Abstract:
A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (eg. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/071,786 filed Feb. 7, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,610 and entitled “Toggle Bolt Device”. Priority is claimed to provisional application No. 60/590,186 filed Jul. 22, 2004 and application No. 60/590,187 filed Jul. 22, 2004 each incorporated herein by reference. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to fasteners. More particularly, the present invention relates to a toggle bolt type fastener that can be used for holding or compressing multiple items together such as structural panels, flanges, or the like. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an improved fastener device that features an outer body with an inner rotating shaft, rotation of the shaft moving a plurality of locking members between extended and retracted positions or between retracted and extended positions. 
   2. General Background of the Invention 
   Many types of fasteners have been patented that are designed to extend through multiple panels or wall members or through a single wall member. Such fasteners are designed to form a connection between multiple panels or between opposing sides of a particular panel or wall. Many of these fasteners are known as toggle bolts. Examples of patents disclosing toggle bolts and related fasteners are listed in the following table. 
   The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference: 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE 
             
             
                 
             
             
               PATENT NO. 
               TITLE 
               ISSUE DATE 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               1,169,635 
               Pipe Hanger 
               Jan. 25, 1916 
             
             
               3,312138 
               Expansion Shell for 
               Apr. 04, 1967 
             
             
                 
               Rock Bolts 
             
             
               3,946,636 
               Toggle Bolt 
               Mar. 30, 1976 
             
             
               4,047,462 
               Toggle Bolt 
               Sep. 13, 1977 
             
             
               4,079,655 
               Toggle Bolt 
               Mar. 21, 1978 
             
             
               4,453,845 
               Base Thrust Anchor 
               Jun. 12, 1984 
             
             
                 
               Shell Assembly 
             
             
               4,557,631 
               Off-Center Rock Bolt 
               Dec. 10, 1985 
             
             
                 
               Anchor and Method 
             
             
               5,108,240 
               Heavy Load Bearing 
               Apr. 28, 1992 
             
             
                 
               Toggle Bolt 
             
             
               5,865,559 
               Float Pins 
               Feb. 02, 1999 
             
             
               6,161,999 
               Toggle Bolt Device 
               Dec. 19, 2000 
             
             
               6,203,260 
               Toggle Bolt Assembly With 
               Mar. 20, 2001 
             
             
                 
               Bolt Centering Spacer 
             
             
               FR1236,439 
               Dispositif de soutenement 
               Jun. 07, 1960 
             
             
                 
               par bil-broche notamment 
             
             
                 
