An Improved Method of and Means for Tapping Water Mains and Forming Branch Connections therewith Under Pressure.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd May, 1892
Complete Specification Left, 28th Feb., 1893-Accepted, 22nd Apr., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by HARVEY HALLOCK BURRITT, of Belleville, in
the State of New Jersey, United States of America, Civil and Mechanical
Engineer.]
An Improved Method of and Means for Tapping Water Mains and
Forming Branch Connections therewith Under Pressure.
I PHILIP ARTHUR NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane, in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for tapping
water mains and forming branch connections therewith, and an improved method
of forming branch connections with a main under pressure, and an improved con-
struction of maiu and connections, by which the necessity of either cutting off the
main pressure, or leaving a gate valve next the main, is avoided.
In tapping water mains under pressure, it has heretofore been necessary to use a
gate valve upon the branch pipe, to close the opening next to the main, until the
connecting pipe is laid, this gate valve forming a permanent part of the con-
struction.
After the connecting pipe is laid, however, the gate valve is of no use, as the
water system is controlled by other valves, and this waste gate valve is found to be
a constant source of trouble, az it soon becomes leaky.
By this invention, an improved method and means for tapping mains is provided,
by which all necessity for the gate valve, or cutting off the pressure, in forming
branch connections, is avoided, and by which the branch connections, when formed,
may be first tested by the admission of pressure from the main, and, in case any
loose joint or other defect in construction is found, the main may readily be plugged
and the connections removed and joints repacked, or other repairs made, without
cutting off the water from the main.
In carrying out the invention, a sectional sleeve is used, formed in two parts as
usual, so as to be clamped upon the main, but this sectional sleeve is preferably of
a peculiar construction, in that it is provided with a hub formed integral therewith,
and which consists of a short pipe adapted to support a gate valve, and preferably
of a peculiar construction, adapted to cooperate with an improved plug forming a
part of this invention, and a branch opening at an angle to the said straight pipe,
and with which the branch connection is made.
The tapping machine for tapping the main used with this sectional sleeve, may
be of any suitable construction, but for use in connection with this part of the
invention, an improved tapping machine has been devised, and automatic feeding
devices for such machines, which form parts of this invention, independently of
their application to tapping mains under pressure in connection with the improved
construction and method of main connection.
This invention, therefore, consists in various constructions and combinations of
parts in connection with means used for tapping a main and forming branch con-
nections therewith under pressure, and an improved method of forming such
connections, in an improved construction of main and branch connection,
improved pipe and plug constructions for use in this and similar constructions, and
in an improved tapping machine and feeding device therefor.
To apply a branch pipe to a main under pressure according to this invention,
a sectional sleeve, consisting of two parts hinged together on one side and united
by belts on the other, or bolted together on both sides, if preferred, is used. A

page_text: packing is preferably placed about the main, and the sectional sleeve clamped
tightly upon it, as usual, so as to prevent leakage about the sleeve. The sleeve
is provided with a hub on one side, preferably formed integral therewith, this
hub consisting of a short straight pipe opening directly from the main, and through
which the main is tapped, and a branch opening at an angle to the straight pipe,
and forming the connection with the branch pipe.
The straight pipe may be constructed in any suitable manner to support a gate
valve during the operation of tapping and plugging, and so as to be plugged for
permanently closing the pipe after the branch connection has been formed.
It is preferred, however, to use the construction in which the straight pipe is
flanged at its outer end, so that a flanged gate valve may be bolted thereto, and
there is a novel construction of the outer end of the pipe, and a plug for use there-
with, which are the preferred constructions, and in themselves form parts of this
invention.
In this preferred construction, the straight pipe is enlarged at its outer end,
and constructed to form a shoulder extending about the interior of the pipe, some
distance inside the outer cud, and outside this shoulder the pipe is constructed to
co-act with a screw plug, so that a tight joint may be formed by rotating the plug
as hereinafter described. The pipe may be provided, for this purpose, with lugs
or projections, and the plug used in connection with this construction consists of a
disc of metal forming the head of the plug, and having set therein a ring of rubber,
lead, or similar yielding material, which rests upon the shoulder when the plug is
inserted, so that as the plug is forced inward, a close joint is formed between the
ring of yielding material and shoulder.
The plug is provided, also, with a cap, which has an angular head or recess for
the purpose of receiving the plugging tool, and is provided at its inner end with
a flange, forming a rim, which is cut away on opposite sides, so as to permit the
rim to be passed inside the lugs, and the rim is provided with inclined surfaces
which engage the lugs after the plug has been placed in position, and rotated so as
to form a screw thread of very slight pitch.
By means of this screw, therefore, the turning of the plug, after the rim has been
passed inside the lugs, serves to drive the plug inward, and force the rubber or
ring hard down upon the shoulder.
The head is preferably secured to the cap in such a manner that the latter may
turn independently of the former.
