Leak testing device

Abstract

A leak testing device includes a generally cylindrical elongated sealing gasket which defines a recess therethrough. The gasket includes first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits. A shoulder portion extends radially into the recess for supporting a diaphragm member thereon. The diaphragm member includes a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the diaphragm member is made intregal with the gasket. A hole is provided in the diaphragm member which can be selectively opened or closed by a valve assembly provided on the diaphragm member to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the two conduits.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A leak testing device to be positioned between two adjacent conduits, comprising: 
 a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therethrough;    b) said gasket including first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of two adjacent conduits;    c) a shoulder portion extending from said gasket;    d) a diaphragm member for positioning within said gasket;    e) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and    f) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the conduits.    
     
     
         2 . The leak testing device of    claim 1   , further comprising: 
 a) an adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the ends of the conduits.    
     
     
         3 . The leak testing device of    claim 1   , wherein: 
 a) said valve comprises a valve housing with a sliding member therein.    
     
     
         4 . The leak testing device of    claim 3   , wherein: 
 a) said valve comprises an operating handle.    
     
     
         5 . The leak testing device of    claim 4   , wherein: 
 a) said valve housing is mounted to said diaphragm member.    
     
     
         6 . The leak testing device of    claim 5   , wherein: 
 a) said handle is positioned exterior of said gasket.    
     
     
         7 . The leak testing device of    claim 3   , wherein: 
 a) said valve housing is integral with said diaphragm member.    
     
     
         8 . The leak testing device of    claim 1   , wherein: 
 a) said gasket is made of a compressible material; and    b) said diaphragm is made of a substantially rigid material.    
     
     
         9 . A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: 
 a) providing a first conduit to be leak-tested;    b) providing a second conduit;    c) providing a leak testing device between the ends of the first and second conduits, wherein the leak testing device comprises: 
 i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therethrough;  
 ii) said gasket including first and second end portions for receiving the respective ends of the first and second conduits;  
 iii) a shoulder portion extending from said gasket;  
 iv) a diaphragm member for positioning within said gasket;  
 v) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and  
 vi) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid between the first and second conduits;  
   d) actuating the valve to restrict the flow of fluid between the first and second conduits;    e) filling the first conduit with a fluid;    f) inspecting the first conduit for any leaks; and    g) actuating the valve to permit the flow of fluid from the first conduit to the second conduit.    
     
     
         10 . A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a conduit, comprising: 
 a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therethrough;    b) said gasket including an end portion for receiving an end of a conduit;    c) a shoulder portion extending from said gasket;    d) a diaphragm member for positioning within said gasket;    e) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and    f) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough.    
     
     
         11 . The leak testing device of    claim 10   , further comprising: 
 a) an adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the end of the conduit.    
     
     
         12 . The leak testing device of    claim 10   , wherein: 
 a) said valve comprises a valve housing with a sliding member therein.    
     
     
         13 . The leak testing device of    claim 12   , wherein: 
 a) said valve comprises an operating handle.    
     
     
         14 . The leak testing device of    claim 13   , wherein: 
 a) said valve housing is mounted to said diaphragm member.    
     
     
         15 . The leak testing device of    claim 14   , wherein: 
 a) said handle is positioned exterior of said gasket.    
     
     
         16 . The leak testing device of    claim 13   , wherein: 
 a) said valve housing is integral with said diaphragm member.    
     
     
         17 . The leak testing device of    claim 10   , wherein: 
 a) said gasket is made of a compressible material; and    b) said diaphragm is made of a substantially rigid material.    
     
     
         18 . A leak testing device to be positioned adjacent an end of a conduit, comprising: 
 a) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therethrough;    b) said gasket including an end portion for receiving an end of a conduit;    c) said gasket including an integral diaphragm member extending into said recess;    d) said diaphragm member substantially closing said recess;    e) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and    f) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough.    
     
     
         19 . The leak testing device of    claim 18   , further comprising: 
 a) an adjustable split-clamp for providing about the perimeter of said gasket to thereby sealingly clamp the device about the end of the conduit.    
     
     
         20 . The leak testing device of    claim 18   , wherein: 
 a) said valve comprises a valve housing with a sliding member therein.    
     
     
         21 . The leak testing device of    claim 18   , wherein: 
 a) said valve comprises an operating handle.    
     
     
         22 . The leak testing device of    claim 21   , wherein: 
 a) said valve housing is mounted to said diaphragm member.    
     
     
         23 . The leak testing device of    claim 22   , wherein: 
 a) said handle is positioned exterior of said gasket.    
     
     
         24 . The leak testing device of    claim 21   , wherein: 
 a) said valve housing is integral with said diaphragm member.    
     
     
         25 . The leak testing device of    claim 18   , wherein: 
 a) said diaphragm is made of a substantially rigid material.    
     
     
         26 . A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: 
 a) providing a conduit to be leak-tested;    b) providing a leak testing device adjacent an end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing device comprises: 
 i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therethrough;  
 ii) said gasket including an end portion for receiving an end of a conduit;  
 iii) a shoulder portion extending from said gasket;  
 iv) a diaphragm member for positioning within said gasket;  
 v) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and  
 vi) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough;  
   c) actuating the valve to restrict the flow of fluid through the hole;    d) filling the conduit with a fluid;    e) inspecting the conduit for any leaks; and    f) actuating the valve to permit the flow of fluid through the hole.    
     
     
         27 . A method of testing for a leak in a conduit, comprising: 
 a) providing a conduit to be leak-tested;    b) providing a leak testing device adjacent one end of the conduit, wherein the leak testing device comprises: 
 i) a generally cylindrical gasket defining a recess therethrough;  
 ii) said gasket including an end portion for receiving an end of a conduit;  
 iii) said gasket including an integral diaphragm member extending into said recess;  
 iv) said diaphragm member substantially closing said recess;  
 v) said diaphragm member including a through hole; and  
 vi) a valve operably connected to said diaphragm member for selectively opening or closing the hole to thereby permit or restrict the flow of a fluid therethrough;  
   c) actuating the valve to restrict the flow of fluid through the hole;    d) filling the conduit with a fluid;    e) inspecting the conduit for any leaks; and    f) actuating the valve to permit the flow of fluid through the hole.