierce the line of interest. The 
present invention also has a slidable hollow outer shaft to allow the 
clamp arms to be easily opened to fit around a variety of pipe sizes. 
Other devices having easily opened clamp arms include drill jigs as 
described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,418,234, issued to McCullough and shown in 
Swiss Patent No. 426,430, disclosed by Homberger. These devices have two 
clamp arms that secure a piece of material, such as a pipe, in place for 
having a hole drilled in it. The drill bit and mechanism for turning the 
drill bit are separate devices that must be provided to tap a hole in the 
clamped material. No hand rotatable threaded member or forcing means 
including a disk member for forcing a needle through a pipe and 
simultaneously clamping the material in place is shown in these 
disclosures. 
One other reference of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,338, issued to 
Glennie, which discloses a sealing boot for repairing a ruptured main and 
an application tool for applying the boot to the ruptured main. The 
application tool comprises upper and lower clamp jaws attached to upper 
and lower stems, a crank with a handle grip and a threaded shaft. The jaws 
extend perpendicularly from their respective stems and lie in face to face 
relation with one another. The jaws are maintained in such relation by the 
square shape of the lower stem slidably inserted into the square shaped 
bottom of the upper stem. The threaded shaft is mated through the threaded 
inner core of the top portion of the upper stem to the top end of the 
lower stem. The crank and hand grip are rotatably connected to the top end 
of the threaded shaft. 
In operation, the operator grips the handle and rotates the crank. As the 
crank is rotated, the lower stem is moved upwardly or downwardly relative 
to the upper stem so that the upper and lower jaws are opened or closed. 
The device described in the '338 patent does not have a piercing element 
or an adjustable handle for using the device in a confined area. 
From the above, it can be seen that the references of the related art, of 
which the present applicants are aware, individually and as a whole, fail 
to disclose a clamping assembly for simultaneously piercing and clamping a 
line of interest wherein the clamping assembly has a threaded member for 
applying a large amount of force to the piercing element, a slidable tube 
member for easily inserting the device around the pipe to be tapped, or an 
adjustable handle for maneuvering and holding the device. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is directed to a line tapping and clamping device for 
piercing a line of a refrigeration system. The device in one embodiment 
comprises an inner central main shaft, preferably made of steel, having 
threads at one end, the upper portion, and carrying a first or cradling 
clamp arm at the other end, the lower portion. The first clamp arm has a 
transverse V-groove in it for cradling the line to be tapped. An hollow 
outer tubular shaft, carrying a second or puncturing clamp arm, slidably 
fits over the inner main shaft. The second clamp arm is held in 
face-to-face relation with the first clamp arm. The second clamp arm 
carries a hollow tubular needle that extends into the transverse V-groove 
of the first clamp arm. The hollow tubular needle is for piercing the line 
to be tapped. 
In general, to pierce a tube or main line, a threaded operating disk member 
is rotated onto the threads of the main shaft after the outer tubular 
shaft has been fitted over the inner main shaft. Rotating the disk member 
in one direction causes the disk member to contact the outer tubular shaft 
and force the second clamp arm toward the first clamp arm. The clamp arms 
act like jaws to secure the line of interest in place. This is the screw 
actuated clamping means of the first embodiment. The hollow tubular needle 
in the second clamp arm simultaneously pierces the main line or line of 
interest to be tapped, situated in the transverse V-groove of the first 
clamp arm. The hollow tubular needle has an auxiliary or branch line 
attached to it which is clamped to the main line. To release the device 
from the main line, the disk member is rotated in the opposite direction. 
An alternative embodiment has a central steel, two piece inner main shaft 
including a first piece or lower portion that has a threaded hole or bore 
along its central axis at one end and carrying the first line cradling 
clamp arm at the other end. The second piece or upper portion is a steel 
threaded shaft having threads at one end and carrying a disk member or 
manual rotation means securely attached to the other end. 
