Improvements in Apparatus for Tapping Water, Gas, or other Mains.
Year: 1890

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Tapping Water, Gas, or other
Mains.
1, ANTHONY PETER SMITH, of 265 Gafeyette Street, in the City of Newark, Essex
County, State of New Jersey, United States of America, Mechanical and Constructing
Engineer, my Post Office address boing Newark Aqueduct Board, 128 Halsey Stroet,
Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, United States of America, do hereby declare
the nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR TAPPING
WATER, GAS, OR OTHER MAINS," and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The object of this invention is to avoid, when making connections with water,
gas, steam, oil, and other mains, the necessity of shutting off the service throughout
a more or less extended district adjacent to the point where the connection is to
be made, thoroby avoiding the stoppage of water and consequent loss should a fire
occur in the shut-off district while a water-main is being tapped, as also the
great inconvenience to water-consumers in the same district, who are necessarily
deprived of service during the time such connections are being made in the ordinary
manner.
It has been usual in making a connection with a water-main for any special purpose,
after making the necessary excavation, to notify all the consumers within the district
adjacent thereto that the water is about to be shut off within the said district. This
being done, a section has to be cut from the main pipe about three inches longer
than the branch to be inserted, so as to allow the branch to enter. This is done by
marking around the pipe with chalk where the pipe is to be cut, and then cutting
the section from the main between the two chalk-marks, which operation is well
understood. The pipe being cut and the section removed, of course all the water
within the cut-off district immediately flows into the excavation. This water, together
with the leakage, if there be any, has to be pumped out before the men can resume
work and the excavation to be kept clear while the men are doing the work, which
necessitates in most cases a more or less continuous use of the pump during the whole
time required to make the connection. These difficulties not only occasion great
inconvenience to the workmen, but also involve considerable waste of water. More-
over, the insertion of the branch casting involves a very great expense both in
material and labour. Another and still more expensive method of making a connection
is to tap the main in several different places and insert as many corporation-stops as
are necessary to supply the size of the connection it is desired to make to connect
them by pieces of lead pipe of the proper size to the larger pipe running to a
building or elsewhere, as the case may be.
By means of my invention I am enabled to overcome the difficulties and defects
herein-above stated and many others; and it consists in the arrangements and com-
binations of parts substantially as hereinafter set forth, and finally embodied in the
clauses of the claimn.
Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like letters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in each of the several figures;
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of my improved drilling and tapping mechanism showing
the independent and removable cutting teeth as applied to the cutter, the connections
being partly in sections.
Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the drilling and tapping mechanism on line
Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a detail view showing the tapping mechanism as provided with two

page_text: vig. 4 15 a side view of a main with a sleeve the sleave fastener being partially
broken away.
Fig. 5 is an inside view of the upper half of a sleevo.
Fig. 6 is a section through liner Fig. 4.
Fig. 7 is a section through line Fig. 1, with drilling and cutting mechanism
removed and showing position of branch in the sleeve before turning so as to
lock it.
Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line t of Fig. 2.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view on line u of Fig. 2.
Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing two welges.
Fig. 11 is an enlarged central vertical section of the upper portion of the tapping
mechanisin, showing the cutter run out beyond the gate valve."
Fig. 12 is a side view of a portion of the cutter-shaft with gear-wheel and hub,
when said set screws are used.
Fig. 13 is an enlarged section through linee Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a section of the branch-pipe through line to of Fig. 11 showing the
manner of securing the tapping mechanisin to the branch pipe.
Fig. 15 is a central vertical section of a modified form of cutter and the
drill and means of securing them to the cutter-shaft when teeth and cutter are
integral.
Fig. 16 is a section of the drill through liner Fig. 13.
Fig. 17 is a similar view to Fig. 1 but showing double branch connections.
Fig. 18 is a vertical section of the tapping ine.hanism showing two pinions meshing
into the gear on the cutter-shaft.
Fig. 19 is a similar view of the tapping mechanism showing an intermediate gear.
Fig. 20 is a sectional view on line y of Fig. 21.
Fig. 21 is a front elevation of the cutter showing the openings for removing the
teeth.
Fig. 22 is a top view of an intermediate connection.
Fig. 23 is a front elevation of an intermediate connection.
Fig. 24 is an enlarged plan view of one of the cutting teeth.
