Abstract: The invention is an improved conduit flow controller for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture defined by a continuous peripheral edge in the sidewall of the conduit. An elongated housing surrounds the aperture and is sealingly connected to the conduit. A conduit stopper is movably mounted in the housing and is positionable in the conduit. The conduit stopper includes a deformable sealing element having opposed flat sides and an edge engageable with the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected with the sealing element. A resilient seal is mounted on a carrier and is engageable with the continuous edge. The sealing element is cooperative with the seal to close a portion of the conduit to regulate the flow of fluid along the elongated conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining valves in a water distribution system is the subject matter. A description is prepared of each valve in the system. An individual identifying symbol is assigned to each valve. The identifying symbol and the valve individual description and location, is loaded into a computer database. A group of valves in the system is selected to define an inspection route. A portable computer is loaded with the information regarding each valve along the inspection route. A valve turning machine is positioned adjacent to a selected valve. The valve turning machine includes an identification reader, a timer and the portable computer. A reader identifies a select valve by means of its symbol and the symbol is recorded in the portable computer. The turning machine is connected to the stem of the selected valve to turn the stem in a selected direction. The number of revolutions of the valve stem is counted and recorded in the portable computer.

Abstract: A conduit stopper used with a nozzle sealingly mounted on an elongated conduit for selectively interrupting the flow of a fluid through the conduit. The conduit has an aperture communicating with the nozzle for receiving a portion of the conduit stopper. A plug holder is connected to the linear actuator. A retainer cap is secured to the plug holder for movement therewith in the nozzle. A deformable sealing element has one end secured to the retainer cap and an opposite end is adapted to be forced into sealing engagement in the interior of the conduit to interrupt the flow of the fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A conduit stopper is used for interrupting the flow of fluid through an elongated conduit. The conduit stopper has a nozzle sealingly mounted on the elongated conduit. The conduit has an aperture communicating with the nozzle. A deformable sealing element having opposed substantially flat sides is movably mounted in the nozzle and is engageable with the interior of the conduit to interrupt the flow of fluid through the conduit. A carrier is sealingly connected to the sealing element. An actuator is connected to the carrier for moving the carrier into sealing communication with the nozzle and then to deform the sealing element into sealing engagement with the interior of the conduit while the carrier and the nozzle are in sealing communication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipeline plugger for mounting on a pipe which pipe has an insertion port. The pipeline plugger includes a housing adapted for mounting on the pipe adjacent to the insertion port. A rod is mounted in the housing and is axially movably transverse to the axis of the pipe. The rod has a carrier block connected to one end. A holding pin is mounted on the carrier block substantially opposed to the rod. The pipe has a pin aperture substantially opposite to the insertion port. The pin aperture is adapted to receive the pin. A plug is pivotally connected to the carrier block. The plug is adapted to be selectively positioned in the pipe to stop the flow of fluid through the pipe past the plug.

Abstract: A tapping machine is herein disclosed. The tapping machine includes a base. A frame is connected to the base. A movable drive assembly is movably connected to the frame. A cutter is connected drivingly to the movable drive assembly. The base is adapted to engage a gate valve, or the like. In operation the drive assembly moves along the frame to bring the cutter through the gate valve into selective engagement with a pipe which is to be tapped.

Abstract: A removable cutter tooth for use with a cylindrical tooth carrier is herein disclosed. The removable cutter tooth has an elongated base. A thrust pin is formed integral with, and perpendicular to, a portion of the elongated base. A rib is also formed integral with the elongated base. A cutting insert is connected to the elongated base and to the rib.