In operation, the hollow outer shaft slidably fits over the first piece or 
lower portion of the two piece inner shaft. The second piece or upper 
portion of the two piece inner shaft is then inserted into the outer shaft 
and turned to threadably engage the threaded bore in the first piece. This 
is accomplished by turning the manual rotation means attached to the 
second piece. Rotating the disk member threads the second piece into the 
first piece and acts as a threaded forcing means. This pulls the first 
clamp arm toward the second clamp arm, which is caught between the two 
pieces of the inner shaft. A main line cradled in the transverse V-groove 
of the first clamp arm is instantly pierced by the hollow needle carried 
in the second clamp arm. Simultaneously, this temporarily clamps a branch 
line to the main line. To release the device from the main line, the 
manual rotation means or disk member and second piece of the inner main 
shaft are rotated in the opposite direction. 
An adjustable handle is provided for each embodiment. The handle may be 
adjusted to enable the operator to maneuver the device into a confined 
area. The handle may be secured to the outer shaft. Once secured, the 
handle may be used for holding the device while the operator applies 
torque to the disk member. The adjustable handle comprises a knob firmly 
attached to a threaded shaft. The adjustable handle further comprises a 
collar or cylindrical clamp member. The cylindrical clamp member has a 
central hole along its central axis. The central hole is large enough for 
the outer shaft to slide through. The collar further has a threaded hole, 
perpendicular to the central hole. The threaded hole extends from the 
outside wall of the cylindrical clamp member to the central hole. The 
threaded hole is large enough to rotatably receive the handle's threaded 
shaft. 
In operation, the handle's threaded shaft acts as a set screw for the 
collar. The cylindrical clamp, shaft and knob assembly is positioned on 
the outer tubular shaft member and may be pivoted and slid up or down on 
the outer shaft to situate it as desired. Torque is then applied to the 
knob to rotate the handle's threaded shaft through the cylindrical clamp 
member's threaded hole. Eventually, by turning the knob enough times, the 
handle's threaded shaft engages the outer shaft and clamps the adjustable 
handle into place. The line tapping and clamping device may then be moved 
over the main line to be tapped. Once the clamp arms are around the main 
line or line of interest, the adjustable handle is grasped and the disk 
member is torqued to pierce the line and clamp a branch line to it. 
It is accordingly a principle object of the invention to provide a 
self-contained line tapping or piercing and clamping device. 
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved line tapping and 
clamping device for use on modern refrigeration and air conditioning 
systems. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved line tapping 
and clamping device that needs no auxiliary tools for applying enough 
force to pierce a main line and temporarily clamp a branch line to the 
main line. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved line tapping 
and clamping device having an adjustable handle for using the device in 
confined areas and grasping while torque is applied to a manual rotation 
means. 
The foregoing features and advantages of the present invention are attained 
in a first embodiment by providing a self-contained line tapping and 
clamping device having an inner main shaft with a first clamp arm firmly 
attached to one end, the lower portion, and threads at the other end, the 
upper portion. The first clamp arm extends perpendicular to the main shaft 
and has a transverse V-groove into which the line to be pierced is 
situated. When the line is situated in the transverse groove, it lies 
perpendicular to the main shaft and the first clamp arm. An hollow outer 
tubular shaft having a second clamp arm firmly attached to one end, 
slidably fits over the main shaft. In this position, the clamp arms or 
jaws may be put into close face-to-face registration with one another. A 
hollow tubular needle for piercing a main line is attached to the second 
clamp arm, parallel to the main shaft and the outer tubular shaft. The 
point of the tubular needle faces the transverse V-groove of the first 
clamp arm. The needle has a threaded portion, above the second clamp arm, 
to which a hose can be attached for directing gas or fluid away from the 
tapped tube. 
The outer tubular shaft is prevented from rotating on the main shaft by a 
tab firmly attached to the inside of the outer tubular shaft. The tab 
slidably fits into a slot formed in the main shaft. This maintains the 
first and second clamp arms in face-to-face registration. 
