Abstract: A masking device that masks the fitting on a tube assembly. The masking device includes a clamping assembly that supports the fitting of the tube assembly once it is inserted into the device. The masking device also includes an extension assembly that moves relative to the clamping assembly and has a plurality of stretching members that stretch an elastic sleeve to a diameter equal to or greater than the fitting. The masking device also has a drive assembly that moves the extension assembly relative to the housing and the clamping assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing the metal layer from a metal-plastic multilayer pipe (20) where the pipe has a plastic inner pipe (30), a metal layer (32) around the plastic inner pipe (30), the metal layer (32) of uniform thickness and is applied to the plastic inner pipe (30) so that it completely encircles the plastic inner pipe (30), with the feature that the apparatus has: a pipe holding post (70); a blade (52) secured to the post and positioned with the cutting-edge (51) thereof along the post; means (80) for guiding insertion of the post into the end of the pipe (20) so that the blade (52) cuts into the metal layer (32) down to the inner plastic pipe (30); and means (60) enabling rotating the post (70) and blade (52) with respect to the pipe (20) or rotating the pipe with respect to the post and blade in a direction so that the metal layer (32) thereon is peeled from the end of the tube down to the plastic inner pipe (30).

Abstract: A method of lining installed pipework which includes the steps of taking a length of liner pipe made from a memory retaining plastics material of external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the pipework to be lined, drawing the liner pipe through a swaging die which is attached directly or indirectly to the pipe to be lined using pulling means under tension attached to the leading end of the liner pipe and threaded through the pipework to reduce the external diameter of the liner pipe by up to 15%, the tension applied by the pulling means being such as partially to restrain the radial expansion of the outer surface of the liner pipe after its emergence from the die, drawing the liner pipe after its emergence from the die, drawing the liner pipe through the installed pipework with its outer diameter reduced to and/or maintained at a dimension less than that of the inner diameter of the pipework and thereafter allowing the liner pipe to expand within the pipework by relaxation of the said tension fo

Abstract: An object, e.g. a piston or a fluid medicament, is inserted into a tubular syringe body centered on a syringe axis and having a pair of ends by an apparatus having a support movable axially forward toward and axially rearward away from the body and a tube extending along a sleeve axis generally parallel to the syringe axis, having a rear end fixed in the support and a front end fittable inside the syringe. A centering sleeve is formed centered on the sleeve axis with a generally frustoconical centering surface engageable with the rear body end surrounding the tube. This sleeve is displaceable axially on the support between a front position with the centering surface projecting axially forward past the tube front end and a rear position with the tube front end projecting axially forward past the centering surface. The support is displaced axially forward toward the body and thereby engages the centering surface coaxially with the body rear end.

Abstract: A device for enabling substantially uniform and tight crimping of an intravascular stent onto a balloon catheter assembly. The stent crimping device includes at least one compressible and resiliently expandable loop portion, that is expandable radially outwardly to enable supporting of the stent and catheter assembly thereon, and compressible radially inwardly to substantially uniformly and tightly crimp the stent onto the balloon catheter assembly.

Abstract: A clamping device and method wherein the device comprises a movable jaw and a fixed jaw wherein the movable jaw is displaced toward the fixed jaw along a plurality of load points. In one embodiment, the displacing action is through a plurality of inclined plane or ramp surfaces. In another embodiment, the displacing action is through a camming surface. A biasing mechanism is also provided to apply a consistent, predictable clamping force to a group of objects retained between the movable jaw and the fixed jaw. A low friction surface or coating on the jaws permit movement of the objects transverse to the clamping force while clamped.

Abstract: A steel service pipe is connected to a main by a tee. A flexible assembly is inserted through the open end of the pipe and through the tee into the main. The flexible assembly includes a section of lower stiffness and a ball and socket connection of even lower stiffness at its leading end. The ball is connected to a weight. The weight falls down on entering the tee and creates a turning moment on the assembly. A plastic pipe is inserted through the open end of the pipe over the assembly and is inserted through the tee into the main. The pipe has a corrugated leading end which is more flexible than the remainder of the pipe and has a tapered nose terminating in a cylindrical mouth which enters an aperture in a liner in the main.

