Abstract: A removable apparatus for upgrade of an in-service pipeline without disrupting the flow of fluid within the in-service pipeline. The removable apparatus comprises at least one enclosure having a top section and a bottom section for temporarily enclosing a pipe section of the in-service pipeline. The top section and bottom sections are sealably disposable around the pipe section. A repairing mechanism for repairing the pipe section or an insertion mechanism for inserting and connecting a pipeline element to the pipe section is disposed within the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot tap cutting of plastic pipe comprising an electrode having a cutting edge, means for heating said electrode, and an insulating sheath, means for controlling movement of the electrode, and a housing containing the electrode, said housing sealingly securable to at least a portion of a plastic pipe whereby fluid pressure is maintained in the plastic pipe.

Abstract: An electrode for an electric discharge machining apparatus comprising a wall which forms a hollow body open on at least one end, the open end having a shape of the opening to be cut in a structural member. The cutting edge of the electrode is formed by the wall at the open end of the electrode and has a contour which is complementary to the surface contour of the side of the structural member facing away from the electrode. The cutting edge has a thickness of about 0.005 inches to about 0.125 inches.

Abstract: A reelable flow stopper for plugging fluid flow within a pipe having a guide housing with an enclosed guide channel. A guide housing sealably secures to at least one side of a full port gate valve and the opposite side of the full port gate valve is in communication with the inside of the pipe. The pipe has an access hole in a pipe wall of the pipe. The guide channel is in communication with the access hole. At least one guide prong of a fork extends into the pipe. The guide prong is secured to the guide housing. A roller bearing is rotably mounted to each guide prong of the fork. A take-up spool is secured to the bearing and the take-up spool rotates with respect to each guide prong of the fork. A stopper tape has a spool end secured to the take-up spool and an opposite end contacting the guide pins located within the guide housing. The guide pins route and guide the stopper tape into and out of the pipe. A crank is secured to a crank gear. A drive gear is secured with respect to the take-up spool.

Abstract: A joint for connecting a smooth wall pipe to fittings or other pipes, the joint including a hollow body member having a passageway therethrough, a split gripper ring positioned and movable axially within the passageway, an elastomeric sealing ring also positioned and movable axially within the passageway and means for axially urging the gripper ring and the sealing ring apart whereby the gripper ring has improved initial grip on the pipe upon insertion of the same and the sealing ring has improved sealing characteristics over a range of positive and negative pressures and over a hot and cold temperature range. The external configuration of the split gripper ring cooperates with the internal configuration of the passageway so that the pipe can be installed axially into the body member but when pulled outwardly of the body member the gripper ring is further actuated from its initial gripping action to prevent removal of the pipe.