Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. The first band end portion includes a plurality of slots, and the second band end portion includes a first and second aperture. A locking member is a separate element adapted to fit within the first and second apertures and includes a first tab for extending through the first aperture and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter and a second tab for engaging the second aperture. The second tab is designed not to interfere with the first band end portion while expanding the band. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion.

Abstract: A modular connection assembly features an insert secured within an aperture of a wall of a manhole and includes a first cavity having a threaded region. An adapter includes a second cavity and a first end having a threaded region for engaging the threaded region of the insert. A second end of the adapter is adapted to be secured to a pipe end. According to one embodiment, a boot connects the adapter to the pipe. The second end of the adapter includes a circumferential shoulder that biases a circumferential lip of the boot against the wall. Alternatively, the boot is secured to the adapter using adhesives or clamps. A knockout is secured to the insert and includes an internal membrane region and an exterior membrane region having a protrusion extending generally outwardly beyond the internal membrane region.

Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. The first band end portion includes a plurality of slots, and the second band end portion includes a first and second aperture. A locking member is a separate element adapted to fit within the first and second apertures and includes a first tab for extending through the first aperture and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter and a second tab for engaging the second aperture. The second tab is designed not to interfere with the first band end portion while expanding the band. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion.

Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. The first band end portion includes a plurality of slots, and the second band end portion includes a first and second aperture. A locking member is a separate element adapted to fit within the first and second apertures and includes a first tab for extending through the first aperture and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter and a second tab for engaging the second aperture. The second tab is designed not to interfere with the first band end portion while expanding the band. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion.

Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first band end portion, and a locking member extends from the second band end portion. The locking member is an integral element of the second band end portion and includes a tab for extending through the second band end portion and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion. When the band is expanded, the tab is disengaged from the slots and slides over the slots, allowing the first and second band end portions to move relative to one another. At the desired diameter, the tab engages one of the slots to lock the band at the desired diameter.

Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first band end portion, and a locking member extends from the second band end portion. The locking member is an integral element of the second band end portion and includes a tab for extending through the second band end portion and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter. The locking member may also include at least one rib or protrusion. When the band is expanded, the tab is disengaged from the slots and slides over the slots, allowing the first and second band end portions to move relative to one another. At the desired diameter, the tab engages one of the slots to lock the band at the desired diameter.

Abstract: The clamping band is used to clamp a connector boot within a hole in a manhole riser or other generally cylindrical structure, particularly where the depth of the hole is greater than the thickness of the manhole riser. The clamping band has a width such that a portion of the band extends beyond the hole surface. The clamping band preferably overhangs both the inner surface and outer surface of the generally cylindrical wall of the manhole riser. In one embodiment, the clamping band is used to affect a pipe-to-manhole connection.

Abstract: A corrugated pipe adapter for providing a sealing surface on a corrugated pipe includes a generally cylindrical sleeve having a generally smooth outer clamping surface and at least one protrusion. The protrusions include side walls and an arched structure between the side walls. The protrusions extend from an inside of the generally cylindrical sleeve. The side walls move outwardly against the corrugations on the corrugated pipe when pressure is applied to the generally smooth outer clamping surface.