Abstract: The reliability of a gas pressure regulator is ensured through the use of the disclosed integrated crimp bias apparatus and method for biasing and crimping components of a diaphragm subassembly for the regulator. Omission of crimping of the components after biasing during forming of the diaphragm subassembly for the regulator is avoided by automatically locking at least one of the components of the subassembly in the apparatus before biasing and automatically releasing the locking only after crimping of the biased components. A pincerlike crimper of the apparatus includes a pair of pincers working on a pivot, each pincer having a handle to which a force can be applied and a grasping jaw for exerting a crimping pressure on the components. Grasping jaws each have two crimping elements which oppose respective ones of the crimping elements on the opposing grasping jaw during crimping. A fixture holds the components to be biased and crimp connected.

Abstract: A corrugated plastic service pipe 20 is inserted together with a flexible guide assembly 22 through an accessible end 11 of a steel service pipe 14, 10, which extends from the end 11 to a main 18. The flexible guide assembly 22 comprises a flexible guide element 24 and a flexible spring guide 26. The element 24 extends through a nose-piece 32 having an outer part secured to the pipe 20 and an inner part 36. The spring guide 26 carries a sensor 60 at its tip which emits a signal when the sensor enters the main 18. When the pipe 20 is correctly positioned fluid sealant 70 is injected into the space between the pipe 20 and the pipe 14, 10. When the sealant has solidified sufficiently, the guide assembly 22 is withdrawn through the pipe 20, the inner part 36 being separated from the outer part 34 to allow withdrawal of the spring guide 26.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a length of cable including placing a length of pipe forming a closed chamber into a bore hole, placing a length of metal tubing into the pipe, attaching a piston pig to an electrically conductive wire and inserting the pig into the metal tubing and applying a differential pressure to the piston pig for controlling the movement of the pig and conductor through the tubing, and removing the combination of the tubing and wire from the pipe for later use.

Abstract: A sipper tube insertion and removal apparatus is provided for easily and consistently inserting a sipper tube into a stopper with a hole and for also easily and consistently removing a sipper tube from a hole in a stopper. For insertion of a sipper tube into the hole of a stopper, the apparatus includes a sipper tube insertion head for holding the sipper tube, a stopper insertion platform for holding the stopper, and an actuator. The stopper insertion platform holds the stopper such that the hole of the stopper is aligned with the sipper tube, and the platform is disposed at a predetermined distance apart from the sipper tube insertion head. The actuator closes the predetermined distance between the sipper tube insertion head and the stopper insertion platform so as to cause the sipper tube to be inserted into the hole of the stopper.

Abstract: Methods for installing liners in metal pipes incorporating the embodiments of this invention are disclosed. Liner (30), pulled through the pipe, is cut back to the correct position in socket (22) and pin (36). Socket clamp (32) or pin clamp (42) is placed over extrusion rod (78) of reverse calibration machine (60). Liner clamp mandrel (76) is installed behind the clamp. First hydraulic cylinder (64) and second hydraulic cylinder (66) in reverse calibrator frame (62) are activated to move extrusion rod (78). The tapered surface of liner clamp mandrel (76) comes in contact with the clamp, expanding the clamp walls as the hard tool steel of the mandrel contacts the softer steel of the clamp. Liner clamp mandrel (76) passes fully through the clamp completing the installation. Liner (30) is locked between socket clamp (32) or pin clamp (42) and the inside wall of the calibrated section of socket (22) or pin (36).

Abstract: A method for joining a pliable, tubular joining component to one end, which is, for example, conical, of a base component, including inserting the joining component into a workpiece holder, holding the base component by use of a gripping tool so that the joining component and the base component are aligned coaxially, moving the gripping tool and the workpiece holder towards each other, delivering compressed air into the workpiece holder via a compressed air delivery channel for the purpose of widening that end of the joining component facing the base component, and pushing the base component into the widened end of the joining component. A device for carrying out the method includes a workpiece holder, a movable gripping tool for holding the base component, and a compressed air delivery channel coaxial with respect to the joining component and the base component.