Fig. 25 is a sectional view on line of Fig. 24.
Fig. 26 is an enlarged sectional view showing the arrangement and construction of
the branch pipe and the sleeve in connection with the main showing more clearly
the location of the inner and outer packing.
Fig. 27 is a detail view showing a modified form of gate, adapted for the smaller
sizes of taps.
Similar letters of reference indicate liko parts in each of the several figures.
In the drawings A represents the main pipe. B is the upper half of the sleeve
with upwardly extending hub 13' within which is secured the branch pipe section C.
D is the lower half of the sleeve. are locking clamps for holding the two pro-
jections of the sleeve firmly together as shown in Figures 1 & 4; or they may be
hold together by any desired means. ( is an ordinary valve chamber in said branch
pipe and made integral therewith or otherwise if desired and provided with a valve
or gate in the usual manner and also with a blow-off cock 5 shown in Fig. 1. The
branch pipe C is secured within the hub B' by any desired means. 1 is the packing
between the sleeves and the main pipe as shown in Figure 1. On the top of the
brauch-pipe C is formed a flange to which is secured the tapping mechanism when
necessary and also serves as a means for securing the brunch extension when the
tapping incchanism is removed if flangod pipe is used.
Between the tapping mechanism and the branch-pipe I prefer to use an independent
or a separato pipe H shown in Figures 1 and 2 when the branch pipe is larger or
smaller than the base of the tapping machine, secured by any desired means, and
properly packed with a watertight packing. By the use of this intermediate pipe
connection, by simply varying the diameter of the flange portion where the branch-
pipe is secured to this intermediate pipe connection, it will be evident that branch-
pipes of varying diameter can be used as desired, with the same tapping machine.

page_text: In the tapping mechanism a represents the lower part of a frame or holding
support with flange a for securing it by bolts or otherwise, to branch-pipe C, or its
intermediate connection: from this lower portion a extend upward vertical
supports a holding the top a³ of the frame, the parts a, a² and a being prefer-
ably made integral with each other, and the part as being threaded as will be herein-
after set forth.
Within the holo a is fitted and adjusted a cutter shaft to which is secured the
cutter by any desired means.
In the lower end of shaft 6 is adjusted and secured in any desired manner a central
drill or cutting tool d.
The cutter after having been rigidly secured to the cutter shaft is held on cutter
shaft by any desired means. In the hottom of the cutter are sockets es, as shown in
Figure 20 in which are driven cutter teeth to correspond with the sockets. These
teeth are independent of and removable from the cutter, and are tapered sharply back
at the bottom so as to give clearance to the cutter teeth and prevent friction as
indicated in Figure 20. In the modification shown in Figure 15 the cutter e is secured
to the cutter head c by screws or bolts el and the teeth e are not removable separately,
as hereinl efore described, but all together by removing the screws or bolts e¹. In
operation the cutter should rotate in cutting so as to tighten the cutter head on the
cutter shaft and not to back off and the teeth are widest at their cutting edge to give
clearance for the body portion, as will be understood. This cutter is preferred for
cutting the smaller sizes of holes.
On the cutter shaft band within the supporting frame of the tapping mechanism
is adjustably secured a gear-wheelf, and above it a loose collar, the underside of the
said gear-wheel being provided with a hub / This hub is slotted on the edge as
shown at Figure 2. The gear wheelfis adjustably secured on the shaft by means
of a pin, set screw or wedge g, driven through the slot in the hub and through an
opening in shaft & as clearly shown at F in Figure 9.
In place of the pin, set screw or wedge gas shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, 11, 12,
and 13 can be used side wedges or pins as shown in Figure 10.
Between the upper and lower portions of the supporting frame and adapted to
revolve in bearings therein are arranged shafts i carrying pinions & secured thereon
or made integral therewith and adapted and arranged to mesh into gear-wheel ƒ as
shown in Figures 1, 3, 11 and 18.
its
These pinions may be made of sufficient length to allow the gear-wheel and the shaft
to advance as the cutting progresses, as will be manifest. Surrounding the shaft b at
upper end is an annular elongated sleeve m, having its outer peripery threaded as
at m Figure 2 so as to fit and turn in the threaded opening a³ in the upper part of
the supporting frame and served as a feed screw when drilling or cutting.
