Abstract:
One embodiment of a pipe universal connector having pluralities of conduits ( 25, 33, 35 ) which communicates with other pipes ( 63 ), appliance ( 67 ) and access bin ( 39 ). At least one or more conduits consist of flexible material that can instantly adjust-on-demand to desired angle, offset, turns and positions, making this connector able to replace a T-pipe, Y-pipe and more. In addition, damper ( 27 ) and gutter ( 53 ) inhabits the intersection ( 59 ) to control access to energy and environmental modules, debris, draft and downdraft movement.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from and benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/589,813 titled “Flexible Universal Flue Pipe Connector with Damper and Sweep Access” filed Jan. 23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated here by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     None 
     SEQUENCE LISTING 
     None 
     BACKGROUND 
     This relates generally to flexible connector for piping and particularly pertains to flexible connector functioning as universal connector with conduit damper, gutter, sweep access and bin to improve access and maintenance of a combustion flue pipe, energy and environmental accessories. 
     The chimney industry uses various types of flue pipe for connections. There are T-pipes, Y-pipes and L pipes. Many are not made of the flexible pipes. To get some flexibility, a combination of two or more pipes (likely L-pipe and T-Pipe) may be used to yield some flexibility in direction. However, such flexibility is predetermined by the fixed angles of the particular L- or T-pipe acquired. In other words, angles and direction cannot be made on-demand and on site. 
     The L-pipes have the primary function of changing the direction of the flue pipe. The angles of direction change are fixed and most are 90 degrees. T-pipes have the three functions. One function is to split a pipe in two directions. A second role is changing direction like L-pipes. The third function is the result of a split and change in direction where one end is capped and used to provide maintenance access clean-out into the flue pipe. Access clean-out caps created in this form are usually remotely located inside a brick chimney wall or behind the appliance such as wood stove or both. The remote location of such clean-out caps requires dismantling the pipe to access and clean-out the creosote and condensate that settled in it. Even when the tee cap is cleaned out, it is done infrequently due to the daunting task. The daunting tasks warrant the abandonment of the clean-out cap debris content for years. An abandoned clean-out cap collects condensate, creosote and dissolved acidic gases which form corrosive and odorous mixture. Depending on the material of the cap and T-pipe resistance to corrosion, their life span may be reduced due to the corrosion. 
     Several energy recovery and environmental flue gas treatment instruments has been and are being introduced in the field of fuel combustion. Many of these accessories have not functioned well partly due to design and partly due to lack of easy means of maintenance. For an example, a heat recovery apparatus inserted in a flue pipe will condense creosote on the exchanger surface. The condensed creosote inhibits the efficiency characteristics of the surface to continue absorbing heat energy. Furthermore, the dimension of the flue pipe opening becomes smaller due to the accumulation of the solid creosote in its space. When the dimension of the pipe is smaller, the draft is reduced. Another serious safety effect is the increased risk of chimney fire due to accumulated creosote. A traditionally used fireplace chimney may be swept yearly but a flue stack with environmental or creosote condensing apparatus would need improved access for more frequent servicing, efficient performance and safety. 
     T-pipes and their clean-out are used outside a brick chimney confinement such as double and triple wall flue pipes in the exterior of a building. In such instance, the appliance connects to the right angled, horizontal conduit of the T-pipe. The right angle makes the flue gas to flow horizontally which is not efficient and the vertical access conduit of the T-pipe points inaccessibly to the ground. Damper has a secondary function to lockout the downdraft and odor during downtime period. The lockout function is missing in a flue pipe damper. Many flue pipes have inadequate damper or have no dampers at all. Dampers that have smaller radius than the flue pipe can passively regulate draft but cannot lockout downdraft when flue pipe is not in use. 
     In essence, the T-pipes are mainly for split connection. They do not easily serve as a clean-out cap for chimney flue pipes. There is therefore the need for a different kind of T-pipe that offers flexible direction, easier access for clean-out, maintenance, safety, prevention of odor and downdraft. 
     PRIOR ART 
     The following are some prior art that may be relevant: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Patent Documents 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   54,197 
                 April 1866 
                 Nye 
               
