Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which:
A preferred embodiment of a water meter idler bar of the present invention will now be described.
As shown in
The connectors 56 allow for mechanical and fluid connection between the idler bar 50 and the meter fittings 24, 26 of the meter setter 18. In the preferred embodiment, the connectors 56 comprise external threading 62 defined on an outside surface of the ends 58 of the pipe 52. This threading 62 cooperates with internal threading defined in the meter fittings 24, 26 to create the required mechanical and fluid connection. In the preferred embodiment, the connectors 56 are adapted to accommodate fittings complying with the AWWA C700 standard for water meter connections.
To seal the connection between the idler bar 50 and the meter fittings 24, 26, O-ring seals 64 are provided in recesses 66 defined at the ends 58 of the idler bar 50. Seal shoulders 63 are provided surrounding the recesses 66 to prevent over-tightening of the meter fittings 24, 26 onto the idler bar 50, which over-tightening may result in damage to the idler bar 50 or to the seals 64. In the preferred embodiment, the seals 64 are gaskets made of neoprene rubber.
An outer surface of the pipe 52 flares outwardly 60 between its middle section 54 and its connectors 56 to provide a smooth transition between these sections of the pipe 52. As a result, the connectors 56 are defined on a portion of the pipe 52 having a greater wall thickness than the middle section 54 of the pipe 52. This greater wall thickness provides rigidity which assists the connectors 56 in creating a secure connection between the idler bar 50 and the meter fittings 24, 26.
The idler bar 50 has a length approximating a distance between inlet and outlet connections (not shown) of a water meter to be installed in the meter setter 18.
As shown in
A method of using the idler bar 50 in manufacturing, shipping and installation of the meter setter 18 will now be described.
During manufacture of the meter setter 18, typically during the final stages, an idler bar 50 of the present invention having a length approximating the distance between the inlet and outlet connections of the water meter to be installed in the meter setter, is installed between the meter fittings 24, 26 of the meter setter 18 as discussed above. By doing so, the manufacturer can ensure that the meter fittings 24, 26 are positioned in an alignment and spacing appropriate to accommodate eventual installation of the water meter therebetween.
During shipping and installation of the meter setter 18, the idler bar 50 is maintained between the meter fittings 24, 26 so as to ensure that the correct positioning of the meter fittings 24, 26 is maintained.
Once the meter setter 18 is installed, the idler bar 50 is kept in place such that water can flow through the meter setter 18 prior to installation of the water meter.
Of course if the water meter is to be installed contemporaneously with installation of the meter setter 18, the idler bar 50 can be removed once the meter setter 18 is installed, and replaced with the water meter.
Optionally, a user may choose to use the idler bar 50 during manufacturing and shipping of the meter setter 18 only, or indeed during shipping only. In such a case, either the preferred embodiment idler bar 50 or a second embodiment of the idler bar 50a as shown in
While the idler bar 50 of the present invention has been described as being used in a municipal water supply application, it is to be understood that the idler bar 50 may be used in any water supply application where a water meter is to be installed within the system.
Further, in the above detailed description, the preferred embodiment idler bar 50 has been described in the context of its installation within a very specific type of exemplary meter setter 18. However, it is to be understood that the particular configuration of the meter setter is not an essential element of the invention (so long as the positioning and meter fittings of the meter setter 18 match the positioning and fittings of the idler bar) and that the idler bar 50 can be used with other meter setters.
Very specific geometries, dimensions and materials for the preferred embodiment of the idler bar have been provided. However, it is to be understood that such geometries, dimensions and materials may be varied by persons skilled in the art without necessarily departing from the scope of the invention.
Numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.