               pour plafonds de galeries de mines 
             
             
               DE1092415 
               Anke fur den Ankerausbau 
               Nov. 10, 1960 
             
             
               DE1936360 
                 
               May 1970 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an improved toggle bolt type device or fastener that can be used to join two members together such as a pair of panels, structures, flanges or the like. For example, the present invention can be used to join two spool pieces with pipe flanges together (see  FIG. 13 ) wherein each of the flanges has an opening of a selected diameter. The fastener of the present invention can extend through the openings for holding or fastening the two flanges together. 
   The apparatus includes an elongated body having first and second end portions and a central, longitudinal bore that is partially threaded. A first end portion of the body has a socket and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart, radially extending slots that communicate with the socket. 
   A shaft extends through the bore of the body and has respective first and second end portions that communicate with the body end portion. The shaft is partially externally threaded and rotates relative to the body. The partially externally threaded portion of the shaft engages an internally threaded portion of the body at the bore. 
   A plurality of locking members are attached to the shaft at a first end portion of the body. The locking members can be attached to a plate mounted to the first end portion of the shaft. 
   The locking members are movable between extended and retracted positions responsive to a rotation of the shaft. Rotating the shaft in either of two selected direction can either move the locking members from an extended to a retracted position or from a retracted to an extended position. 
   In the locking position, the locking members extend radially beyond the outer surface of the body and the selected diameter. This enables the projecting, locking members in the extended position to engage one side of a selected member or members to be held together (wall, panels, flanges, etc). A fastener such as a nut is then connectable to the body at a partially externally threaded portion and opposite the locking members. The nut can then be tightened against the locking members so that compression can be applied to the shaft for holding the selected structures, flanges, panels together or for attaching the apparatus to a selected structure (wall, flange, beam, etc). 
   The apparatus of the present invention can be used to form an attachment to a wall, panel, beam, plate, slab or other structure by inserting the body through an opening in the selected structure when the locking members are retracted and then moving the locking members to an extended position so that they can form an attachment to the selected structure at one end portion of the opening (see  FIGS. 9–11 ). At the opposite end portion of the opening, the nut can be attached to the body and threadably engaged thereto for supplying compression to the body and for holding and anchoring the entire apparatus into a selected position at the opening (see  FIGS. 11 and 13 ). 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an end view taken along lines  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an end view taken along lines  3 — 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 4–4A  are sectional views taken along lines  4 — 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial, perspective, exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along lines  6 — 6  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 9–11  are sectional elevation views of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a sequence of attachment to a pair of panels, each having an opening, the openings being aligned; 
       FIG. 12  is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the extension member; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective, partially cut away elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing it in use with the extension of  FIG. 12  and holding two spool pieces together at ring type joint weld neck flanges. 
       FIG. 14  is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating an insert that can be used with an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the insert of  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a sectional view illustrating the insert attached to a selected aperatured surface; 
       FIG. 17  is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 18  is an end view taken along lines  18 — 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a sectional view taken along lines  19 — 19  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 20  is an end view taken along lines  20 — 20  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a sectional view taken along lines  21 — 21  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a fragmentary sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 23  is a fragmentary perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 24  is a partial sectional elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 25  is a partial sectional elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 26  is an elevation view of an additional alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 27  is a sectional view taken along lines  27 — 27  of  FIG. 26 ; 
       FIG. 28  is an end view taken along lines  28 — 28  of  FIG. 26 ; 
       FIG. 29  is an alternate view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 30  is an alternate view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 31  is an elevation view illustrating installation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 29–30 ; 
       FIG. 32  is an elevation view illustrating installation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 29–30 ; 