               
                   
                   403,468 
                 May 1889 
                 Hance 
               
               
                   
                   861,409 
                 July 1907 
                 Wagner 
               
               
                   
                 1,427,107 
                 August 1922 
                 Kaplan 
               
               
                   
                 1,528,252 
                 June 1924 
                 House 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 2,035,974 
                 March 1936 
                 McWilliams 
                 236/93 
               
               
                   
                 2,392,631 
                 March 1945 
                 Berndt 
                 72/94 
               
               
                   
                 4,099,747 
                 July 1978 
                 Meserole 
                 285/174 
               
               
                   
                 4,306,491 
                 December 1981 
                 Reardon, Jr. 
                 98/60 
               
               
                   
                 4,329,973 
                 May 1982 
                 Scullin, Jr. 
                 126/123 
               
               
                   
                 4,424,794 
                 January 1984 
                 Page 
                 126/123 
               
               
                   
                 4,846,147 
                 July 1989 
                 Townsend et al 
                 126/307 
               
               
                   
                 4,858,517 
                 August 1989 
                 Coker 
                 98/1 
               
               
                   
                 4,875,463 
                 October 1989 
                 Washington 
                 126/80 
               
               
                   
                 5,133,579 
                 July 1992 
                 Anderson et al 
                 285/226 
               
               
                   
                 5,158,328 
                 October 1992 
                 Anderson et al 
                 285/168 
               
               
                   
                 5,199,190 
                 April 1993 
                 Mayer et al 
                 34/235 
               
               
                   
                 5,390,967 
                 February 1995 
                 Gooderham et al 
                 285/177 
               
               
                   
                 5,393,260 
                 February 1995 
                 Berth 
                 454/44 
               
               
                   
                 5,494,319 
                 February 1996 
                 Thomas 
                 285/55 
               
               
                   
                 5,741,029 
                 April 1998 
                 Wilson 
                 285/114 
               
               
                   
                 6,234,163 B1 
                 May 2001 
                 Garrod 
                 126/80 
               
               
                   
                 6,588,802 B2 
                 July 2003 
                 Schukal 
                 285/133 
               
               
                   
                 7,798,891 B2 
                 September 2010 
                 Stubbert et al 
                 454/44 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. patent application Publications 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2002/0,149,201 A1 
                 October 2002 
                 Pichotta 
                 285/192 
               
               
                 2004/0,160,057 A1 
                 August 2004 
                 Barnoff 
                 285/133.11 
               
               
                 2006/0,249,142 A1 
                 November 2006 
                 Bibaud et al 
                 126/312 
               
               
                 2007/0,176,416 A1 
                 August 2007 
                 Swank 
                 285/174 
               
               
                 2007/0,221,195 A1 
                 September 2007 
                 Bibaud 
                 126/80 
               
               
                 2008/0,196,161 A1 
                 August 2008 
                 Ball 
                 4/680 
               
               
                 2010/0,108,144 A1 
                 May 2010 
                 Yates et al 
                 137/1 
               
               
                 2010/0,170,589 A1 
                 July 2010 
                 Boettner et al 
                 138/119 
               
               
                 2011/0,068,569 A1 
                 March 2011 
                 Boettner 
                 285/133 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     NON-PATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS 
     
         
         2010-2011 Catalog for Chimney Professionals and Hearth Retailers, Copperfield Chimney Supply, 304 S. 20 th  St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556, www.copperfield.com 
         2011-2012 Chimney &amp; Venting Catalog, Olympia Chimney Supply company, www.olympiachimney.com 
       