When assembled, the threads of the inner main shaft protrude from the outer 
tubular shaft situated over the main shaft. A threaded disk member acts as 
the manual rotation means and is rotated onto these threads. As the 
threaded disk member is rotated onto the main shaft, the threaded portion 
of the main shaft protrudes through the threaded disk member. The threaded 
disk member has one large diameter portion for grasping and turning by 
hand and a second small diameter portion having a diameter equal to or 
slightly larger than the outside diameter of the outer tubular shaft. The 
small diameter portion extends from the large diameter portion to contact 
the top of the outer tubular shaft. Thus, when the disk member is rotated 
in one direction, the small diameter portion contacts the outer tubular 
shaft and forces the second clamp arm toward the first clamp arm, acting 
as a threaded forcing means. 
To make the threaded disk member easier to turn when it is in contact with 
the outer tubular shaft, a recessed thrust bearing may be added to the 
second small portion of the disk member. The thrust bearing is situated in 
the second small portion to contact the outer tubular shaft and act as a 
bearing between the threaded disk member and the outer tubular shaft. 
In a second embodiment, the inner main shaft of the first embodiment is 
replaced with a two piece shaft combination. The first piece or lower 
portion is an hexagonal, preferably steel, shaft having a threaded shaft 
hole running along the main axis of the shaft beginning at one end and 
extending into the shaft. A first cradling clamp arm is firmly attached, 
perpendicular, to the hexagonal shaft at the other end. A transverse 
V-groove in the first cradling clamp arm is preferably perpendicular to 
the first clamp arm and the hexagonal shaft. The second piece or upper 
portion of the inner main shaft is a threaded shaft, threaded on the 
outside, and preferably made out of steel. A disk member for manual 
rotation is firmly attached to the externally threaded shaft at one end. 
At the other end, the externally threaded shaft has threads which mate 
with the threaded hole of the hexagonal shaft. Turning the disk member 
rotates the threaded shaft into the hexagonal shaft when the two pieces 
are aligned. 
The hollow outer shaft of the second embodiment generally has a tubular 
body with an inside diameter that fits over the hexagonal shaft. Firmly 
attached to one end of the outer shaft is a second puncturing clamp arm 
carrying a tubular needle for piercing a tube. At this end of the outer 
shaft is an hexagonal hole axially aligned with the tubular body. The 
hexagonal hole mates with the hexagonal shaft when the outer shaft is slid 
over the hexagonal shaft. The flat portions of the hexagonal parts prevent 
the hexagonal shaft from rotating in the outer shaft. Thus, the first 
clamp arm and second clamp arm are maintained in alignment by the 
hexagonal key. 
The threaded shaft, of the two piece main shaft, is rotated into the 
threaded hole in the hexagonal shaft after the hexagonal shaft has been 
inserted into the outer shaft. The threaded shaft is threaded into the 
hexagonal shaft by rotating the attached disk member. This disk member has 
one large diameter portion and another small diameter portion. The large 
diameter portion is large enough to grasp and torque. The small diameter 
portion extends from the large diameter portion and is slightly larger in 
diameter than the outer shaft. The small diameter portion contacts the 
outer shaft as the disk member and threaded shaft are rotated into the 
hexagonal shaft. This threaded forcing means forces the outer shaft and 
second clamp arm toward the first clamp arm. If a tube or line of interest 
is cradled in the transverse V-groove, the line will be pierced as the 
tubular needle in the second clamp arm is forced toward the first clamp 
arm. Simultaneously, the main line is clamped between the two clamp arms 
or jaws and to a temporary branch line for draining off fluid or gas. 
To make the disk member easier to turn when it contacts the outer shaft, a 
recessed thrust bearing is added to the small portion of the disk member. 
The thrust bearing contacts the outer shaft and acts as a bearing to make 
turning the disk member easier. The disk member is turned the opposite 
direction to release the device from the main line. 
An adjustable handle is provided for each embodiment to adjust the contours 
of the device for maneuvering it into confined areas. As is obvious from 
the figures, the adjustable handle is also for grasping when torquing the 
disk member to pierce a line. The adjustable handle comprises a 
cylindrical or circular clamp member having a first central hole along its 
central axis. The first central hole is large enough for the outer shaft 
to slide through. The cylindrical clamp member has a second hole 
perpendicular to the first hole and threaded. The second hole extends from 
the outside of the cylindrical clamp member to the first central hole. A 
threaded shaft having a knob firmly attached to one end is rotated into 
the second hole of the cylindrical clamp member and acts as a set screw. 