       FIG. 33  is a sectional view illustrating the opening formed in a section of base material using the method and apparatus of  FIG. 29–32 ; 
       FIG. 34  is a partial sectional, elevation view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 35  is a partial sectional, elevation view of yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 36  is a partial sectional elevation view illustrating yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 37  is a sectional view illustrating yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 38  is a partial sectional elevation view illustrating yet another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 39  is a partial sectional elevation view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 40  is a partial sectional elevation view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       FIG. 41  is a sectional elevation view illustrating the opening formed using the embodiment of  FIGS. 39–40 ; 
       FIG. 42  is a sectional elevation view illustrating installation of the alternate embodiment in the opening formed in  FIGS. 39–41 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1–11  show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  11  in FIGS.  1  and  9 – 11 . Fastener apparatus  10  includes a body  11  that has external threads  12  and a central longitudinal bore  13 . The external threads  12  can be provided of a first diameter along a majority of the length of the body  11 . A second threaded portion  28  is of a smaller diameter than the threaded portion  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . As will be described hereinafter, an extension  35  can attach at threads  28 . 
   A shaft  14  is mounted in the central longitudinal bore  13  of body  11 . Shaft  14  has external threads  15  that engage internal threads of central longitudinal bore  13 . In this fashion, when the shaft  14  is rotated, it also moves a slight distance linearly because of the engagement of the external threads  15  of shaft  14  and the internal threads of body  11  at central longitudinal bore  13 . This threaded engagement functions as a stop in one (clockwise) direction. 
   Shaft  14  has a threaded end portion  16  that receives locking nut  17 . The opposite end portion of shaft  14  provides end portion  27  having a tool receptive socket  26 . 
   A circular plate  18  is shown in  FIGS. 1–5  having a plurality of pegs  22  and a central internally threaded opening  19 . A plurality of locking members  20  are mounted respectively on the plurality of pegs  22  as shown in  FIGS. 3–5 . Each locking member  20  has a pivot hole  21  that enables the locking member to be pivotally mounted upon a peg  22 . In  FIG. 4 , the rotating plate  18  can be provided with three locking members  20 . In  FIG. 4A , the plate  18 A can be provided with two pegs  22  and two locking members  20  as shown. 
   Body  11  has a socket  24  at one end portion thereof and a plurality of slots  23  that communicate with socket  24  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The socket  24  is receptive of the locking members  20  when they are in the retracted position of  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  4 A and  6 . When the locking members  20  are moved to an extended position as shown in  FIG. 7 , the locking members  20  extend through slots  23  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 8 , the slots  23  extend radially and are circumferentially spaced as shown. 
   A wrench  29  (see FIGS.  6  and  9 – 11 ) can be used to move the locking members  20  between the retracted position of  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  4 A and  6  to the extended position of  FIG. 7 . The wrench  29  can, for example, be an alien wrench that fits a hexagonal socket or other like tool receptive socket  26  at end portion  27  of shaft  14 . By rotating the wrench  29  in the direction of arrow  48  in  FIG. 6  (counterclockwise) the shaft  14  engages the threaded portion of body  11  with its own threads  15 , rotating plate  18  and pegs  22 . A camming surface  25  on body  11  at socket  24  combined with the curved shape of each of the locking members  20  causes the locking members to move to the extended position of  FIG. 7  when shaft  14  is rotated counter clockwise relative to body  11 . 
   During use, the apparatus  10  is first placed in the retracted position of  FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  4 ,  4 – 8  and  9  and then inserted through a selected opening such as the aligned openings  33 ,  34  as shown in  FIG. 9 . First member  31  can have an opening  33 . Similarly, second member  32  can have an opening  34  so that the fastener of the present invention can be used to hold the first member  31  and second member  32  together. 
   After the body  11  passes through both openings  33 ,  34  as shown in  FIG. 9 . wrench  29  can be used to move the locking members  20  to the extended position of  FIG. 10 . In this position, the locking members  20  extend well beyond the diameter of openings  33 ,  34  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Nut  30  can then be attached to body  11  at external threads  12 . Rotation of nut  30  enables compression to be generated against the panels  31 ,  32  as the nut  30  is moved closer to the projecting locking members  20  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The nut  30  is tightened against the projecting locking members  20 . 
   In  FIG. 12 , an extension  35  is shown that can be added to the body  11  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Extension  35  has a body  36  with a central longitudinal bore that receives shaft  37 . A socket  38  at one end portion of body  36  provides internal threads  49 . Body  36  has external threads  39 . Shaft  37  has end portion  40  with a tool receptive socket  26  that can be a hexagonal shape such as the socket  26  of shaft  14 . End portion  41  of shaft  37  can be a hexagonal projecting portion that engages tool receptive socket  26  of body  11  when extension is to be used. In order to connect extension  35  to body  11 , the external threads  28  of body  11  engage the internal threads  49  of extension  35 . This connection can be seen in  FIG. 13 . 