    
     Scullin Jr., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,329,973 illustrated the use of elbow (L-) flue pipe connector, connecting wood stove to board and plate having central opening in the chimney. The elbow must be pre-aligned in height and angle to fit the stove placement. Townsend et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,147 and Bert, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,260 used flexible metal pipe to connect to an insert. In all three cases, the stove insert connection has to be disassembled to clean creosote in the flue pipe. When disconnected, a high vacuum is needed to keep loosened dust particles from living space and personnel. The alternative to disassembling the setup is to insert sweep brush through the chimney top. When the sweep is performed from the chimney top, all of the particulates fall into the smoke shelf of the stove where a delicate catalytic combustor would be housed. In both sweep approaches, disassembling and reassembling the connectors or smoke shelf will be required. 
     House, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,528,252, Wagner in U.S. Pat. No. 861,409, Page in U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,794, Stubbert et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,891 Reardon Jr. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,491, and Schukal in U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,802 B2 disclosed various embodiments of T connector for connecting an appliance to a flue pipe. All of these tee connectors have a vertical main pipe and a horizontal branch pipe which connects to the appliance. The top of the main pipe is connected to an extension which terminates in a vent cap on top of a chimney. The bottom of the main pipe is connected to a clean-out cap. House incorporated a tubular sleeve insert that is rotatable to prevent swept creosote particle from entering the stove. Wagner used a strap and notches to make the branch pipe have some adjustability. Reardon Jr. and Page shows the T-pipe inside the fireplace and behind the appliance. Schukal shows the T behind a brick enclosure. All of these T-pipe connectors are not very flexible and easily accessible. When caps are opened and cleaning is being performed, fine particles get into human space due to lack of containment. 
     Regarding the damper, Nye in U.S. Pat. No. 54,197 and McWilliams in U.S. Pat. No. 2,035,974 disclosed different forms of traditional dampers. In these disclosures, the dampers have smaller diameters than the inner diameter of the flue pipe and are located at the middle stream of the host flue pipe. For solid fuel flue, the midstream location of the dampers obstructs sweeping thru with a creosote cleaning brush. Also, the smaller diameter of the damper is not able to stop creosote particles from falling into the appliance smoke shelf. 
     Known flue T, L pipes and other connectors suffer from one or more of the following disadvantages: 
     (a) Need to preposition and align the connecting members in height and angle to fit. 
     (b) Need to disassemble the connections in order to perform maintenance cleaning. There is high level of sophistication, training time and tool required to perform maintenance. The degree of difficulty does not leave room for routine or do-it-yourself maintenance. 
     (c) Alternately, cleaning from the top of chimney requires climbing, disassembling of the smoke shelf and potential damage of catalytic combustor. 
     (d) The particulate matters generated during cleaning are not easily contained from personnel and living space. 
     In conclusion, there is a need for T-pipe and L-pipe connectors that have convenient remote access, flexibility, and protective lockout for use in solid fuel appliances and flue pipe connection. 
     SUMMARY 
     This invention relates generally to piping and particularly pertains to flexible connector functioning as universal connector having damper, gutter, sweep access and bin to improve frequency of maintenance including any downstream modules. The invention provides a new generation of connector with better degree of flexibility, access and protection. In the case of a wood stove, for example, flexibility of connector conduit would provide flexibility in appliance location. As could be seen in some prior art, location of appliance could not deviate up, down, left or right. The sweep access provided by the present invention would make maintenance easy and routine. A sweep brush would be inserted and guided in the conduit pipes while an integrated bin provides loose material containment. A closeout damper plate and a trough will protect catalytic combustor and living space from particulates, downdraft and condensate. The damper allows for sweep-thru access and prevents and diverts particles from entering the smoke shelf of appliances. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS—FIGURES 
         FIG 1 . is a perspective view of the universal connector, showing a pass thru sweep brush and a cutout of intersection inner structure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the universal connector having three flexible members presented, showing a cutout of intersection and inner structure damper and trough. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the central portion of  FIG. 2 .showing a trough, and the damper. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a universal connector having one flexible member presented in accordance with this disclosure, showing a cutout of intersection and inner structure damper and trough. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of strap for connecting a universal connector to components of the flue system. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a universal connector having application in a fireplace insert combustion flue system. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a universal connector having application in a stand-alone combustion flue system. 
     