The cylindrical clamp member, knob and threaded shaft assembly is slid 
onto the outer tubular shaft and the knob is torqued to turn the threaded 
shaft of the adjustable handle into the second hole of the cylindrical 
clamp member. The handle's threaded shaft eventually engages the outer 
shaft. The knob is then torqued to clamp the handle firmly in place on the 
outer shaft. 
In operation, the device is fitted into a confined area of a refrigeration 
system by first turning the adjustable handle knob to loosen the 
adjustable handle on the outer shaft. The handle is then pivoted and slid 
up or down on the outer shaft until the transverse groove of the first 
clamp arm can be situated onto the line to be pierced. When the handle is 
properly situated, both longitudinally and pivotally on the outer shaft, 
the knob of the handle is rotated to secure the adjustable handle in 
place. The first and second clamp arms are then situated around the pipe 
to be tapped and with one hand holding the knob of the handle, the other 
hand rotates the disk member to pierce the main line and secure the branch 
line to the main line. The disk member is torqued to force the hollow 
tubular needle through the wall of the line being tapped and to snugly 
clamp the hollow needle into the line. In this manner, fluid or gas can be 
removed from a system. 
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become 
apparent to those skilled in the art through the description of the 
preferred embodiments, claims, and drawings herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Indicated generally in FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a self-contained line 
tapping and clamping assembly 10 for tapping the lines of a refrigeration 
or air conditioning system to alter the level of fluid or gas contained 
therein. The clamping assembly 10 comprises an inner main shaft 12, an 
hollow outer tubular shaft 14, a threaded disk member 16 and an adjustable 
handle, indicated generally by the numeral 18. The inner main shaft 12 has 
a first clamp arm 20 firmly attached to one end, the lower portion, such 
as by welding or a press fit with solder, preferably copper solder. The 
main shaft 12 has a threaded portion 22 at the other end, the upper 
portion. The outer tubular shaft 14 has a second clamp arm 24 firmly 
attached to one end, such as by welding or by a press fit and solder. The 
hollow outer tubular shaft 14 has an inner diameter which is larger than 
the outer diameter of the main shaft 12. Thus, the outer tubular shaft 14 
can slidably fit over the main shaft 12, including the threaded portion 
22. The outer tubular shaft 14 is positioned over the main shaft 12 so the 
first clamp arm 20 and the second clamp arm 24 may be in close 
face-to-face registration with each other. The threaded portion 22 of the 
main shaft 12 protrudes out of one end of the outer tubular shaft 14, 
opposite the two clamp arms or jaws 20 and 24. 
The threaded disk member 16 is rotated onto the threaded portion 22 of the 
main shaft 12 protruding out of the outer tubular shaft 14. Turning the 
threaded disk member 16 clockwise causes the disk member 16 to contact the 
outer tubular shaft 14. Further torquing the disk member 16 forces the 
second clamp arm 24 toward the first clamp arm 20. As described below, 
this pierces a main line or tube and at least temporarily clamps a branch 
line to the main line. 
As is obvious from the Figures, the adjustable handle 18, described in 
detail below, is for holding the device while applying torque to the 
threaded disk member 16. This prevents the main line of interest from 
being bent when torque is applied to the threaded disk member 16. The 
adjustable handle 18 slides and pivots on the outer tubular shaft 14 
before being temporarily secured to the outer tubular shaft 14. The 
adjustable handle 18 is secured to the outer tubular shaft 14 by turning a 
knob 54 and threaded shaft 52 clockwise. The knob 54 is firmly attached to 
the threaded shaft 52. Turning the knob 54 rotates the threaded shaft 52 
into a collar or cylindrical clamp member 50 and against the outer tubular 
shaft 14 to act as a set screw and secure the adjustable handle 18 in 
place. In general, the main shaft 12, the outer tubular shaft 14, the two 
clamp arms or jaws 20 and 24, and the adjustable handle 18 are made out of 
steel. The knob 54, however, is molded out of plastic and the threaded 
disk member 16 is made out of aluminum. 
