GB2539687A

GB2539687A - A u-gauge for gas pressure testing

Info

Publication number: GB2539687A
Application number: GB1511111.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Williamson Marc
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-24
Filing date: 2015-06-24
Publication date: 2016-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-24
Also published as: GB2539687B; GB201511111D0

Abstract

A U-gauge 1 for gas pressure testing, the U-gauge comprising an integral timing means 2 configured to allow a user to time a gas pressure testing operation. The timing means may be user-activated and have controls configured for manipulation by a user to start time recordal. The controls may be configured to start and stop time recordal and comprise resetting means, e.g. a reset button. The timing means may further comprise a plurality of different set times, accessible via the user controls. A display 9 may be provided, configured to display time recorded, and may be backlit and moved relative to the main body of the U-gauge for ease of viewing. An integral lighting means 10 may be configured to provide illumination for general operation, wherein the lighting means may be at least one LED. The lighting means may provide external illumination of the display, of the gas measuring portion of the U-gauge, or to the rear of the U-gauge. A protective cover 11 may be configured to move between an enclosed position and a stand position, wherein the cover may be foldable to and from said stand position. The cover may also be removable.

Description

A U-qauqe for qas pressure testing

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a U-gauge for gas pressure testing.

Backqround Gas safe engineers use U-gauges or manometers to test for gas leaks on gas pipe work and appliances. The U-gauge is used by the engineer to measure the gas pressure. The engineer will use a separate stop watch or similar timing device to carry out the required timed gas tests for safety. Frequently, the tests take place in areas that are not well-illuminated or do not have integral lighting, and if necessary, the engineer will also use a separate light or torch in order to carry out the required operations.

The need to potentially use three separate items (the gauge, a timing device, and a torch) adds complexity and difficulty to the task of gas pressure testing, and can make the job of the gas safe engineer more difficult.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20110282218 describes and shows an apparatus that includes a dial having a front face with indicia thereon and a transparent face plate and a back surface; and a light source attached to the dial and positioned exterior to the transparent face plate and oriented so as to illuminate the face plate. The apparatus is advantageously used to measure blood pressure under adverse lighting conditions.

CN202834788U describes and shows a multi-functional emergency flashlight for gas leaking detection, comprising a flashlight body, wherein a gas detection warning system is arranged in the flashlight body for detecting gas leakage. The multifunctional emergency flashlight is not only capable of providing conventional lighting function, but also capable of detecting and warning the household gas leaks, to avoid accidents due to gas leakage.

CN2438111 describes and shows a manometer with an alarm. The inner of a dial arranged in the manometer is provided with a metal conductive pointer, one end of which is connected with the output terminal of the alarm, and the other end is in contact with a pressure expanded device. The dial is provided with an indicating light which is connected with an alarm circuit, the inner of the alarm is provided with a piezoelectric ceramic sheet and the manometer is provided with a connector lug of a power anode. When the utility model alarms, the alarm light of the manometer can be visually observed.

In contrast the present invention provides a U-gauge for gas testing with an integral 10 timing device and in some embodiments a light source to assist with reading the gauge and/or to assist with operations in poorly-lit areas.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a U-gauge for gas pressure testing, the U-gauge comprising: an integral timing means configured to allow a user to time a gas pressure testing operation.

The integral timing means allows a user to time a gas testing operation without having to use a separate timing device, which makes the gas testing operation 20 easier.

In an embodiment, the timing means is user-activated. This allows a user to commence a timing operation at their convenience.

In an embodiment, the timing means comprises user controls configured for manipulation by a user to start time recordal. This allows a user to more easily 25 commence and control the timing of an operation.

In an embodiment, the user controls are configured to start and stop time recordal. This allows a user to easily record the time an operation takes.

In an embodiment, the user controls further comprise means to reset the timing means. This allows a user to quickly and easily reset the device for timing multiple 30 operations.

In an embodiment, the means to reset the timing means is a reset button. This allows a user to quickly and easily reset the device for timing multiple operations.

In an embodiment, the timing means further comprises a plurality of different set times, each set time accessible by a user via the user controls. This allows a user to access pre-set time or time templates in order to quickly and easily carry multiple timing operations.

In an embodiment, the U-gauge for gas pressure testing further comprises a display configured to display the time recorded by the timing means. This allows a user to monitor and quickly and easily view the timings of operations.

In an embodiment, the display is backlit. This allows a user to monitor and quickly and easily view the timings of operations even in dim or low light conditions.

In an embodiment, the display can be moved relative to the main body of the U-gauge for ease of viewing. This allows a user to position the gauge for use and to adjust the display for viewing when not conveniently oriented during an operation.

In an embodiment, the U-gauge for gas pressure testing further comprises an integral lighting means configured to provide illumination for general operation of the U15 gauge. This assists a user in positioning and using the gauge and other tools in dim or low light conditions.

In an embodiment, the integral lighting means comprises at least one LED light. LED lights provide a robust and reliable source of light with low power draw.

In an embodiment, the integral lighting means is configured to provide light for one of more of: external illumination of the display; illumination of the gas measuring portion of the U-gauge; external illumination to the rear of the U-gauge. This allows a user to easily view one or more of the gas measuring portion, items to the rear of the gauge, and the display, even in dim or low light conditions.

In an embodiment, the U-gauge for gas pressure testing further comprises protective cover configured to move between an enclosing position where the cover covers and protects substantially the entire front of the U-gauge, and a stand position where the U-gauge is supported on and above a surface on which the protective cover is located. This allows a user to use the cover to support the U-gauge for use.