    
    
     DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 21 
                 damper control 
                 23 
                 latch 
                 25 
                 flexible conduit 
               
               
                 27 
                 damper 
                 29 
                 female 
                 31 
                 strap 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 connection end 
                   
                   
               
               
                 33 
                 secondary 
                 35 
                 main conduit 
                 35b 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 flexible conduit 
                   
                   
                   
                 connection 
               
               
                 37 
                 hook 
                 39 
                 bin 
                 41 
                 brush inlet  
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 cover 
               
               
                 43 
                 brush inlet 
                 45 
                 spring 
                 47 
                 brush cover 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 controller 
               
               
                 49 
                 particle outlet 
                 51a 
                 secondary male 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 connection end 
                   
                   
               
               
                 51b 
                 male 
                 53 
                 gutter 
                 55 
                 brush 
               
               
                   
                 connection end 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 57 
                 brush rod 
                 59 
                 Intersection 
                 61 
                 brick 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 chimney wall 
               
               
                 63 
                 flue pipe 
                 67 
                 appliance 
                 68 
                 appliance male 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 connection 
               
               
                 69 
                 creosote 
                 71 
                 attachment 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 particles 
                   
                 seams 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Construction:— FIGS. 3, 4   
     One embodiment of the universal connector is illustrated in  FIG. 3  (side view) and  FIG. 4  (static view). The connector has a main connection  35  consisting of cylindrical material suitable for the particular application. For high temperature combustion, such as wood stove and coal, refractive material such as Titanium alloy, 0.005″ or better thickness, stainless steel, 0.015″ or better thickness are used. The main connection  35  is adopted for connecting to a pipe downstream with a female end  29  in accordance with American Chimney Safety Institute and likewise a male end  51   a  for connecting upstream to a flue source. In one embodiment, a strap  31  from  FIG. 4  is used for primary or additional connection with any flue source or pipe. The ends of the main connection  35  are provided with anchor latches  23 , used for some hook types of connection. 
     Along the main connection  35  cylinder and between male end  51   a  and the female end  29  is located an oblong gutter  53  attached to the inner circumference and a circular opening on which branch flexible pipe  25  is connected. The gutter  53  consists of same material as the main connection  35  and opens its outlet into the bottom of the branch flexible pipe  25 . On top and across the opening of the gutter is attached a damper  27  with its damper control  21  to elevate or lower the damper over the gutter  53 . The branch pipe  25  is connected to the main connection  35  circular opening by any means known in the art including welding. The branch flexible pipe  25  consists of corrugated cylinder made of refractive such as Titanium alloy, 0.005″ or better thickness, stainless steel, 0.015″ or better thickness material. The branch flexible pipe terminated in a male end  51   b  and has the optional latch  23 . A removable bin  39  is designed for connecting to the mail ends  51   a  or  51   b  by hook  37  means on the latch  23  means for attachment. A bin  39  consisting of same material as the main connection  35  and embodies a brush inlet  43  at the bottom. The brush inlet  43  is provided with a brush inlet cover  41 . The brush inlet cover  41  is controlled by a brush cover controller  47  with a spring  45  to provide a stability control tension. 
       FIGS. 2, 2A —Alternate Embodiments 
     In achieving a multiple flexible branch conduits  25 ,  33  and  35  in  FIG. 1 , there are several attachment options, like a connecting intersection  59 . A connecting intersection  59  for the multiple conduits consists of same refractive material that is pattern stamped and welded along the seams to form openings for the desired number of branch conduits. The formed openings of the connecting intersection  59  are flared, bent outwards and backwards to form an outward grove. The flexible pipe connecting branch conduits end are flared, bent inward and backwards to form an inward grove. The outward grove of the connecting intersection  59  opening and the inward grove of the branch conduit pipe are hooked and crimped or welded to form attachment seams connection  71 . 
     In another alternate attachment option for connecting intersection  59  is pattern stamped to include desired number female and female ends. This alternate embodiment allows the flexible branch conduits  25 ,  33 , and  35  to have a male  51   a  and female  29  on opposite ends or male-male or female-female ends. Under this embodiment, user may order components and design their desired universal connectors 
     Operation:— FIGS. 1, 5, 6   
     Using the universal connector to connect pipe to pipe or pipe to appliance is similar but relatively easier than using a T-, L-pipes and other forms of connectors currently available. The universal connector could be used to replace existing connections that does not have a damper and easy access functionality that comes with the present invention. 