A transverse V-groove 26 for cradling the main line is provided in the 
first clamp arm 20. A line or pipe situated in the V-groove 26 is 
perpendicular to the main shaft 12 and the first clamp arm 20. The second 
clamp arm 24 has a threaded hole having an axis parallel to the main shaft 
12 and the outer tubular shaft 14. A hollow tubular needle 28 is turned 
into the threaded hole in the second clamp arm 24. The hollow tubular 
needle 28 has a tapered needle point 30 that protrudes out of the second 
clamp arm 24 and faces the V-groove 26 in the first clamp arm 20. The 
hollow tubular needle 28 has a threaded small diameter portion 32 which is 
turned into the second clamp arm 24 and a larger diameter portion 34 which 
does not extend into the second clamp arm 24. The larger diameter portion 
34 has threads on it to accommodate a branch line or hose for fluid or gas 
to pass through. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main shaft 12 has a slot 40. A tab 42 is 
attached to the inside of the outer tubular shaft 14 by welding or other 
similar means. The tab 42 slidably fits into the slot 40 in the main shaft 
12. The tab 42 and slot 40 prevent the outer tubular shaft 14 from 
rotating on the main shaft 12. This maintains the hollow tubular needle 28 
in face to face registration with the V-groove 26 in the first clamp arm 
20. Therefore, when a main line of interest is placed in the V-groove 26 
and force is applied to the outer tubular shaft 14 by rotating the 
threaded disk member 16, the tapered needle point 30 pierces the wall of 
the main line. The main line is simultaneously pierced and clamped between 
the first clamp arm 20 and the second clamp arm 24. 
The threaded disk member 16 is a piece of material such as steel or 
aluminum having a large diameter portion 44 and a small diameter portion 
46. The large diameter portion 44 and the small diameter portion 46 have a 
common threaded hole running through the central axis of the threaded disk 
member 16. The threads in the hole match the threads on the threaded 
portion 22 of the main shaft 12. This is so the disk member 16 can be 
rotated onto the threaded portion 22 of the main shaft 12. To pierce a 
main line, the threaded disk member 16 is rotated onto the main shaft 12 
until the small diameter portion 46 contacts the outer tubular shaft 14. 
The small diameter portion 46 and the outer tubular shaft 14 have 
essentially equal outside diameters. The large diameter portion 44 is 
large enough to be easily gripped and turned by hand and, as shown in FIG. 
1, the large diameter portion 44 has a hollowed out inner diameter defined 
by disk wall 48. Rotating the disk member 16 clockwise, as viewed from the 
hollow side, threads the disk member 16 onto the main shaft 12 acts as a 
threaded forcing means to push the outer tubular shaft 14 and second clamp 
arm 24 toward the first clamp arm 20. Rotating the disk member 16 
counterclockwise, as viewed from the hollow side, threads the disk member 
16 off of the main shaft 12 and allows the outer tubular shaft 14 to be 
slid away from the first clamp arm 20. In this manner, the line to be 
tapped can be pierced, clamped and subsequently released. 
To make the threaded disk member 16 easier to turn when it is in contact 
with the outer tubular shaft and being rotated to pierce and clamp a line, 
a recessed thrust bearing 72, FIG. 4, may be added to the small diameter 
portion 46. The thrust bearing 72 is situated in the small diameter 
portion 46 and contacts the outer tubular shaft 14. The thrust bearing 72 
acts as a bearing between the threaded disk member 16 and the outer 
tubular shaft 14. 
The adjustable handle 18, for holding the line tapping and clamping 
assembly 10, can be adjusted both pivotally and longitudinally along the 
outer tubular shaft 14. The adjustability of the handle 18 allows an 
operator to arrange the adjustable handle 18 on the line tapping and 
clamping assembly 10 in a variety of positions for use in a variety of 
confined areas. As is obvious from the Figures, the adjustable handle 18 
may be used for grabbing onto while torquing the threaded disk member 16. 