   In  FIG. 13 , a pair of spool pieces  44 ,  45  are to be joined together. Each of the spool pieces  44 ,  45  provides a pipe flange such as, for example, a ring type joint weld neck flange. The spool piece  44  has flange  42 , the spool piece  45  has flange  43 . Each of the flanges has bolt openings through which the apparatus  10  of the present invention is inserted for forming a connection. The flange  42  has bolt hole opening  46 . The flange  43  has bolt opening  47 . As with the illustration in  FIGS. 9–11 , the combination of body  11  and extension  35  are placed through the openings  46 ,  47  as shown in  FIG. 13 . A wrench  29  has then used to rotate shaft  37  which is connected to shaft  14  and also rotates it. In this fashion, the projecting locking members  20  can be moved to the extended position so that they extend well beyond the diameter of bolt hole opening  46  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Nut  30  can then be added to the external threads  39  of extension  35  as shown in  FIG. 13  and tightened for pulling the flanged spool pieces  44 ,  45  together as indicated schematically by arrows  51  in  FIG. 13 . The present invention can be used to join structures, such as spool pieces together in crowded areas (eg. oil platforms, refineries) wherein access to each flange may be limited making conventional tools useless. 
   In  FIGS. 14–25 , fastener apparatus  52  includes a body  53  having external threads  54 . An open ended bore  55  extends through body  53  as shown in  FIG. 21 . Nut  56  has internal threads  57  that attach to threads  54  as shown in  FIGS. 17 ,  20  and  21 . Shaft  60  includes an eyelet  58  having eyelet opening  59 . Body  53  has an unthreaded section  61  that contains socket  62 . Socket  62  is downwardly extended as shown in  FIG. 21 . 
   Shaft  60  can be integral with eyelet  58  as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 21 . Shaft  60  includes a larger diameter shaft section  63  and a smaller diameter shaft section  71 . The smaller diameter shaft section  71  includes threaded sections  72 ,  74 . The smaller diameter shaft section  71  also includes unthreaded section  73 . Bore  55  is configured to closely conform to shaft  60 . 
   Disk  64  has internal threads and attaches to the external threads of threaded section  74  of shaft  60  at the smaller diameter shaft section  71 . Disk  64  can be held in position using lock nut  75 . Disk  64  thus provides an internally threaded opening  65  that engage the external threaded section  74  of shaft  60 . Disk  64  carries a plurality (for example, 2–3) pegs  66 . Each peg  66  carries a locking member  67  as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . The locking members  67  are each provided with a pivot hole  68  enabling each locking member  67  to mount upon a peg  66  as shown in  FIGS. 19 ,  22 ,  23 . Each locking member  68  has an upper surface  69  and a lower surface  70 . A slot  78  is provided at surface  69  as shown in  FIGS. 22–23 . Unthreaded section  61  of body  53  provides a plurality of radially extending opening  76  such as the three radially extending openings shown in  FIGS. 19 and 22 . Camming surfaces  77  can be provided on unthreaded section  61  of body  55  as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . 
   Fastener apparatus  52  can be attached to a section of plate  79  (or multiple plates) alone or in combination with the insert  80  that is shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16 . Insert  80  is comprised of a cylindrically shaped wall portion  81  and a plurality of tabs  82 ,  83 . 
   The tabs  82  are lower, radially extending, inclined tabs as shown in  FIGS. 14–16 . Tabs  83  are radially extending, generally perpendicular tabs that are parallel with the upper surface of plate  79  as shown in  FIG. 16 . A slot  84  is provided above each of the diagonally extending tabs  82 . To install insert  80 , an opening  86  is formed in a section of plate  79 . The opening  86  preferably includes a larger diameter section  87  and a smaller diameter section  88 . Insert  80  is then pushed into opening  86  from the top as indicated by arrow  85  in  FIG. 15 . 
   In  FIG. 16 , insert  80  is in its operating position mounted in opening  86  in plate  79 . To complete a connection of fastener apparatus  52  to plate section  79 , a user inserts the fastener apparatus  52  into the open center  89  of insert  80  when the locking members  67  are in the retracted position of  FIG. 17 . Locking members  67  are then moved to the extended position of  FIG. 24  by rotating eyelet  58  as indicated schematically by curved arrow  90  in  FIG. 24 . Arrows  91  schematically illustrate the deployment of locking members  67  to the extended position. When in the extended position of  FIG. 24 , the cylindrically shaped portion  81  of insert  80  aligns with the slots  78  of the locking members  67  as indicated in  FIG. 24 . Nut  56  is then tightened pulling the extended locking members  67  upwardly until they contact the lower surface  92  of plate section  79 . At the same time, nut  56  engages the upper tabs  83  of insert  80 . In this position, the cylindrically shaped wall portion  81  of insert  80  prevents movement of the locking member  67  to the retracted position of  FIG. 17 . The cylindrical wall portion  81  occupies the slots  78  in the locking member  67 . 