     To install universal connector  710  in place of existing T-pipe, L-pipe and regular flue pipe connection, a section of the existing pipe or connection has to be removed. Prior to removing the section, the correct diameter of the universal connector would be ordered from the manufacturer or distributor by a chimney professional such as American Chimney Safety Certified Technician. The type of universal connector embodiment—one flexible conduit  700  or pluralities of flexible conduit  710  has to be determined. The appropriate or suitable fastener options have to be determined. Adequate fasteners for the determined installation method have to be acquired. The universal connector offers several fastening methods such as clamps  33  in  FIG. 4  hooks  37  and latch  23 , riveting and self-drill screws. 
     After removing an existing T, L or flue pipe, appropriate length has to be removed to make room for the universal connector  710 . Once again, the stretchable and contractible features of the universal connector conduits make it possible to exempt precision is the length that would be cut. In other words, for universal connector  710  with all-flexible connections  25 ,  33 , and  35 , the room created, need not be exact as the stretching and contracting is an in-built character. The universal connector  710  is put in place and fastened. Where installation placement is angular or horizontal, it is preferred that the connection  25 , leading to the bin  39  be at relative lower half of the horizontal plane to allow flow of condensate and loose material to the bin  39 . On the other hand, when the conduit  25 , leading to the bin  39  is on the top half of the horizontal plane, the steepness angle must not exceed the effect of the oblong angle of the gutter  53  to channel material and condensate towards the bin  39  conduit  25 . 
     Upon complete installation, outside air downdraft are prevented by closing conduit  33  leading to the appliance  67  and attaching the bin  39  to the male connection end  51   b . The conduit  33  is closed by turning the damper control  21  counter-clockwise until the attached damper  27  covers over the gutter  53 . When appliance is to be used, the damper  27  is opened to desired level of draft by turning the draft control  21  clockwise. 
     Prior to reuse of an appliance  67 , the flue may need cleaning. Directing attention to  FIG. 4 , a brush inlet  43  is opened by pushing-in a brush cover controller  47  against a return spring  45  and rotates it until brush inlet cover  41  is clear-out of the brush inlet  43 . A sweep brush  55  such as a sweeping whip or spin brush attached to a sweep rod  57  such as ButtonLok™ brand is inserted thru a brush inlet  43  towards the intersection  59 . The damper controller  21  is used to close the damper  27 , by turning until it covers over the oblique angle of the gutter  53  surface. The Damper  27  closes-out the appliance conduit  33  from debris and directs the brush and rod downstream of the flue pipe and debris down the bin  39 . 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 5 , the connector is used in a fireplace insert stove  67  connection to a chimney flue pipe. The embodiment of compressibility of the conduits is illustrated in the conduit  33  where lack of space and need to shorten the connection was me the bin  39  is in place while the appliance in use. When the appliance is not in use, the damper  27  is closed; sweep brush  55  and its rod  57  can be inserted into the flue pipe from the top, as an alternative process. The closed damper will perform the role of protecting the appliance and directing the sweep brush  55 , rod  57  and debris  69  towards the bin  39 . After the sweep process, the bin  39  may would be detached, content discarded and bin  39  is reattached and the system is ready for use. Where available and desired, a vacuum cleaner may be attached to the bin&#39;s particle outlet  47  by removing its cap. 
     Directing attention to  FIG. 6 , the connector is used in a standalone stove  67  connecting to a flue pipe  63  exiting through a chimney wall  61 . Notable in this application of the universal connector  710  is the offset in alignment between the appliance  67  location and the vertical position of the pipe  63 . The offset is well compensated but the flexible conduit  33 . 
     In another embodiment, the universal connector  710  is used in a hot water gas boiler vent to draw ambient air to mix and cool boiler  67  hot flue to make the flue temperature cooler for plastic vent pipe that cannot handle hot flue temperature. The damper  27  is used to partition between the hot flue gas and the ambient intake through the conduit  25 . In such instant, the bin  39  is not attached or when attached, the inlet cover  41  is left open for ambient air to enter. 
     Advantages 
     The present universal connector disclosure offers all and more of the following advantages: 
     1. Conduit
         (a) Provide easier access means to sweep the creosote in the flue pipe, access and maintain energy recovery and environmental flue modules connected downstream.   (b) Provide alternative cleaning from the top of chimney, making disassembling of the appliance smokes shelf and potential damage of catalytic combustor becomes a thing of the past.   (c) No need to disassemble the connections in other to perform maintenance cleaning. It cuts down on high level of sophistication, training, time and tool required to perform maintenance. It becomes ideal for a routine or do-it-yourself maintenance.   (d) Provide a connector with at least three conduit outlets members in which at least one connecting member is a flexible conduit. In an application where all connecting outlet members are flexible conduits, the connector possesses the overall flexibility to replace a T, L, Y or other forms of connectors. Provide a T and Y flex pipe type function with flexible dimensional adjustment and varying angle.   (e) Provide elongation and contraction of extensions to the stack, stove and bin connections Provide the ability to position the bin for easy access without disconnection and removal of the stove. Most common sweep rods such as ButtonLok™ rods will require great energy to negotiate acute angles in the vent pipe system. The present invention provides the on-demand flexible conduit angle.   (f) Where a split is needed, the sweep access conduit will be converted to any angle on-demand. It will accommodate human measurement errors, easier adjustable installation, and future redirection changes. There is no need to preposition and align the connecting members in height and angle prior to connection.       