As shown in FIG. 3, the adjustable handle 18 comprises a cylindrical or 
circular collar or clamp member 50, a threaded shaft 52 and a knob 54. The 
knob 54 is firmly attached to the threaded shaft 52 and preferably made 
from a hard plastic, wood or similar material. The cylindrical clamp 
member 50 is cylindrical in shape having two flat ends. The clamp member 
50 has a large hole 60 in the center or to one side of its central axis. 
The large hole 60 extends from one end of the clamp member 50 to the other 
end. The diameter of the large hole 60 is greater than the outside 
diameter of the outer tubular shaft 14. In use, the cylindrical clamp 
member 50 is slid over the outer tubular shaft 14 and the threaded shaft 
52 is turned into a threaded hole 62 in the clamp member 50, by rotating 
the knob 54. The threaded hole 62 in the clamp member 50 extends from the 
outside of the clamp member 50 to the large hole 60 and is perpendicular 
to the large hole 60. By rotating the knob 54 in a clockwise direction, as 
seen from the side of the knob, the threaded shaft 52 is turned into the 
threaded hole 62. Rotating the threaded shaft 52 into the threaded hole 62 
causes the threaded shaft 52 to eventually engage the outer tubular shaft 
14. Torquing the knob 54 secures the adjustable handle 18 to the outer 
tubular shaft 14, thus acting like a set screw for the handle 18. With the 
adjustable handle 18 securely fastened to the outer tubular shaft 14, the 
clamping assembly 10 can be moved onto a main line and the threaded disk 
member 16 torqued to pierce the line and clamp a branch line to the main 
line. 
As shown in FIG. 4, when a main line 70 is situated in the V-groove 26 of 
the first clamp arm 20 and the threaded disk member 16 is turned onto the 
main shaft 12, the threaded disk member 16 contacts the outer tubular 
shaft 14. The outer tubular shaft 14 and second clamp arm 24 are forced 
toward the first clamp arm 20. The tapered needle point 30 pierces the 
line 70 with continued torquing of the threaded disk member 16. To seal 
the connection made between the line 70 and the hollow tubular needle 28, 
a rubber washer, available at any hardware store, may be situated around 
the needle point 30. Fluid or gas is added or removed through the hollow 
tubular needle 28 and an external hose (not shown). 
The adjustable handle 18 will move with the outer tubular shaft 14 if it 
has been secured to the outer tubular shaft 14. If this is not desired, 
the knob 54 may be rotated to release the adjustable handle 18 from the 
outer tubular shaft 14 and allow the adjustable handle 18 to freely slide 
and pivot on the outer tubular shaft 14. This may make it easier to move 
the line tapping and clamping assembly 10 in a confined area. 
Indicated generally in FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of a self-contained 
line tapping and clamping assembly 100. The second embodiment 100 
comprises a lower portion hexagonal shaft 102, an upper portion threaded 
shaft 104, a disk member 106, and an hollow outer shaft 108. The hexagonal 
shaft 102 has a first clamp arm 110 firmly attached to one end, such as by 
welding or press fitting with solder, preferably copper solder. The 
hexagonal shaft 102 has a threaded hole 112 bored into the other end along 
its central axis. The outer shaft of the second embodiment 108 has a 
square base portion 126, including a second clamp arm 114, firmly attached 
to one end, such as by welding or press fitting and solder. The outer 
shaft 108 is tubular along its length from the square base portion 126 to 
the other end. The inner diameter of this tubular portion of the hollow 
outer shaft 108 is larger than the outer diameter of the hexagonal shaft 
102. Therefore, this portion of the outer shaft 108 easily slides over the 
hexagonal shaft 102. The square base portion 126 has a central bore 
aligned with the tubular outer shaft 108 but hexagonal in shape. This 
hexagonal bore of the square base portion 126 matches and slidably fits 
over the hexagonal shaft 102 to prevent the shaft 108 from turning 
relative to the hexagonal shaft 102. This maintains the first clamp arm 
110 and the second clamp arm 114 in face-to-face registration. 