Abstract: The expandable band is used to secure a sealing element within a generally cylindrical structure, such as a pipe or manhole, or other round hole. The expandable band includes a band body having a first band end portion and a second band end portion. A plurality of slots are disposed in the first band end portion, and a locking member extends from the second band end portion. The locking member includes a tab for extending through the second band end portion and into one of the plurality of slots to lock the expandable band at the desired diameter. An end section of the second band end portion extends beyond the tab of the locking member to ease the transition between the overlapping first and second band end portions. When the band is expanded, the tab is disengaged from the slots and slides over the slots, allowing the first and second band end portions to move relative to one another. At the desired diameter, the tab engages one of the slots to lock the band at the desired diameter.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a threaded member such as a screw or bolt in a substrate material includes an anchoring sheath for receiving the threaded member. The anchoring sheath includes annular anchoring ribs formed around a body portion of the anchoring sheath and at least one longitudinal rib extending along at least a portion of the body portion of the anchoring sheath and extend outwardly from the anchoring sheath. In a sheath with more than one longitudinal rib, the longitudinal ribs lie in different planes which intersect at the longitudinal axis of the anchoring sheath. The anchoring sheath preferably includes top and bottom regions which have no annular or longitudinal ribs. The bottom region can have an extended length to accommodate threaded members of varying lengths and a hole providing drainage of water, ice, or other debris as the threaded member is tightened into the sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grinding a surface on a workpiece, such as a spigot on a pipe, while supporting the workpiece on the surface being ground. The grinding apparatus includes workpiece support wheels, two of which are positioned beneath the workpiece and contact the workpiece at the surface being ground. The grinding apparatus also includes a rotator mechanism, such as a motor which drives one of the workpiece support wheels in frictional contact with the workpiece outer surface, for rotating the workpiece. The grinding apparatus further includes a surface grinding mechanism, such as a motor and grinding or cutting wheel positioned generally between the two workpiece support wheels and which contacts the surface being ground. The cutter mechanism is adjustable in a vertical direction and angularly to grind an angled surface.

Abstract: A liquid-filled seal for sewer pipes. The seal comprises a hollow trapezoidal cavity formed by spaced circumferentially extending walls and radially extending walls of elastomer or other material formed of substantially uniform thickness. Additional materials extending radially from the circumferentially extending walls form inner and outer annular sealing ribs that contact portions of adjacent pipes thereby to effect a seal between those sections. A non-compressible liquid fills the cavity thereby to promote uniform sealing pressure around the periphery of the pipes notwithstanding the relative position of the adjacent pipe sections.

Abstract: A band assembly for effecting a seal particularly adapted for use in establishing a joint between a sewer pipe and a reinforced concrete manhole riser. The seal is affected by a tapered elastomeric tubular connector boot and a clamping band member with an expansion mechanism. Wedge followers are loosely captured in the end sections of the clamping band and lie along a circumferential center line on the band. Driving wedges extend along an axis transverse to the circumferential center line. The wedge followers and wedge drivers both have divergent edge sections that interengage and slide over one another as the driving wedges are pulled together by a clamping mechanism comprising, in a simplest form, a nut and bolt. As the driving wedges move toward the circumferential center line, they displace the wedge followers. The wedge followers engage the end portions of the clamping band and force it and the connector boot into a sealing relationship with the surrounding manhole riser.

Abstract: A saddle tee assembly for connecting a lateral pipe to a main pipe. The saddle tee assembly includes a saddle tee boot, a collar means and clamping device. The saddle tee boot has a flexible saddle and cylindrical hollow tee section. The saddle attaches to a main pipe; the hollow tee section receives the lateral pipe in a first hollow section. A section hollow section with an internally tapered surface seals against the end of the lateral pipe. A flexible collar overlies the saddle about the periphery of the hollow tee. A clamping device circumscribes the main pipe to apply tension along the circumference of the main pipe to the collar thereby to force the collar into the saddle and the saddle against the main pipe. A water-activated mastic for improved sealing characteristics may be interposed between the saddle and the main pipe.

Abstract: A band assembly for effecting a seal particularly adapted for use in establishing a joint between a sewer pipe and a reinforced concrete manhole riser. The seal is affected by a tapered elastomeric tubular connector boot and a clamping band member that expands one end of the boot into the surface of the riser wall. The band assembly comprises a clamping band and a separate toggle expander. The clamping band includes separated end sections that capture the ends of the toggle expander. When the toggle expander is forced into an expanded position, the clamping band forces the connector boot into contact with the manhole riser. The clamping band includes stiffening lips and the toggle expander also incudes stiffening lips to provide a rigid structure. In one embodiment a tab overlies the end sections in the space of the clamping band and the space therebetween to further improve the evenness of the sealing force applied to the connector boot.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealably and flexibly joining together a pipe member and an enclosed body in a sewer system having a seal comprising an elastic sleeve with an annular cavity. The cavity contains a coagulant material that forms a cellular, viscous gel when activated with water. When the seal is properly positioned, water is pumped under pressure through a valve into the cavity to expand the elastic sleeve into sealing engagement with the pipe and the manhole. In time the water and coagulant material forms the gel that remains in the viscous state.