In an embodiment, the protective cover is configured to be foldable to and from the 30 stand position. This offers a convenient way to manipulate the stand from use as a stand to use as a cover.

In an embodiment, the protective cover can be removed from the front of the U-gauge, and reattached in the stand position. This offers an alternative way to manipulate the stand from use as a stand to use as a cover.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from one side and above of a U-gauge according to an embodiment of the invention, showing detail of the main body of the U-gauge, and a cover in place over the main body.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the U-gauge of figure 1 from the same angle, showing detail of a display, a timer, and light sources that are integral with the U-gauge and which assist with operation of the U-gauge.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view from one side and above of the U-gauge of figures 1 and 2, with the stand folded out to act as a supporting base for the U-gauge, the U-gauge extending above and supported by the stand.

Figure 4 shows a view from above of the U-gauge with the cover removed, showing 20 detail of the display and the U-shape tube for measuring the pressure.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view from the side and slightly above, from the display end, of the U-gauge of the embodiment of figures 1 to 4, showing detail of the light sources that are integral with the U-gauge and which assist with operation of the U25 gauge.

Detailed Description of Figures

An embodiment of the U-gauge of the present invention will now be described with 30 reference to the figures.

A U-gauge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention has an elongate main body section 4 that acts as a frame to hold the U-shape tube 5 for pressure testing, and other items such as will be described in detail below. The two free ends 7 of the 35 tube 5 extend from one end of the body section, and are adapted for connection to an item for pressure testing. When not in use, a length of hose 6 is placed over the free ends 7 to protect these.

An integral timer 2 is located at the same end of the body section 4 as the free ends 7. The timer 2 is configured to allow a user to time a gas pressure testing operation, 5 without having to use a separate timing device. The timer 2 is user-activated, via a button or buttons 8 on one side of the integral timer 2, extending from the side of the body section 4. The control buttons allow a user to start and stop time recordal, allowing a user to time and easily record the time an operation takes. The buttons can also be manipulated to reset the timing means. In this embodiment, a number of 10 different set times can also be accessed by these controls. Accessing a pre-set time allows a user to set a particular time for a particular operation quickly and easily.

A display 9 is co-located with the timer 2, the face of the display facing outwards from the top or upper part of the U-gauge 1. The display 9 is configured to display the time recorded by the timing means 2. This allows a user to monitor and quickly and easily view the timings of operations. The display 9 is backlit, to a user to monitor and quickly and easily view the timings of operations even in dim or low light conditions. In a variation of the main embodiment, the display 9 can be rotated upwards from the body section 4 to face towards the opposite end from the timer 2, so that in use a user can more easily see the display, without having to view this from directly above or close to directly above. This allows the U-gauge 1 to be used in smaller or more confined areas while reducing the need for the user to also be present in the confined area.

An LED light or torch is integrated with the body section 4 at the same end as the timer 2, aligned so as to shine outwards from the same end as the timer 2, generally 25 in line with the axis of the elongate body section 2. This assists a user in positioning and using the gauge and other tools in dim or low light conditions.

A further light 10 is also included on the timer housing in this embodiment. The light 10 provides a source of external illumination for the display, and also illuminates the U-shape tube 5. In variations, this light 10 can also provide a source of external illumination to the rear of the U-gauge (the base, on the opposite side to the display 9). All the lights can be controlled via controls 12 on the side of the housing of the timer 2.

As shown in figures 2, 3, and 5, and with particular reference to figure 3, the U-gauge 1 also has a cover 11 that is rotatably connected to the main body of the U-gauge 1 35 at one end, so that it can be moved between an enclosing position where the cover 11 covers and protects substantially the entire front of the U-gauge, and a stand position (as shown in figure 3) where the U-gauge 1 is supported on and above a surface on which the protective cover 11 is located. In the embodiment shown, the protective cover 11 is configured to be foldable or rotatable relative to the body 4, to and from the stand position. However, in variations, the protective cover can be fully removed from the front of the U-gauge, and reattached in the stand position. This offers an alternative way to manipulate the stand from use as a stand to use as a cover.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing, the U-gauge comprising: an integral timing means configured to allow a user to time a gas pressure testing operation.
2. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 1 wherein the timing means is user-activated.
3. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 2 wherein the timing means comprises user controls configured for manipulation by a user to start time recordal.
4. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 3 wherein the user controls are configured to start and stop time recordal.
5. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the user controls further comprise means to reset the timing means.
6. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 5 wherein the means to reset the timing means is a reset button.
7. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the timing means further comprises a plurality of different set times, each set time accessible by a user via the user controls.
8. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a display configured to display the time recorded by the timing means.
9. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 8 wherein the display is backlit.
10. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 8 wherein the display can be moved relative to the main body of the U-gauge for ease of viewing.
11. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising an integral lighting means configured to provide illumination for general operation of the U-gauge
12. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed claim 11 wherein the integral lighting means comprises at least one LED light.
13. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the integral lighting means is configured to provide light for one of more of: external illumination of the display; illumination of the gas measuring portion of the U-gauge; external illumination to the rear of the U-gauge.
14. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 further comprising a protective cover configured to move between an enclosing position where the cover covers and protects substantially the entire front of the U-gauge, and a stand position where the U-gauge is supported on and above a surface on which the protective cover is located.
15. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 14 wherein the protective cover is configured to be foldable to and from the stand position.
16. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing as claimed in claim 15 wherein the protective cover can be removed from the front of the U-gauge, and reattached in the stand position.
17. A U-gauge for gas pressure testing substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.