The upper end of the threaded shaft 104 is firmly attached to the disk 
member 106 as by a screw 109 and is provided with external threads along 
its length. Rotation of the disk member 106 causes the threaded shaft 104 
to rotate in the same direction. The threads on the threaded shaft 104 fit 
and mesh with the threads in the threaded bore 112 of the hexagonal shaft 
102. 
In operation, the second embodiment 100 may be assembled by sliding the 
outer shaft 108 and square base portion 126 over the hexagonal shaft 102 
so the first cradling clamp arm 110 and the second puncturing clamp arm 
114 are in face-to-face registration. Next, the threaded shaft 104 is 
stuck into the tubular end of the outer shaft 108 and threaded into the 
threaded bore 112 of the hexagonal shaft 102. This is the threaded forcing 
means. Rotating the disk member 106 turns the threaded shaft 104 into the 
threaded bore 112 and reduces the distance between the disk member 106 and 
the first cradling clamp arm 110. Eventually, by continuing to turn the 
disk member 106, the disk member 106 contacts the tubular portion of the 
outer shaft 108. Torquing the disk member 106 further forces the outer 
shaft 108 and the second puncturing clamp arm 114 toward the first 
cradling clamp arm 110. 
As shown in FIG. 5, the first clamp arm 110 is perpendicular to the 
hexagonal shaft 102 and has a V-groove 116 formed in it which is 
perpendicular to the hexagonal shaft 102 and the first clamp arm 110. As 
further shown in FIG. 5, the second puncturing clamp arm 114 is 
perpendicular to the outer shaft 108. Bored into the second clamp arm 114 
is a threaded hole 118. A tubular needle member, indicated generally by 
the numeral 119, is turned into the threaded hole 118 in the second clamp 
arm 114. The tubular needle 119 has threads (not shown) that match the 
threads in the threaded hole 118. The tubular needle 119 has a hexagonal 
nut 122 for turning the tubular needle 119 into the threaded hole 118. By 
turning the hexagonal nut 122 snugly against one side of the second clamp 
arm 114, the tubular needle 119 is secured into the second puncturing 
clamp arm 114. When secured in this position, the point 120 of the tubular 
needle 119 protrudes out of the second puncturing clamp arm 114 opposite 
the hexagonal nut 122. The point 120 of the tubular needle 119 is also 
tubular and penetrates the wall of the main line or tube being tapped. 
Attached to the hexagonal nut 122 and part of the tubular needle 119 is a 
threaded connector 124. A hose or a pipe is connected to the threaded 
connector 124 to act as a branch line for draining off or supplying fluid 
to the tapped main line. 
Shown in FIG. 7 is the second puncturing clamp arm 114 and the tubular 
needle 119. The second clamp arm 114 is attached to the square base 
portion 126 of the outer shaft 108. The square base portion 126 has a 
hexagonal bore 128 that slidably fits over the hexagonal shaft 102. Thus, 
the outer shaft 108 is keyed onto the hexagonal shaft 102. As long as the 
second clamp arm 114 is initially aligned with the first clamp arm 110, 
when the outer shaft 108 is slid onto the hexagonal shaft 102, the second 
clamp arm 114 will be maintained in face-to-face registration with the 
first clamp arm 110. This aligns the point 120 of the tubular needle 119 
with the V-groove 116 in the first clamp arm 110. 
The disk member 106 attached to the threaded shaft 104 has an outer 
diameter portion 130 and an inner diameter portion 132. The outer diameter 
portion 130 is for grasping by hand and turning. This is how torque is 
applied to the threaded shaft 104 as it is turned into the threaded bore 
112 of the hexagonal shaft 102. Protruding from the outer diameter portion 
130, in the direction of the threaded shaft 104, is the inner diameter 
portion 132. The inner diameter portion 132 is slightly larger in diameter 
than the outer shaft 108. Also, the inner diameter portion 132 houses a 
thrust bearing 134. The thrust bearing 134 contacts the top or tubular end 
of the outer shaft 108 when the threaded shaft 104 is turned into the 
threaded bore 112. The thrust bearing 134 acts as a bearing between the 
disk member 106 and the outer shaft 108. This makes it easier for the 
operator to turn the disk member 106 when applying torque to force the 
point 120 of the tubular needle 119 through the wall of a main line of 
interest. 