Any suitable construction may be used for this purpose, but the connection will
preferably be pivotal, so as to allow free movement of the cap and plug indepen-
dently of each other, except that the plug is driven inward by the rotation of the
cap, as above described, the perfect seating of the head on the shoulder thus being
assured.
It will be evident that by this construction, a tight joint is formed by the head,
as the plug is screwed in, and that the plug is held against the main pressure by
means of the screw construction of rim and lugs.
The cap also is of smaller size outside the rim, than the straight pipe, thus
affording space for packing the pipe after the connection is made and the gate
valve removed, a perfectly tight and strong permanent construction thus being
produced.
The branch may be of any suitable construction, for the purpose of receiving a
branch pipe and forming a tight joint therewith. It may be enlarged at the outer
end, so as to form a shoulder against which the inner end of the pipe rests, and the
branch and branch pipe are preferably provided respectively with a groove and rib,
as shown, so that the branch pipe is held firmly in position by the packing, as is
common in such constructions.
The gate valve may be of any suitable adapted to be secured to the straight pipe
above mentioned, and to support tapping and plugging devices for tapping and
plugging the main.
The gate valve is provided with flanges at each end, for securing it to the

page_text: straight pipe, and to a short pipe forming a chamber outside the gate valve, into
which the tap is drawn for closing the gate valve before the tapping machine is
removed, although it will be understood that this short pipe may be omitted, and the
chamber formed by a special construction of the gate valve with an extension at
this end.
With the construction thus far described, any suitable tapping machine may be
used for tapping the main. An improved form of tapping machine, however, and
feeding device therefor, especially adapted for use in connection with this apparatus,
and forming a part thereof, will now be described.
The frame of the tapping machine consists of a cylinder flanged at the tap end
for connection to the pipe. The cylinder carries at its outer end a screw, rigid
therewith, and forming a part of the feeding devices for the tap. A bracket also
is carried by this cylinder, in which is mounted a driving shaft actuated by a crank,
this shaft being provided with a worm which meshes with a gear through which a
rotary movement is transmitted from the shaft to the tapping spindle. The tapping
spindle is mounted in the cylinder so as to rotate and slide therein, being packed in
the cylinder head in any suitable manner, to prevent leakage, and is constructed at
the feeding end to carry a ring cutter splined thereto, and a drill, this drill being
provided preferably with side springs for withdrawing the piece cut from the main
by the cutter. The tapping spindle slides through the cylinder and driving gear
during the operation of tapping, and to permit this movement, the gear provided
with a slot, and the spindle is splined to the gear so as to rotate therewith, but slide
therein by a block, forming a spline, and secured to the spindle by a set screw, or
in any other suitable manner. In order that the spindle may be adjusted to
different lengths beyond the cylinder, it is provided with a series of recesses, in any
one of which the spline may be secured, in accordance with the length of the
spindle desired, these recesses being set at such distances apart that the spline may
be changed from one to another within the slot in the driving gear, continuing the
feed during a single operation of the tapping machine. The feeding devices for
the spindle are as follows:-
The tapping spindle carries, at its outer end, a sleeve secured to a carriage loose
on the spindle, by a rib or flange and groove, so as to move with the carriage, but
rotate freely therein.
The sleeve is provided with a gear which meshes with another gear mounted on a
short shaft in the carriage, and this shaft carries a pinion which meshes with a gear
on a shaft, also mounted in the carriage, and provided at its opposite end with a
gear which meshes with a gear on a sleeve provided with interior screw threads,
and threaded upon the stationary screw of the cylinder previously referred to.
This screw sleeve rotates freely, but is held to the carriage preferably by a
flange and groove, so that the carriage and feeding devices move with the sleeve,
and the sleeve on the tapping spindle with the latter, are thus advanced by the
screw movement.
The sleeve last mentioned is so constructed that it may readily be loosened from
the tapping spindle, preferably by being made sectional, and secured by a bolt or
screw. By this construction, the spindle may be returned independently of the
feeding devices, at the end of a packing or plugging operation, by simply loosening
the sleeve from the spindle, and sliding the spindle back through the cylinder
carriage and sleeve. The feeding devices will then be returned for a new feed, by
rotating the carriage with the screw sleeve bodily upon the stationary screw. The
feeding devices also may readily be thrown out of operation at any time, by simply
loosening the sleeve on the tapping spindle.
When a feeding movement in excess of the length of the stationary screw is
desired, this may readily be secured by loosening the sleeve, when the tapping
spindle has reached the limit of its forward feed, and returning the carriage and
screw sleeve, upon the stationary screw independently of the spindle, and then
re-tightening the sleeve upon the spindle, the spline being changed to the next
recess, as above explained.

page_text: By the feeding devices described, there can be produced a feeding movement of
any speed desired relatively to the speed of rotation of the tapping spindle, the
movement being in accordance with the gearing between the spindle and screw
sleeve, which gearing may be changed from time to time, to suit requirements.
