Gerald E Blom

US Patent:

8356791, Jan 22, 2013

Filed:

Sep 28, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/247432

Inventors:

Gerald E. Blom - Casper WY, US

International Classification:

F16K 7/04

US Classification:

251 9, 251 4, 251 5

Abstract:

A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using two pairs of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the squeeze-off jaws of the apparatus.

US Patent:

20130207008, Aug 15, 2013

Filed:

Jan 22, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/747313

Inventors:

Gerald E. Blom - Casper WY, US

International Classification:

F16K 13/00

US Classification:

251 9

Abstract:

A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using a pair of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the crimping jaws of the apparatus.