| US 7,543,856 B2 | ||
| Tubing connecting device | ||
| Mark Thomas Lang, Collierville, Tenn. (US) | ||
| Assigned to Mueller Gas Products, Hartsville, Tenn. (US) | ||
| Filed on Jan. 15, 2008, as Appl. No. 12/14,253. | ||
| Application 12/014253 is a continuation of application No. 11/031713, filed on Jan. 07, 2005, granted, now 7,322,616, filed on Jan. 29, 2008. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2008/0136174 A1, Jun. 12, 2008 | ||
| This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer. | ||
| Int. Cl. F16L 41/00 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 285—197 [285/192; 285/198; 285/122.1; 137/343; 137/883; 29/890.14] | 20 Claims |
| 1. A tubing connecting system, comprising:
a substantially D-shaped fluid carrying tube including a longitudinally extending flat portion and a cylindrical portion,
the flat portion having a first aperture formed there through;
a coupling body including a first port, a second port, and a fluid passageway providing fluid communication between said first
and second ports;
a valve assembly disposed within said fluid passageway that selectively enables fluid communication between said first and
second ports;
a planar surface on said coupling body, surrounding said first port and configured to engage said flat portion of said D-shaped
tube, wherein said first port is in fluid communication with said aperture;
a strap affixed at both ends to said coupling body and configured to engage said D-shaped tube and hold said coupling body
in place along said longitudinally extending flat portion.
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