The operation of forming the branch connection with the main by the improved
means, and in accordance with my improved method, is as follows:-
The sectional sleeve is secured upon the main, and tightly packed, so as to
prevent all leakage, and the branch pipe is connected with the branch, and the joint
packed. The gate valve is then secured to the straight pipe, and the tapping
machine mounted on the gate valve. The gate valve being open, the drill and
cutter are run in, and the main is thus drilled by the drill. The drill and cutter
are then withdrawn and the gate valve closed. The pressure in the main now
being transferred to the branch connections, the joints in these, and between the
Bectional sleeve and the main, are tested. If any leak is found, the tapping
machine is removed, and the screw plug substituted for the drill, the tapping
machine being then replaced, and the screw plug run in, to plug the opening cut in
the main by the drill. The sectional sleeve may then be removed from the main
and repacked, or other joints packed wherever required, and this testing operation be
repeated, if necessary, until perfectly tight joints are obtained. When no leakage
is found on testing, the cutter is again run in through the open gate valve, and a
piece cut from the main thereby, this piece being removed with the cutter by
springs on the drill, which are forced through the drill opening in the main during
the operation of the cutter and spring outside the same, so as to seize the piece.
and withdraw it from the cutter. It will be understood that the main may be fully
tapped at the first operation, if it is not desired to test the connection by the
improved method.
The cutter having been withdrawn into its chamber, the gate valve is closed,
and the tapping machine removed. The plugging machine is then substituted
therefor, this plugging machine consisting of a flanged cylinder adapted to be
secured to the pipe, and in which the plugging spindle is mounted, this spindle
consisting of a plain shaft provided at opposite ends with angular portions, the
outer of which is adapted to receive a wrench outside the cylinder, and the other to
enter the angular opening in the cap of the plug, for rotating the latter. The plug
is then forced into position by the shaft with the ring upon the shoulder, the rim
of cap being passed inside the lugs by the recesses, and the spindle is rotated so as
to turn the screw surfaces of the rim upon the lugs, and force the plug hard home,
with the ring pressed against the shoulder, so as to form a tight joint. The gate
valve and plugging machine are then removed, and the plug packed between the
cap and the outer end of the pipe, so as to permanently close the latter, the
construction thus being completed without a gate valve between the plug and
main.
The sectional sleeve previously described, formns a simple and efficient con-
struction, but it may be modified so as to avoid the use of the packing about the
main, and to provide space between the sleeve and main for caulking.
In this construction, the sleeve is formed in two parts, secured together by bolts
on opposite sides of the main. The plain section of the sleeve is clamped directly
against the main, but the section carrying the straight pipe and branch, are so
constructed as to be secured by clamping at a short distance from the main, space
thus being afforded for caulking. In this construction, the sectional sleeve is first
placed upon, and clamped to, the inain, and the spaces left between the sleeve and
main are caulked.
The outer end of the straight pipe, and the plug for closing the same, may be of
modified construction, in which the shoulder is constructed so as to form a conical
opening, and the head of the plug is adapted to form a tight joint therewith,
by being forced into and engaging the sides of the conical opening, instead of
resting directly upon a plain shoulder, as in the construction previously described.
The head is provided with a ring of yielding material, preferably of lead, which

page_text: forms the surface engaging the shoulder, and by which a tight joint is formed, as
in the construction previously described.
With this conical construction of shoulder and head, the same construction of
cap and lugs as previously described may be used. It is evident, however, that
the cap and pipe may be formed in any suitable manner, so as to produce the
screw action. For instance, the pipe may be provided, in place of the lugs, with a
screw threaded ring projecting within the pipe, and the cap is screw-threaded to
engage this ring. By this construction it is evident that the head will be forced
inward to form a tight joint by the rotation of cap, as in the construction previously
described.
It is preferred, however, to use the construction previously described, as it is
much cheaper in manufacture, the expensive operation of cutting screw threads.
being avoided, and all the parts being formed directly by casting.
When the construction of sectional sleeve and tapping devices heretofore
described are employed, the method of tapping mains under pressure may be
carried out by other devices; for example, a straight, valveless pipe and branch
are not formed integral with the sectional sleeve, but the pipe carries the branch,
and is secured in any suitable manner to a hub on the sleeve, preferably by a bead
and groove, and lead or other suitable packing, as usual in such constructions.
The straight pipe is provided with a flange to which the gate valve is secured, and
upon the gate valve is mounted the tapping machine, all as previously described,
except that the tapping machine is of a simple construction, having the common
screw hand feed. The outer end of the straight pipe is adapted to receive a plug,
and is preferably formed with a groove for packing, and with an opening by which
the plug may be keyed to the pipe, if found necessary. The plug, in this con-
struction, consists of a wooden head, which fits the bore of the pipe closely, and a
reduced portion of iron, which is packed into the enlarged outer end of the pipe,
and is provided with the stern by which connection is made with the spindle of the
tapping machine.