     FIGS. 26–28  show an alternate construction for a fastener apparatus, designated generally by the numeral  95 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 26–28 , the fastener apparatus  95  employs the same locking members  67 , disk  64 , pegs  66  as with the embodiment of  FIGS. 17–25 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 26–28  employs the same basic shaft  60  configuration and open-ended bore  55 . In  FIGS. 26–28  however, the shaft  60  has a head  93  with a tool receptive socket  94  to which a wrench, such as an Allen wrench, can be attached as shown in  FIG. 27 . The fastener apparatus  95  thus provides a body  97  having an upper externally threaded portion  98  and a lower unthreaded portion  99 . Nut  56  attaches to the externally threaded portion  98 . 
     FIGS. 29–33  shows a drill mechanism  100  that employs projecting members  101  that extend from body  102  using the same mechanism as either of the fastener apparatus  52 ,  95  of  FIGS. 17–28 . The drill mechanism  100  of  FIGS. 29–33  is used to form an opening  104  in plate section  103 , wherein the opening  104  has larger diameter cylindrically shaped section  105  and smaller diameter cylindrically shaped section  106 . 
   The lower end portion of body  102  provides a drill bit portion  107  that cuts the smaller diameter cylindrically shaped portion  106  of opening  104 . The projecting members  101  carry blades  108  that cut the larger diameter section  105  of opening  104 . The larger diameter section  105  is cut when a user operating the drill motor  109  pulls upwardly in the direction of arrow  110  in  FIG. 32 . Drill motor  109  attaches to drill mechanism  100  at upper shaft portion  111 . 
   Another drill mechanism is shown in  FIGS. 39–42 , designated generally by the numeral  112 . The drill mechanism  112  provides a drill bit  113  that can be attached to drill motor  109 . The drill  113  is a common commercially available drill bit that cuts a first opening  114 . In  FIG. 40 , drill mechanism  112  includes a shaft  115  attached to body  116 . The lower end portion of body  116  provides projecting portions  117  that have cutting blades that can be opened in the direction of arrow  118  using the same mechanism that operates the locking members of the fasteners  52 ,  95  of  FIGS. 17–28 . Thus the drill mechanism  112  provides a body  116  that employs a lower disk  119  like the disk  64  discussed above with lock nut  120  like the like nut  75  in  FIGS. 20 ,  24  and  25 . Thus the embodiment of  FIGS. 40–42  includes the mechanism shown for example in  FIGS. 17–25  for moving the projecting members/blades  117  from a retracted to an expanded position. In  FIG. 41 , the completed opening  121  is shown including smaller diameter cylindrically shaped portion  122  and larger diameter cylindrically shaped portion  123 . Fastener  52  can be attached to this opening as shown in  FIG. 42 . 
   Another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 34–38 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 34–38  can be used to replace a common bolted connection that is used in liquid holding vessels or tanks to fasten plate sections together in creating a tank or vessel wall. The alternate embodiment of  FIGS. 34–38  thus provides a fluid transfer fastener, designated generally by the numeral  124  in  FIGS. 36 ,  37  and  38 . Fluid transfer fastener  124  replaces a bolted connection that is shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . The bolted connection includes a bolt  127  and a nut  128  that are disassembled as shown in  FIG. 35 . Upon removal of the bolt  127  and nut  128 , opening  129  is shown extending through plate sections  125 ,  126 . The plate sections  125 ,  126  are schematic illustrations of plate sections that might be part of a vessel wall, the vessel containing a fluid to be removed via fluid transfer fastener  124  for sampling purposes, as an example. In an emergency, fastener  124  could be used to plug a hole, under pressure or not. 
   The plate sections  125 ,  126  are thus schematically shown as part of a tank wall  130  of a vessel. After removal of the bolt  127  and nut  128 , fluid transfer fastener  124  is inserted through opening  129  as indicated by arrow  131  in  FIG. 36 . The fluid transfer fastener  124  is constructed in similar fashion to the embodiments of  FIGS. 17–33  with the exception that the shaft used to extend and retract the locking members is of a tubular shape. Tubular shaft  132  provides a flow bore  133 . Disk  136  has a cylindrically shaped opening  145  that conforms to the outer surface  137  of tubular shaft  132 . Set screw  138  is used to secure disk  136  to the outer surface  137  of tubular shaft  132 . 
   Tubular shaft  132  is mounted in central open ended bore  146  of body  140 . The body  140  has an upper end portion  141  and a lower end portion  142 . The upper end portion  141  is threaded while the lower end portion  142  is unthreaded as shown in  FIG. 37 . As with the embodiments of  FIGS. 17–33 , radially extending openings  144  are provided in lower end portion  142  for enabling locking members  139  to be moved between the retracted position of  FIG. 37  and the extended position of  FIG. 38 . Arrow  147  in  FIG. 37  is a curved arrow that schematically illustrates rotation of the tubular shaft  132  to initiate movement of the locking members  139  to the extended position. 
   Movement of the locking members  139  is schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 37 and 38  with arrows  148 . Once in the extended position, a lock nut can be tightened to close the distance between the lock nut  149  and the extended locking members  139  as shown in  FIG. 38 , clamping the plate sections  125 ,  126  therebetween. A valve  134  and flowline  135  can be attached to tubular shaft  132 . When the valve is opened, fluid can be withdrawn from the tank through the opening  129  in the tank wall  130  for sampling purposes as an example. 
   The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention. 
   