This sleeve or feed screw is adapted and arranged to have its lower end rest against
the top of the collar resting on gear-wheelf. This feed screw is provided with
operating arms m, Figures 1, 2, 3, 11, 18 and 19.
Above the cutting teeth and within the cutter are formed slots or recesses 51 in
Figures 1, 2, and 21 in which can be inserted a lever or punch for drawing or driving
out a tooth when it is broken or requires sharpening.
In the side of the cutter head are holes or openings 6, 6 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 21.
These openings serve as escapes or clearances of the loose pieces of metal consequent
upon the drilling and cutting. Preferably these openings are made a little angular in
a direction opposite to the motion of the drill and cutting tool.
In carrying out my invention, after excavating a hole in the ground above and below
he main pipe where it is to be tapped, the rust is cleaned off from the main where
he opening is to be made, and the two halves of the sleeves are then placed in proper
position on the main. The clamps are then driven firmly over the flanges on the
leeve, which leaves an equal space all round between the sleeve and the main pipe.
I then put a roll of clay around the lower end of the hub on the sleeve, so as to
prevent the molten lead when poured from flowing into the hub while packing the

page_text: sleeve. I then fill the space between the sleeve and the main pipe with molten lead
in the usual manner, as shown at 1, Fig. 1, and calk it around the ends of the sleeve.
When this has been done, I then calk the lead which has run through the openings in
the bottom of the hub and around the main, as shown in Fig. 5, and calk it securely
with a calking iron. The lower eilge of the hub, being formed with a rim, serves as
a stop-lead in calking the lead at the bottom of the hub. The branch pip (1 is then
inserted in the hub on the sleeve, the projection (entering the slot B. The branch
pipe is then turned in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 7, which looks it
to the sleeve by a bayonet-joint. I then pour inolten lead into the space between the
branch pipe (and the hub 13' and calk it, so as to form a water-tight packing p.
(Shown in Fig. 1.) The supporting frame of the drilling and tapping mechanism
is then rigidly secured to the flange on the branch-pipe with a water-tight packing
interposed or to an intermediate connection as shown, the valve or gate in the valve
chamber being open to receive the cutter shaft.
The cutter shaft and cutter are then passed through the valve opening in the valve
chamber until the drill or centering tool is brought into proper position on the main
pipe, and when a small tap is to he made the gear-wheel is moved up on the shaft b
into a proper position and finally secured there by the pin, wedge or set screw g. The
feed screw is then brought down until the lower ond rests on the loose collar on top
of the gear-wheel and a ratchet lever or any other desired means is applied to the
top of the drill shaft and the drilling commences. After the drill has passed
through the main it becomes a centering tool while the cutting teeth are cutting
the opening in the main, as will be understood in which case the gear wheel i
simply a collar.
When the blow-off cork is open it furnishes a means for removing or carrying off
the scraps or pieces that may collect around or inside the cutter head thus clearing it
completely from any obstructions as will be manifest and also serves to show whether
the gate is closed tightly after the cutting mechanism has completed its work and
before the tapping mechanism has been removed. The valve chamber G will subsequently
remain part of the pipe fittings.
When the point of the drill has passed through the main pipe the water that escapes
at once passes up around the drill and fills the branch pipe and any defect in packing
or securing of any portion of the connections will at once be detected and can be
remedied before any further cutting is done.
When a large opening or tap is to be made after the drill has passed through the
main, the ratchet fever, or any desired means is applied to the top of the pinion shaft i
and the cutting and feeding is done as before.
When a still larger or heavier tap or cut is to he made two pinions may be used as
shown in Figures 3 and 18 whereby greater power can be applied to the cutting
mechanism as will be manifest.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a tapping mechanism for water, gas, or other mains, a cutter-head secured to
a drill shaft and provided with independent and removable cutting teeth as described
and for the purpose set forth.
2. In a branch connection for water, gas, or other mains, an intermediate pipe
connection interposed between the branch pipe and branch pipe extension as described
and for the purpose set forth.
3. In an apparatus for drilling and tapping mains, means for feeding a drill and
cutting tool, combining therein an annular threaded feed screw, a gear-wheel locking
pins rigidly securing said gear wheel to a drill shaft, and a loose collar on said
shaft interposed between said goar-wheel and the lower and of the feed scrow all
said parts being adapted and arranged to operate as described and for the purposes
set forth.