The method of tapping the main and forming the branch connections with this
construction is substantially the same as that previously described the plug taking
the place of the screw plug previously described, and being forced into the pipe by
the spindle of the tapping machine, after the main has been tapped, the wooden
head fitting closely, so that the plug will withstand the main pressure, and form a
tight joint on the removal of the gate valve, and until the plug is packed
permanently with lead or similar material.
It is evident that many other modifications may be made in the construction
described as the preferred form of embodiment of the invention.
Dated this 3rd day of May 1892
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Method of and Means for Tapping Water Mains and
Forming Branch Connections therewith Under Pressure.
1 PHILIP ARTHUR NEWTON, of the Office for Patents 6, Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The object of the present invention to provide an improved means for tapping
water mains, and forming branch connections therewith, and an improved method
of forming branch connections with a main under pressure, and an improved con-
struction of main and connections by which the necessity of either cutting off the
main pressure, or leaving a gate valve next the main, is avoided.
In tapping water mains under pressure, it has heretofore been necessary to use a

page_text: gate valve upon the branch pipe, to close the opening next to the main, until
the connecting pipe is laid, this gate valve forming a permanent part of the
construction. After the connecting pipe is laid, however, the gate valve is of no
use, as the water system is controlled by other valves, and this waste gate valve is
found to be a constant source of trouble, as it soon becomes leaky.
By this invention, an improved method and means for tapping mains are
provided, by which all necessity for the gate valve, or cutting off the pressure in
forming branch connections, avoided, and by which the branch connections,
when formed, may be first tested by the admission of pressure from the main, and
in case any loose joint or other defect in construction is found, the main may
readily be plugged, and the connections removed and joints repacked, or other
repairs made, without cutting off the water from the main.
In carrying out this invention, there is used a sectional sleeve formed in two
parts, as usual, so as to be clamped upon the main, but this sectional sleeve is
preferably of a peculiar construction, in that it is provided with a hub formed
integral therewith, and which consists of a short pipe adapted to support a gate
valve, and preferably of a peculiar construction, adapted to co-operate with an
improved plug forming a part of my invention, and a branch opening at an angle
to the said straight pipe, and with which the branch connection is made.
The tapping machine for tapping the main used with the sectional sleeve, may
be of any suitable construction, but there are devised for use in connection with
this part of the invention, an improved tapping machine, and automatic feeding
device for such machines, which form parts of the invention independently of their
application to tapping mains under pressure, in connection with my improved
construction and method of main connection.
This invention, therefore, consists in various constructions and combinations of
parts in connection with means used for tapping a main and forming branch con-
nections therewith under pressure, and an improved method of forming such
connections; in an improved construction of main and branch connections,
improved pipe and plug constructions for use in this and similar constructions; and
in an improved tapping machine and feeding device therefor, all of which will
be fully described in the following Specification, and specifically pointed out in
the claims.
For a full understanding of the invention, a detailed description of the same
will now be given in connection with a construction embodying the invention in
the preferred form, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a
part of this Specification, in which :-
Fig. 1 shows a main with the tapping device connected, in the operation of
tapping for feeding a branch connection.
Fig. 2 shows the same in the operation of plugging.
Fig. 3 shows the completed permanent construction of main and branch.
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the tapping machine.
Figs. 5 and 6 are sections of the tapping machine on the line 5 of Fig. 4, looking
in opposite directions.
Figs. 7 and 8 are details of the plug shewn in Figs. 2 and 3.
Fig. 9 is a detail of the cutter and springs for removing the piece cut from
the main.
Fig. 10 shows a construction employing a sectional sleeve and plug of a modified
form.
Fig. 11 shows a modified construction of sectional sleeve and tapping machine,
which may be used to carry out the improved method.
Fig. 12 is a detail of the plugged branch pipe and plug of this construction.
Referring now to Figs. 1 to 9 of said drawings, A is the main with which the
branch pipe B is to be connected. C is a sectional sleeve, consisting of two parts
hinged together on one side, and united by bolts 10, although it will be understood
that the parts of this sleeve may be bolted together on both sides of the main, if
preferred, or other constructions used. A packing 11 is preferably placed about

page_text: the main, and the sectional sleeve C clamped tightly upon it, as usual, so as to.
prevent leakage about the sleeve.
The sleeve C is provided with a hub on one side, preferably formed integral
therewith, as shown, this hub consisting of a short straight pipe D opening directly
from the inain, and through which the main is tapped, and a branch E opening at
an angle to the straight pipe D, and forming the connection with the branch
pipe B.
The straight pips D may be constructed in any suitable manner to
support a gate valve during the operation of tapping and plugging, and so as to be
plugged for permanently closing the pipe after the branch connection has been
found. It is preferred, however, to use the construction shown, in which the pipe D.
is flanged at its outer end, so that a flanged gate valve may be bolted thereto, and
a novel construction has been devised of the outer end of the pipe, and a plug for
use therewith, which are the preferred constructions, and in themselves form parts.
of this invention.