Abstract: A portable, manually operated shaft handling apparatus (10), supported by swiveling wheels (12), (13), and (14) having a carriage (60) capable of counterbalancing the weight of the shaft (18) using air springs (50), and (51). The carriage will receive the shaft from the hoist (16) of an unwinding machine, and will strip the core (19) of an expended roll from the shaft utilizing compressed air. The apparatus is able to transport the shaft and insert it into the core of a new web roll (17) without any manual handling of the shaft. The apparatus can be adjusted for use with a variety of shafts having different weights and lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more insert members comprises the steps of holding sleeve-like insert members onto insert holders, transferring the insert holders between metal molds which are apart, pivotably moving the insert holders so that the axes thereof are aligned with the axes of parts, onto which the insert members are to be fitted, in one of the metal molds, pressing out the insert members from the insert holders and fitting them onto the parts, onto which the insert members are to be fitted. This method allows the number of the insert holders to be reduced to half, thereby achieving a reduction in weight and a saving in space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a guide wire including a core wire surrounded by a heat shrunk polymeric plastic sleeve of variable wall thickness. The core wire is inserted into the sleeve, and heat is applied to successive axially spaced annular zones of the sleeve to heat shrink it around the core. The distal portion of the sleeve and core wire are moved relative to the heat zones at one rate of speed, and the proximal portion of the sleeve is moved relative to the heat zones at a different rates of speed. The thickness of the heat shrunk sleeve is varied by controlling the rates of speed such that a variable and controlled tension is applied to the sleeve as it is being heat shrunk.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for aligning a shaft puller axis with a central axis of a shaft in a filled roll of tissue having a core and a shaft in the core, the shaft puller adjusting its axis to be coincident with the axis of the shaft, and assembling unfilled cores by axially aligning core segments and positioning the assembled core with the shaft puller to push the shaft into the unfilled cores. The core segments may be separated by a spacer ring. Combination apparatus and methods for pulling shafts and combination apparatus and methods for assembling cores and inserting shafts are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for easy and reliable manufacture of a silencer constructed with a multi-perforated inner tube and an outer tube, between which a sound-absorbing material such as glass wool, etc. is filled in, without use of a binding agent, etc. The invention is also directed to provide an apparatus for use in the manufacture of such silencer.

Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.

Abstract: A simple, brightly colored, plastic collar is disclosed for greatly enhancing the visibility of the golf hole for players, spectator and televised golf events. The collar has a diameter essentially the same as a regulation hole and is installed in the cup adjacent the exposed earth wall between the lip of the hole and the hole liner. Furthermore, use of the collar enhances a retention of moisture in the earth around the lip to prevent drying and crumbling of the soil which can cause an initially sharp lip to become rounded. The collar preferably has a thinner upper perimeter wall to insure that the reaction of an impinging golf ball against the cup wall having the collar installed is not substantially altered from the reaction of a ball impinging an earth surface of a cup not having the collar installed.

Abstract: A strip of heat activated structural adhesive film is sandwiched between two thin strips of tempered steel shim stock, and the combined strips are placed into a semi-cylindrical cavity defined by a female mold member or block. A mating male mold member or metal bar presses the strips into the cavity while the parts are heated within a heated platen hydraulic press to form a laminated curved shoe body. After the shoe body is cooled, a semi-cylindrical collar is attached by another strip of the adhesive to one end portion of the laminated shoe body and with similar mold members heated within the press. The attached collar seats within a mating recess formed within a semi-circular mounting member and is removably secured by screws to provide for conveniently replacing the shoe body.

Abstract: A method for and a device to insert filters into disposable pipette tips uses a turntable adapted to receive a plurality of tips adjacent its circumference and powered by a stepping motor to incrementally rotate pipette tips to various positions for appropriate actions. After a tip is placed in the turntable, it is moved successively to a position where a filter of predetermined size may be inserted into the tip. The filter is then tamped into the desired final position at still another position. After checking for the presence of a filter, the pipette is removed from the turntable.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining installed pipework which includes a swaging die which is attached directly or indirectly to the pipe to be lined, pulling structure attached to the leading end of the liner pipe and threaded through the pipework to reduce the external diameter of the liner pipe by up to 15%, pushing structure located between the die and the pipework, and heating and cooling apparatus for the liner pipe.

