Method for using pipe cap assembly
OwnerBenjamin H. Ramirezinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of using a pipe cap assembly for a normally-sealed system includes attaching the base portion of a pipe cap to a pipe of a normally sealed system. A transition cap having internal threads is releasably coupled to an externally-threaded cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap for sealing the same during normal operation. When access to the normally sealed system is required, the transition cap is unthreaded from the pipe cap, and a transition fitting is installed instead. A drain hose, vent hose, or the like, may be coupled to an access port of the transition fitting and fastened thereto for passing fluids to or from the normally sealed system. Alternatively, a test instrument may be coupled to the access port. Thereafter, the transition fitting is removed, and the transition cap is re-installed.
Claims10
A method of using a pipe cap assembly to periodically access a normally-sealed system, the normally-sealed system including at least one pipe, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) attaching a pipe cap to the at least one pipe of the normally-sealed system, the pipe cap including a cylindrical connector portion with an opening extending therethrough, the cylindrical connector portion including exterior threads formed thereupon;
- b) threading a transition cap over the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap when the normally-sealed system does not require access, the transition cap having interior threads formed thereon for threadedly-engaging the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap;
- c) unthreading the transition cap from the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap when access is required to the normally-sealed system, and temporarily setting the transition cap aside;
- d) following step c), threading a transition fitting over the exterior threads of the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap, the transition fitting having interior threads formed thereon for threadedly-engaging the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap, the transition fitting including a tubular port received within the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap, and having an access port having a passageway extending therethrough;
- e) coupling a device to the access port of the transition fitting to gain access to the normally-sealed system;
- f) removing the transition fitting from the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap when access to the normally-sealed system is no longer required;
- and
- g) following step f), re-fastening the transition cap over the cylindrical connector portion of the pipe cap to facilitate normal usage of the normally-sealed system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.