In this preferred construction, the pipe D is enlarged at its outer end, and
constructed to form a shoulder 12 extending about the interior of the pipe, some
distance inside the outer end, and outside this shoulder 12 the pipe is constructed
to co-act with a screw plug, so that a tight joint may be formed by rotating the
plug, as hereafter described. In the construction shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the pipe
is provided, for this purpose, with lugs or projections 13. The plug used in
connection with this construction, consists of a disc 14, of metal, forming the head
of the plug, and having set therein a ring of rubber, lead, or similar yielding
material 1, which rests upon the shoulder 12, when the plug is inserted, so that as
the plug is forced inward, a close joint is formed between the ring of yielding
material and shoulder. The plug is provided also with a cap 15, which has an
angular head or recess for the purpose of receiving the plugging tool, and is
provided at its inner end with a flange forming a rim 3, which is cut away on
opposite sides, at 4, so as to permit the rim to be passed inside the lugs 13, and the
rim 3 is provided with inclined surfaces, which engage the lugs after the plug has
been placed in position, and rotated, so as to form a screw thread of very slight
pitch. By means of this screw, therefore, the turning of the plug 15, after the
rim 3 has been passed inside the lugs 13, serves to drive the plug inward, and.
force the rubber or lead ring 1 hard down upon the shoulder 12. The head 14
is preferably secured to the cap 15 in such a manner that the latter may turn
independently of the former. Any suitable construction may be used for this
purpose, but the connection will preferably be pivotal, so as to allow free move-.
ment of the cap and plug independently of each other, except that the plug is
driven inward by the rotation of the cap, as above described, the perfect seating
of the head 14 on the shoulder 12 thus being assured. In the construction shown,.
this connection is formed by a small bolt 5, tapped through a cap in the head 14,
and into the screw cap 15.
It will be evident that, by this construction, a tight joint is formed by the
head 14, as the plug is screwed in, and that the plug is held against the main.
pressure by means of the screw construction of rim 3 and lugs 13. The cap 15
also is of smaller size outside the rim than the pipe D, thus affording space for
packing the pipe after the connection is made and the gate valve removed, a
perfectly tight and strong permanent construction thus being produced, as shown
in Fig. 3.
The branch E may be of any suitable construction, for the purpose of receiving
a branch pipe, and forming a tight joint therewith. As shown, it is enlarged at
the outer end, so as to form a shoulder 6, against which the inner end of the
pipe B rests, and the branch and branch pipe are preferably provided respectively
with a groove and rib, as shown, so that the branch pipe is held firmly in position
by the packing, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and as is common in such con-
structions.
The gate valve may be of any suitable construction adapted to be secured to
the pipe D, and to support tapping and plugging devices for tapping and plugging

page_text: the main. A common gate valve F is shown, provided with flauges at each end,
for securing it to the pipe D, and to a short pipe G, forming a chamber outside
the gate valve, into which the tap is drawn for closing the gate valve before the
tapping machine is removed, although it will be understood that this short pipe G
may be omitted, and the chamber formed by a special construction of the gate
valve with an extension at this end.
With the construction thus far described any suitable tapping machine may be
used for tapping the main. There has been devised, however, an improved form
of tapping machine and feeding device therefor, especially adapted for use in
connection with this apparatus, and forming a part thereof, and this will now be
described.
The frame of the tapping machine consists of a cylinder H, flanged at the tap
end, for connection to the pipe G. The cylinder H carries, at its outer end, a
screw 16, rigid therewith, and forming a part of the feeding devices for the tap.
A bracket I, also, is carried by this cylinder, in which is mounted the driving
shaft 17, actuated by the crank 18, this shaft being provided with a worm 19,
which meshes with a gear 20, through which a rotary movement is transmitted
from the shaft 17 to the tapping spindle. The tapping spindle K is mounted in
the cylinder H, so as to rotate and slide therein, being packed in the cylinder
head in any suitable manner, to prevent leakage, and is constructed, at the feeding
end, to carry a ring cutter 21, splined thereto, and a drill 23,-this drill being
provided, preferably, with side springs 7 for withdrawing the piece cut from the
main by the cutter 21. The tapping spindle K slides through the cylinder and
driving gear 20, during the operation of tapping, and to permit this movement,
the gear 20 is provided with a slot 8, as shown, and the spindle K is splined to
the gear, so as to rotate therewith, but slide therein, by the block 9, forming a
spline, and secured to the spindle K by a set screw, as shown, or in any other
suitable manner. In order that the spindle may be adjusted to different lengths
beyond the cylinder, it is provided with a series of recesses 24, in any one of
which the spline 9 may be secured, in accordance with the length of the spindle
desired, these recesses being set at such distances apart, that the spline may be
changed from one to another within the slot in gear 20, continuing the feed during
a single operation of the tapping machine.