The second embodiment 100 is also provided with an adjustable handle, 
indicated generally by the numeral 140 in FIGS. 5 and 6. The adjustable 
handle 140 comprises a knob 142, a handle shaft 144 and a cylindrical 
handle clamp member or collar 146. The knob 142 is firmly attached to the 
threaded handle shaft 144 so that turning the knob 142 turns the shaft 144 
in the same direction. The cylindrical handle clamp member 146 has a 
central bore 148. This central bore 148 is slightly larger than the outer 
diameter of the outer shaft 108. 
As shown in FIG. 6, the outer shaft 108 slides through the central bore 148 
of the cylindrical handle clamp member 146. Perpendicular to the central 
bore 148 and running from the outside of the cylindrical handle clamp 
member 146 to the central bore 148 is a threaded handle bore 150. The 
threads in the threaded handle bore 150 mesh with the threads on the 
threaded handle shaft 144. The threaded handle shaft 144 can be turned 
into the threaded handle bore 150 until one end of the threaded handle 
shaft 144 engages the outside of the outer shaft 108. By torquing the knob 
142 of the handle 140, the cylindrical handle clamp member 146 is secured 
against the outer shaft 108 and acts as a set screw for the handle 140. 
Also shown in FIG. 6, is the outer shaft 108 slidably fitting over the 
hexagonal shaft 102. The central threaded bore 112 of the hexagonal shaft 
102 can also be seen. 
In operation, the outer shaft 108 is slidably fit over the hexagonal shaft 
102 so the point 120 of the tubular needle 119 aligns with the V-groove 
116 in the first clamp arm 110. The cylindrical handle clamp member 146 
may then be put onto the outer shaft 108 through the central bore 148 of 
the cylindrical handle clamp member 146. The knob 142 and threaded handle 
shaft 144 are then turned into the threaded bore in the cylindrical handle 
clamp member 146 and, if desired, the handle 140 is secured in place on 
the outer shaft 108. Next, the main threaded shaft 104 is slid into the 
tubular end of the outer shaft 108 and threaded into the threaded bore 112 
of the hexagonal shaft 102. Turning the disk member 106 rotates the shaft 
104 into the threaded bore 112. Eventually, the inner diameter portion 132 
carrying the thrust bearing 134 comes into contact with the outer shaft 
108. Turning the disk member 106 further, forces the second clamp arm 114 
and the tubular needle 119 toward the first clamp arm 110. As shown in 
FIG. 8, if a pipe or tube 152 is situated in the V-groove 116 of the first 
clamp arm 110 and the disk member 106 is torqued against the outer shaft 
108, the point 120 of the tubular needle 119 will pierce the wall of the 
tube 152. 
The adjustable handle 140 of the second embodiment 100 is for moving the 
second embodiment 100 into a confined area with one hand and also for 
grasping as torque is applied to the disk member 106. To supply maximum 
torque, the operator may grasp the knob 142 of the adjustable handle 140 
after the handle 140 is secured to the outer shaft 108. With the other 
hand, the operator may apply torque to the disk member 106. This permits 
the operator to puncture the wall of a tube or pipe 152 having maximum 
thickness. If the operator cannot get both hands into the confined area, 
the operator may use one hand to position the second embodiment 100 in 
place and turn the disk member 106 for puncturing the main line objective. 
Thus, the present invention will simultaneously pierce a main line and, at 
least temporarily, clamp a branch line to the main line without the use of 
any auxiliary tools. Also, the entire procedure, of piercing and clamping, 
may be performed in basically one motion and with one hand. The device of 
the present invention can cleanly pierce a tube of interest with an outer 
diameter of 3/16ths of an inch. The tube of interest may be aluminum, 
copper, steel or other similar materials. 
This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to 
comply with the Patent Statutes and to provide those skilled in the art 
with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct 
and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be 
understood that the invention can be carried out by specifically different 
equipment and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the 
equipment details and operating procedures, can be accomplished without 
departing from the scope of the invention itself.