page_text: 4. In a cutting mechanism for tapping mains, cutting teeth adapted and arranged
to enter and be secured in openings in the cutter head by any desired means as
described and for the purposes set forth.
5. In a tapping mechanism for water or other mains the combination with the
drilling and cutting mechanism of two or more pinions adapted to operate said drilling
and cutting mechanism as described and for the purpose set forth.
6. In a tapping mechanism for water or other mains a blow off cock secured
to a gate or other desired place and adapted and arranged as and for the purpose
set forth.
7. In a cutting mechanism for tapping mains, a centre drill adapted and arranged,
after the point thereof has passed through the main, to permit the water to pass up
and test the connections as described and for the purpose set forth.
8. An improved apparatus for drilling and tapping pipes of mains, consisting of a
supporting-frame, cutter-shaft, drill and cutting tool secured to said shaft the shank
of said drill having one series of screw threads cut upon it and grooved, the thread
serving as a shoulder to hold the piece after it has been cut from the inain, and means
for operating said drill cutter, said apparatus being provided with any desired means
for socuring it to the branch pipe, all snid parts being arranged and combined as
and for the purpose set forth.
9. An improved apparatus for drilling and tapping pipes and mains, consisting of
a supporting frame, cntter-shaft, drill and cutting tool securel to said shaft, the shank
of said drill having a screw-thread upon it and grooved, the thread serving as a shoulder
to hold the pieces after it has been cut from the main, a gear-wheel adjustably secured
on said cutter-shaft, pinion-shaft, and pinion meshing into said gear-wheel, and means
for operating said pinion, said apparatus being provided with the desired means for
securing it to the branch-pipe, said parts being arranged and combined as and for the
purpose set forth.
10. The combination of a split sleeve adjusted around a main and held together by
any desired means, a branch U, connected with either or both of the sections of said
sleeve and provided with a gate valve chamber mado integral therewith or otherwise,
and a drilling and tapping apparatus removably secured to the end of said branch, as
and for the purpose set forth.
11. The combination of a split sleeve adjusted around a main and held together by
rigidly securing said sleeve to the main, a branch C connected with either of the
sections of said sleeve and provided with a gate-valve chamber made integral therewith,
or otherwise, and a drilling and tapping apparatus removably secured to the end of
said branch, as and for the purpose set forth.
12. The combination of a split sleeve adjusted around a main, a dovetail clamp for
holding said split sleeve together, a hub integral with either of the sections of said
sleeve and having openings at the lower end, as described a branch C, connected with
said sleeve and hub and provided with a gate-valve chamber, projections on the bottom
of said branch to lock it to the sleeve by a bayonet joint, as described, or any other
desired means, and a drilling and tapping mechanism removably secured to the end of
said branch, as and for the purpose set forth.
15. In an apparatus for drilling and tapping mains, means for operating the drill
and cutting-tool, consisting of a gear-wheel adjustably secured on the drill-shaft and
provided with a hub on its upper sido, a pinion shaft meshing into said gear-wheel,
and a crank or ratchet lever for rotating said pinion-shaft, all as described and for the
purpose set forth.
14. In an apparatus for drilling and tapping mains, devices for feeding the drill
and cutting-tool while the drilling and cutting progress, consisting of an annular feed
screw loosely surrounding the shaft carrying the drill and cutting-tool, threaded upon
its outer periphery, and provided with a washer upon its lower end to bear against a
gear-wheel secured in said shaft, and a flange upon its upper ond for rotating the sleeve,
the outer threaded portion of said sleeve engaging in a threaded opening on the top of
the frame, as described and for the purpose set forth.
15. In an apparatus for drilling and tapping mains, a cutting mechanism consisting

page_text: of a cutter hwad secured to the drill shaft, a cutting tool removably secured to snid
cutter-head and provided with cutting-teeth tapering backward as described, and for the
purpose set forthi.
16. The combination with a main pipe, of a branch sleeve having an annular
raised seat, adapted to fit on said main, so as to form a packing chamber
between said sleeve and inain pipe, and a packing I, substantially as and for the
purposos set forth.
Dated Lns Loth ny op 1050,
ANTHONY PETER SMITH.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.