The feeding devices for the spindle are as follows:-The spindle K carries, at
its outer end, a sleeve 25, secured to a carriage 26, loose on the spindle by a rib or
flange and groove, so as to move with the carriage, but rotate freely therein. The
sleeve 25 is provided with a gear 27, which meshes with a gear 28, mounted on a
short shaft 29 in the carriage 26, and this shaft carries a pinion 30, which meshes
with a gear 31 on a shaft 32, also mounted in the carriage 26, and provided, at its
opposite end, with a gear 33, which meshes with a gear 34 on a sleeve 35, provided
with interior screw threads, and threaded upon the stationary screw 16 of the
cylinder H, previously referred to. This screw sleeve 35 rotates freely, but is held
to the carriage 26, preferably by a flange and groove, as shown, so that the
carriage 26 and feeding devices move with the sleeve 35, and the sleeve 25 and
spindle K are thus advanced by the screw movement.
The sleeve 25 is so constructed, that it may readily be loosened from the
spindle K, preferably by being made sectional, and secured by a bolt or screw, as
shown. By this construction, the spindle may be returned independently of the
feeding devices at the end of a packing or plugging operation, by simply loosening
the sleeve from the spindle K, and sliding the spindle back through the cylinder H,
carriage 26, and sleeve 25. The feeding devices will then be returned for a new
feed, by rotating the carriage with screw sleeve 35 bodily upon the stationary
screw 16. The feeding devices also may readily be thrown out of operation at any
time, by simply loosening the sectional sleeve 25. When a feeding movement in
excess of the length of the stationary screw 16 is desired, this may readily be
secured by loosening the sleeve 25, when the spindle has reached the limit of its
forward feed, and returning the carriage 26 and screw sleeve 35 upon the

page_text: stationary screw 16, independently of the spindle, and then re-tightening the
sleeve 25 upon the spindle, the spline 9 being changed to the next recess 24, as
above explained.
It is evident, that, by the feeding devices described, there can be produced a
feeding movement of any speed desired relatively to the speed of rotation of the
spindle K, the movement being in accordance with the gearing between the spindle
and screw sleeve 29. For the purpose of adjusting this speed, as desired, by the
substitution of gears, the following construction is preferably employed.
The shaft 29 on which the gears 30 are carried, is mounted in arm 36, swinging
on the axis of gear 31, and a bolt 37, carried by this arm, moves in a curved slot 38
in a bracket on the carriage 26, this slot being concentric with the axis of gear 31.
The gears 30, 31, are mounted removably on their shafts, so that other gears may
be substituted therefor. By this construction, gears of any suitable relative sizes
may be substituted for gears 30, 31, so as to secure any desired relative movement
of the shaft 32 and spindle, the arm 36 being swung into proper position, when the
gears are changed, and secured therein by the bolt 37.
The operation of forming the branch connection with the main, by the improved
means, and in accordance with the improved method, is as follows:-
The sectional sleeve C is secured upon the main, and tightly packed, so as to
prevent all leakage, and the branch pipe B is connected with the branch E, and
the joint packed. The gate valve F is then secured to the straight pipe B, and
the tapping machine mounted on the gate valve. The gate valve being open, the
drill 23 aud cutter 21 are run in, and the main is thus drilled by the drill 23, as
shown in Fig. 1. The drill and cutter are then withdrawn into the chamber G,
and the gate valve closed. The pressure in the main A now being transferred to
the branch connections, the joints in these, and between the sectional sleeve C and
the main, are tested. If any leak is found, the tapping machine is removed, and a
screw plug substituted for the drill 23, the tapping machine being then replaced,
and the screw plug run in, to plug the opening cut in the main by the drill. The
sectional sleeve C may then be removed from the main, and repacked, or other
joints packed wherever required, and this testing operation be repeated, if
necessary, until perfectly tight joints are obtained. When no leakage is found, on
testing, the cutter 21 is again run in through the open gate valve, and a piece cut
from the main thereby, this piece being removed, with the cutter, by the springs 7
on the drill 23, which are forced through the drill opening in the main during the
operation of the cutter, and spring outside the same, so as to seize the piece and
withdraw it from the cutter. It will be understood that the main may be fully
tapped at the first operation, if it is not desired to test the connections by my
improved method.
The cutter having been withdrawn into the chamber G, the gate valve Fis
closed and the tapping machine removed. The plugging machine is then substituted
therefor, this plugging machine, in the form shown, consisting of the flanged
cylinder L, adapted to be secured to the pipe G, and in which the plugging
spindle M is mounted, this spindle consisting of a plain shaft provided at opposite
ends with angular portions, the outer of which is adapted to receive a wrench
outside the cylinder L, and the other to enter the angular opening in cap 15 of
the plug, for rotating the latter. The plug is then forced into position by the
shaft M with the ring 1 upon the shoulder 12, the rim 3 of cap 15 being passed
inside the lugs 13 by the recesses 4, and the spindle M is rotated, so as to turn
the screw surfaces of the rim 3 upon the lugs 13, and force the plug hard home
with the ring
pressed against the shoulder 12, so as to form a tight joint. The
gate valve and plugging machine are then removed, and the plug packed between
the cap 15 and the outer end of the pipe D, so as to permanently close the latter,
the construction thus being completed without a gate valve between the plug and.
main.