     2. Damper
         (a) Provide damper means to close out down draft and chimney odor from entering living space during idle period. Closes the entrance to the conduit leading to a appliance and direct debris to the conduit leading to the containment bin. There is effective odor and downdraft control stop during downtime. Provide a plate that is mounted at the corner of intersecting members and functions as a lockout of downdraft, odor and loose particle from entering living space. In addition, the plate functions as a damper for appliances and flue pipes that has no existing draft control.   (b) At an intersection, the plate directs the sweeping brush and rod to the conduit downstream and debris to the bin.   (c) Provide damper to close out downdraft and prevent flue odor from entering living space during the downdraft. Prevent swept particles such as creosote from entering the stove. This damper plays the extra role of closing out the outside air, downdraft and odor from entering living space through the chimney.   (d) A damper with all the ability of draft control and into the abilities to control downdraft without residence in the flue path or obstruction of sweep through operation.       

     3. Gutter
         (a) Provide means to direct and prevent swept particulate creosote from entering the smoke shelf of a connected appliance. In current status quo, if a flue pipe creosote is swept through an appliance whose smoke shelf has been removed, without a high capacity vacuum system, the particulate creosote will enter the and living. This invention present a better means to bypass and hence protect an appliance and living space.   (b) Provide gutter means to direct loose particles and condensate to flow away from alley to a containment mean.   (c) Provide trough to direct flow of condensed fluid and fallen materials into the bin containment.       

     4. Bin
         (a) The particulate matter generated during cleaning is easily contained from personnel and living space in the enclosure of a bin.   (b) Provide a bin that contains loose particles from entering the living space during maintenance cleaning.   (c) Provide means for connecting and sweeping access for two combustion sources using one flue pipe. Provide a parallel or serial union of two or more stoves alternately sharing one stack pipe.   (d) Provide means for union of two or more stoves alternating use of a flue stack. Such alternation can be made a simultaneous use where the there is a positive air displacement means in the flue pipe.       

     Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope 
     Accordingly, it can be seen by the reader that this universal connector with its many embodiments can replace any T-, Y-, and L-pipe connector and have convenient remote access, flexibility, and protective lockout for use in combustion appliances and flue pipe connection. It can be seen by the reader that the universal connector, in all its embodiments can connect an appliance more easily to a flue pipe, provide quick access to maintenance, and protect appliance and living space. 
     Although the drawings and detailed descriptions above contain much specificity, those should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustration of some of embodiments. For example, the use of the universal connector in the hot water boiler could be applied to the use in a dryer vent with some modifications of material. The embodiments are capable of numerous modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus the scope of the embodiment should be determined by the appended claims and the legal equivalents, rather than the examples given.