Abstract:
An invention relating to a device adapted to connect a branch line to a main pipeline without interrupting flow of fluid through the mainline. The device includes a pair of tubular, cutter-containing portions and a branch line connection. The device further includes the means to pressure test the branch line prior to the actual cutting or tapping into the mainline.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is related to small diameter main pipelines and more particularly to connecting branch lines or laterals to the mainline without interrupting the flow of fluid therethrough. 
     2. Prior Art 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,756,261 exemplifies the prior art relating to devices adapted to tap into a preexisting pipeline so that a secondary or branch line can be connected thereto. These devices operate without the need to interrupt the fluid flow through the pipeline. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention consists of two half shells which are clamped about a pipeline. One half shell has three tubes extending laterally therefrom with two tubes containing means to cut holes in the pipeline. The two holes communicate with a passage in the third tube onto which a branch line may be connected. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to both figures, device 10 which may be molded from plastic, includes two half shells 12 and 14. Half shell 12 consists of an arcuate or elongated half round wall 16 and flanges 18 extending along each side of the wall Flanges 18 may have a number of apertures 20 therethrough. In the embodiment shown metal hollow inserts 22 having inner threads 24 are fixed in the apertures to form part of a fastening means. 
     The arcuate shape of the half shells conform to the cylindrical shape of the pipeline 26 onto which the device is fixed. 
     Half shell 14 consists of an arcuate wall 28 and laterally extending flanges 30. Apertures 32 through the flanges receive threaded bolts 34, thus completing a fastening means by which the two half shells 12 and 14 are secured together about pipeline 26 as shown in FIG. 2. 
     An elongated opening 36 through arcuate wall 28 underlies a trio of tubes projecting laterally from wall 28. 
     Tube 38 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the half shell and contains passage 40. A metal bushing 42, the annular rim 44, beveled serrations 46 and flange 48 are the elements which connect branch line 50 to the tube. These connecting elements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,292 and do not form any part of the novelty herein. 
     Tubes 52 and 54, both smaller than tube 38, angle away from the half shell as shown. Both tubes have a passage 56, the upper portion of which contains threads 58. The passages 56 merge into the elongated opening 36 along with passage 40 of tube 38. 
     Each of the small tubes, 52 and 54, contain pipe cutting apparatus which consists of a ram 60 and a cylindrical cutter 62. The ram has a hexagonal recess 64 on its upper surface and exterior threads 66 on its upper portion which mate with threads 58 on the inside surface of tubes 52 and 54. The recess receives an allen wrench by means of which the cutter apparatus is advanced whereby cutters 62 may cut holes 68 into pipeline 26. In FIG. 1 holes 68 have been cut and the cutter apparatus withdrawn back up into tubes 52 and 54. The pieces of pipe 70 cut out, called coupons, are wedged into the cylindrical cutters 62 and are also withdrawn. Caps 72 are secured over the open ends of tubes 52 and 54 by means of threads 74. O-rings 76 in the caps provide a seal. 
     The inside surface of arcuate wall 28 has a groove 78 circumventing opening 36. An O-ring 80 positioned therein provides a seal between the half shell and pipelines to environmentally protect fluids which may flow from pipeline 26 into branch line 50 through holes 68 and opening 36. 
     Device 10 is installed onto the pipeline 26 by placing the two half shells, 12 and 14, around the pipe and fastening them together by means of bolts 34 or other fastening means. The tightening of the bolts compresses O-ring 80 into a sealing relation between the pipe and arcuate wall. 
     Branch line 50 may now be connected to tube 38 and if desired, pressure tested. For such testing the cutting apparatus may be withdrawn from one small tube, 52 or 54 for installing of a pressure gauge. 
     Subsequent to the pressure test, the cutter apparatus may now cut out holes 68 and caps 72 placed over the ends after withdrawing the cutter and coupon. Fluid (not shown) in the pipeline may now flow through holes 68, opening 36 and into branch line 50 via passage 40. 
     One modification which may be utilized is to replace the elongated opening 36 with a pair of smaller annular openings (not shown), each of such being in alignment with the cutting apparatus in tubes 52 and 54. 
     The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as some modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.