The sectional sleeve shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and previously described, forms a
simple and efficient construction, but there is shown, in Fig. 10, a modified

page_text: construction of sectional sleeve, which avoids the use of the packing 11 about the
main A, and in which, space is provided between the sleeve and main for caulking,
thus forming a very durable construction.
In this construction, the sleeve C is formed in two parts, secured together by
bolts on opposite sides of the main. The plain section of the sleeve is clamped
directly against the main, but the section carrying the pipe D and branch E are so
constructed as to be secured by clamping at a short distance from the main, space
thus being afforded for caulking. In this construction, the sectional sleeve is first
placed upon and clamped to the inain, and the spaces left between the sleeve and
main are caulked, as shown at 39.
In this figure there is shown also a modified construction of the outer end of
pipe D and the plug for closing the same. In this construction, the shoulder 12 is
constructed so as to form a conical opening, and the head 14 of the plug is adapted
to form a tight joint therewith, by being forced into and engaging the sides of the
conical opening, instead of resting directly upon a plain shoulder, as in the
construction previously described. The head 14 is provided with the ring 1 of
yielding material, preferably of lead, which forms the surface engaging the
shoulder 12, and by which a tight joint is formed, as in the construction previously
described.
With this conical construction of shoulder 12 and head 14, the same construction
of cap and lugs as previously described may be used. It is evident, however, that
the cap 15 and pipe D may be formed in any suitable manner, so as to produce the
screw action, and in this figure is shown a construction in which the pipe D is
provided, in place of the lugs 13, with a screw threaded ring 40, projecting within
the pipe, and the cap 15 is screw threaded to engage this ring 40. By this
construction it is evident that the head 14 will be forced inward to form a tight
joint by the rotation of cap 15, as in the construction previously described. It is
preferred, however, to use the construction previously described, as it is much
cheaper in manufacture, the expensive operation of cutting screw threads being
avoided, and all the parts being formed directly by casting.
While it is preferred to employ the construction of sectional sleeve and tapping
devices heretofore described, the improved method of tapping mains under pressure
may be carried out by other devices, and in Figs. 11 and 12 are shown a branch
construction and tapping devices embodying some of the broad features of this
invention. In this construction, the straight valveless pipe D and branch E are
not formed integral with the sectional sleeve C, but the pipe D carries the
branch E, and is secured in any suitable manner to a hub a on the sleeve C,
preferably by a bead and groove, and lead or other suitable packing, as usual in
such constructions. The straight pipe D is provided with a flange to which the
gate valve F is secured, and upon the gate valve F is mounted the tapping
machine H, all as shewn in the construction previously described, except that the
tapping machine H is of a simple construction, having the common screw hand
feed. The outer end of the pipe D is adapted to receive a plug, and is preferably
formed with a groove for packing, and with an opening c, by which the plug may
be keyed to the pipe, if found necessary. The plug in this construction consists,
as shown in Fig. 12, of a wooden head P, which fits the bore of the pipe D closely,
and a reduced portion P¹, of iron, which is packed into the enlarged outer end of
the pipe D, and is provided with the stem d, by which connection is made with the
spindle e of the tapping machine.
The method of tapping the main and forming the branch connections with this
construction, is substantially the same as that previously described, the plug P taking
the place of the screw plug previously described, and being forced into the pipe D
by the spindle of the tapping machine, after the main has been tapped, the wooden
head fitting closely, so that the plug will withstand the main pressure, and form a
tight joint on the removal of the gate valve, and until the plug is packed
permanently with lead or similar material, as shown in Fig. 12.
It is evident that many other modifications may be made in the construction

page_text: shown and described as the preferred form of embodiment of this invention, and
this invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions shown.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me from
abroad, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The improvement in the art of tapping a main under pressure, which consists
in connecting to the main a pipe having a branch forming a connection with other
pipes and attaching a gate valve to said pipe, tapping the main through said gate
valve and pipe, closing the pipe between the gate valve and main by a plug,
making a tight joint against the main pressure when forced into the pipe, and
constructed to be packed within the pipe, removing the gate valve & packing the
plug, within the pipe, substantially as described.
2. The improvement in the art of tapping a main under pressure, which consists
in connecting to the main a pipe having a branch forming a connection with other
pipes, and attaching a gate valve to said pipe, tapping the main through said gate
valve and pipe, closing the pipe between the gate valve and main, by forcing in a
plug having a head of wood or similar elastic material fitting the pipe closely, or a
screw plug, so as to form a tight joint, and hold the plug against the main pressure
when the gate valve is removed, removing the gate valve, and packing the plug,
substantially as described.