     
       
             
           
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               PARTS LIST 
             
           
        
         
             
               Part Number 
               Description 
             
             
                 
             
             
               10 
               fastener apparatus 
             
             
               11 
               body 
             
             
               12 
               external threads 
             
             
               13 
               central longitudinal bore 
             
             
               14 
               shaft 
             
             
               15 
               external threads 
             
             
               16 
               threaded end portion 
             
             
               17 
               locking nut 
             
             
               18 
               circular rotating plate 
             
             
               19 
               opening 
             
             
               20 
               locking member 
             
             
               21 
               locking member pivot hole 
             
             
               22 
               peg 
             
             
               23 
               slot 
             
             
               24 
               socket 
             
             
               25 
               cam surface 
             
             
                   25A 
               cam surface 
             
             
               26 
               tool socket 
             
             
               27 
               end portion 
             
             
               28 
               external threads 
             
             
               29 
               wrench 
             
             
               30 
               nut 
             
             
               31 
               first member 
             
             
               32 
               second member 
             
             
               33 
               opening 
             
             
               34 
               opening 
             
             
               35 
               extension 
             
             
               36 
               body 
             
             
               37 
               shaft 
             
             
               38 
               socket 
             
             
               39 
               external threads 
             
             
               40 
               end portion 
             
             
               41 
               end portion 
             
             
               42 
               pipe flange 
             
             
               43 
               pipe flange 
             
             
               44 
               spool piece 
             
             
               45 
               spool piece 
             
             
               46 
               bolt hole 
             
             
               47 
               bolt hole 
             
             
               48 
               arrow 
             
             
               49 
               internal threads 
             
             
               50 
               external threads 
             
             
               51 
               arrow 
             
             
               52 
               fastener apparatus 
             
             
               53 
               body 
             
             
               54 
               external threads 
             
             
               55 
               open ended bore 
             
             
               56 
               nut 
             
             
               57 
               internal threads 
             
             
               58 
               eyelet 
             
             
               59 
               opening 
             
             
               60 
               shaft 
             
             
               61 
               unthreaded section 
             
             
               62 
               socket 
             
             
               63 
               large diameter shaft section 
             
             
               64 
               disk 
             
             
               65 
               internally threaded opening 
             
             
               66 
               peg 
             
             
               67 
               locking member 
             
             
               68 
               pivot hole 
             
             
               69 
               upper surface 
             
             
               70 
               lower surface 
             
             
               71 
               smaller diameter shaft section 
             
             
               72 
               threaded section 
             
             
               73 
               unthreaded section 
             
             
               74 
               threaded section 
             
             
               75 
               lock nut 
             
             
               76 
               radially extending opening 
             
             
               77 
               camming surface 
             
             
               78 
               slot 
             
             
               79 
               plate 
             
             
               80 
               insert 
             
             
               81 
               cylindrically shaped wall 
             
             
               82 
               tab 
             
             
               83 
               tab 
             
             
               84 
               slot 
             
             
               85 
               arrow 
             
             
               86 
               opening 
             
             
               87 
               larger diameter section 
             
             
               88 
               smaller diameter section 
             
             
               89 
               open center 
             
             
               90 
               arrow 
             
             
               91 
               arrow 
             
             
               92 
               lower surface 
             
             
               93 
               head 
             
             
               94 
               tool receptive socket 
             
             
               95 
               fastener apparatus 
             
             
               96 
               wrench 
             
             
               97 
               body 
             
             
               98 
               threaded section 
             
             
               99 
               unthreaded section 
             
             
               100  
               drill mechanism 
             
             
               101  
               projecting member 
             
             
               102  
               body 
             
             
               103  
               plate section 
             
             
               104  
               opening 
             
             
               105  
               larger diameter section 
             
             
               106  
               smaller diameter section 
             
             
               107  
               drill bit section 
             
             
               108  
               blade 
             
             
               109  
               motor 
             
             
               110  
               arrow 
             
             
               111  
               shaft 
             
             
               112  
               drill mechanism 
             
             
               113  
               drill bit 
             
             
               114  
               opening 
             
             
               115  
               shaft 
             
             
               116  
               body 
             
             
               117  
               blade 
             
             
               118  
               arrow 
             
             
               119  
               disk 
             
             
               120  
               lock nut 
             
             
               121  
               opening 
             
             
               122  
               smaller diameter section 
             
             
               123  
               larger diameter section 
             
             
               124  
               fluid transfer fastener 
             
             
               125  
               plate section 
             
             
               126  
               plate section 
             
             
               127  
               bolt 
             
             
               128  
               nut 
             
             
               129  
               opening 
             
             
               130  
               tank wall 
             
             
               131  
               arrow 
             
             
               132  
               tubular shaft 
             
             
               133  
               flow bore 
             
             
               134  
               valve 
             
             
               135  
               flow line 
             
             
               136  
               disk 
             
             
               137  
               outer surface 
             
             
               138  
               set screw 
             
             
               139  
               locking member 
             
             
               140  
               body 
             
             
               141  
               upper end portion 
             
             
               142  
               lower end portion 
             
             
               143  
               threaded section 
             
             
               144  
               radically extending opening 
             
             
               145  
               opening 
             
             
               146  
               bore 
             
             
               147  
               arrow 
             
             
               148  
               arrow 
             
             
               149  
               nut 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
   The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.