# US 12,000,492 B2 · Holding device for a non-return valve flap and method for positioning same

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- Number: US 12,000,492 B2
- Document ID: US12000492B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/796,462
- Filed: 2021-01-26
- Published: 2023-05-04
- Granted: 2024-06-04
- Earliest claimed: 2020-01-31
- Assignees: Electricite de France
- Applicants: Electricite de France
- Inventors: Coralie Freneau; Fabien Houssay; Maurice Dantic
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12000492B2

## CPC

- F16K 15/03: with a hinged closure member {or with a pivoted closure member}
- F16K 15/1821: {for check valves with a hinged or pivoted closure member}
- G01M 3/022: {Test plugs for closing off the end of a pipe}
- F16K: VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING {(devices for emptying and evacuating the excess liquid in valves or conduits F16L55/07)}
- G01M: TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

## Abstract

A device for holding a flap of a non-return valve in a closed position, which is configured to carry out hydraulic testing of a device or apparatus, includes a body which takes the form of a caliper with two arms that are articulated relative to each other, at a first of the two opposite ends thereof, about a first axis, in that it includes a holder articulated about the first axis and in that the two arms each has, at the second end thereof, a pad pivoting about axes that are parallel to the first axis.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for holding a flap of a non-return valve in a closed position and configured to carry out a hydraulic trial of equipment or an installation, comprising:
a body in a form of a caliper with first and second arms, each of first and second arms having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first and second arms articulated with respect to one another at the first end, around a first axis, and
a holder articulated around said first axis,
wherein said first and second arms include, at the second end, a first pad and a second pad, respectively, pivoting around second and third axes, respectively, parallel to said first axis.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second arms are removable and interchangeable.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The device according to claim 2, wherein said holder is removable and interchangeable.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein said holder is removable and interchangeable.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein said holder has a cylindrical shape.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a screw for adjusting a spacing of said first and second arms.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second pads are coated with a non-slip material.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding foot.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The device according to claim 8, wherein said holding foot is articulated around said first axis.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The device according to claim 9, further comprising a pad at a free end of said holding foot.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

A method for positioning a device according to claim 1 in a body of a valve including a non-return valve with a flap, for carrying out a hydraulic trial, comprising:
positioning a gasket between said flap and a seat of said flap;
introducing said device so that a holder is supported against said flap in a closed position and so that said first and second pads are supported on the body of said valve of said device; and
immobilizing said device.