3. The improvement in the art of tapping a main under pressure, which consists
in connecting to the main a pipe having a branch forming a connection with other
pipes, and attaching a gate valve to said pipe, drilling a small hole in the main
through said gate and pipe, filling the connections thereby and testing the joints,
plugging the hole in the main, and perfecting the connections, if required, then
tapping the main full size for the connections through the gate valve and pipe,
closing the pipe between the gate valve and main by a plug, making a tight joint
against the main pressure, when forced into the pipe, and constructed to be packed
within the pipe, removing the gate valve and packing the plug within the pipe,
substantially as described.
4. The combination with main A, of straight valveless pipe D, connected there-
with, and permanently closed at its outer end by a plug constructed to form a
tight joint, and be held within the pipe against the main pressure by its own con-
struction and packed within the pipe, and a branch E forming a connection for
branch pipes, substantially as described.
5. The combination with main A, of a sectional sleeve C, having integral there-
with a hub consisting of a straight valveless pipe D constructed to support a gate
valve F, and a branch B forming a connection for branch pipes, substantially as
described.
6. A sectional sleeve C, having a hub integral therewith, consisting of a straight
valveless pipe D, having shoulder 12, and constructed to coact with a screw plug,
and a branch E forming a connection for branch pipes, substantially as described.
7. A sectional sleeve C having a hub integral therewith, consisting of a straight
valveless pipe D, having shoulder 12 and lugs 13, and a branch E forming a
connection for branch pipes, substantially as described.
8. The combination with pipe D, having shoulder 12, and
with a screw plug, of a plug having head 14 seated on said
cap 15, substantially as described.
constructed to coact
shoulder, and screw
9. The combination with pipe D, having shoulder 12, and lugs 13, of a plug
having head 14 seated on said shoulder, and cap 15 having rim 3 provided with
slots 4 and inclined screw surfaces, substantially as described.
10. A plug consisting of a head 14 and screw cap 15 pivotally connected thereto,
so as to rotate independently of said head, substantially as described.
11. A plug consisting of a head 14 and cap 15 pivotally connected thereto, so as
to rotate independently of said head, and having rim 3 provided with slots 4, and
inclined screw surfaces, substantially as described.

page_text: 12. A plug consisting of the head 14, having ring 1, of rubber, lead, or similar
yielding material, and screw cap 15, having a rotary pivotal connection therewith,
substantially as described.
13. A plug consisting of the head 14, having ring 1, of rubber, lead, or similar
yielding material, and cap 15 having a rotary pivotal connection therewith, and
having the rim 3, provided with slots 4 and inclined screw surfaces, substantially as
described.
14. A plug consisting of a head P, of wood or similar elastic material, con-
structed to fit closely the pipe to be. plugged, and a reduced metallic portion P
having the stem d for attachment to a forcing tool, substantially as described.
15. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E, and
gate valve F, of a tapping spindle and means for rotating the same, feeding devices
for advancing said spindle during its rotation, and a sleeve on said spindle forming
a part of said feeding devices, and constructed to be secured to said spindle or
released therefrom, substantially as described.
16. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E, and
gate valve F, of tapping spindle K and driving gear 20, in which the shaft is
splined, stationary screw 16, sleeve 35 threaded on said screw, and connected to
said spindle, so as to advance the latter, and driving connections between the shaft
and sleeve for rotating the latter, substantially as described.
17. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E, and
gate valve F, of tapping spindle K, and means for rotating the same, stationary
screw 16, sleeve 35, threaded on said screw, sleeve 25 on said spindle, constructed
to be secured to said spindle or released therefrom, sleeve 35 threaded on said
screw, and connected to said sleeve 25, so as to advance the latter, and driving
connections between said sleeves 25, 35, for rotating the latter from the spindle,
substantially as described.
18. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E, and
gate valve F, of tapping spindle K, and driving gear 20, in which the shaft is
splined, stationary screw 16, sleeve 35 threaded on said screw, sleeve 25 carried by
the spindle and carrying gear 27, carriage 26 loose on said spindle, and connected
to said sleeves 25, 35, so as to permit their rotation while forming a connection
between them for advancing the spindle by the rotation of the sleeve 35, and gears
carried by the carriage, and forming driving connections between the gear 27 and
sleeve 35, substantially as described.
19. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E and
gate valve F, of gear 27 and removable gear 31, arm 36, swinging concentrically
with the axis of gear 31, shaft 29 carried by said arm, and gear 28, and removable
gear 30 on said shaft, engaging respectively gears 27 and 31, substantially as
described.
20. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E, and
gate valve F, of gear 27 and removable gear 31, arm 36 swinging concentrically
with axis of gear 31, shaft 29 carried by said arm, gear 28 and removable gear 30
on said shaft, engaging respectively gears 27 and 31, and bolt 37 carried by said
arm 36 and moving in a slot concentric with the axis of gear 31 for holding the
arm 36 in position, substantially as described.
21. The combination with main A, straight valveless pipe D, branch pipe E, and
gate valve F, of rotating and longitudinally moving spindle K, having recesses 24,
driving gear 20, having slot 8, removable spline 9, and means for securing the spline
in the recesses, substantially as described.
Dated this 28th day of February 1902
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.