Abstract: A preassembled unit for a sewage nitrification field has minimum outward dimensions of loose, lightweight plastic aggregate material enveloped and bound by a plastic sleeve around a horizontal conduit. In one embodiment, the unit takes a bag form with an aggregate-filled netting sleeve concentrically surrounding and fastened to the ends of corrugated plastic vent pipe. In another form, the sleeve is a plastic extrusion of rectangular cross-section and the conduit can be formed integrally with the sleeve. Cross-webbing is added for strength. In ground installation, conduitless units make up the insufficiency of aggregate dimension. Mating male and female end caps are used to interconnect the conduit of adjacent units end-to-end. Apparatus for manufacturing the concentric netting sleeve/vent pipe version has a hopper that discharges aggregate into the top of a mandrel and an annular disc or helical auger blade that pushes the aggregate forward into the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of diametrically contracting a cylindrical body, includes the steps of grasping the cylindrical body with a plurality of elongated grasping members, preparing a cylindrical drawing die having an opening at one end and a tapered inside peripheral surface, drawing the grasping members together with the cylindrical body into the drawing die, through the opening, and applying a compression force to the cylindrical body through the grasping members due to the passage along through the tapered inside peripheral surface, to thereby cause the cylindrical body to be diametrically contracted. During the drawing process, since the cylindrical body does not come into direct contact with the drawing die, neither scratches nor baking cracks are produced on the outside surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a cylindrical tubular elastomeric cover from and applying a cylindrical tubular elastomeric cover to a cylindrical top roll mandrel of a top roll. An attachment holder holds a selected cover removing or cover applying attachment. A cover applying attachment is held by the attachment holder for carrying a top roll cover to be applied to the top roll mandrel. A cover stripping attachment is provided for being held by the attachment holder and for stripping a cover from a top roll mandrel. A chuck is provided for holding a top roll mandrel with a cover to be removed by the cover stripping attachment, or a top roll mandrel without a cover for receiving a cover applied by the cover applying attachment. A piston and cylinder assembly moves the top roll mandrel reciprocally to and from the attachment holder and the cover applying attachment or the cover stripping attachment held by the attachment holder to thereby apply a cover to or remove the cover from the top roll mandrel.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus for pushing pipe into an underground pipe comprises a hydraulic cylinder mounted on two longitudinally spaced sets of three radially extending, equally spaced legs. The legs have adjustable locking devices for locking the hydraulic cylinder in place as required inside the one part of an underground pipe. The hydraulic cylinder also has a lock plate of a length longer than the diameter of the underground pipe which acts to anchor the hydraulic cylinder in place when the hydraulic cylinder is activated. The apparatus has a head or push plate attached to a ram or piston extending from the hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic control valve controlling actuation of the cylinder. With the two sets of legs attached, the hydraulic cylinder is placed inside one part of an existing underground pipe which is near the part in need of repair and the legs adjusted to center the cylinder in place. The lock plate presses against the end of the underground pipe in which the cylinder is secured.

Abstract: This invention is a new method and at the same time a new piece of equipment for the renovation of damaged pipelines in which formation of fragments has come about or the pipelines have partly been completely destroyed. The machine can be fitted to a channel renovation robot or to a conventional luge and can be remote controlled with television support. With the machine, which has a simple locking mechanism (4), a metal sheathing (11) is inserted into the interior of the pipe. The sheathing is ejected there in order to repair a damaged point or a missing piece of pipe, whereupon a sealing mass is pressed onto the outside through holes in the sheathing.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously manufacturing plastic-lined metallic pipe. The apparatus includes an extruder having an output providing a plastic sleeve and further includes a continuous roll-forming tubing mill production line. This production line includes a series of forming rolls which progressively deform a substantially flat steel strip to a generally tubular configuration as the strip move along a straight-line longitudinal path. The production line further includes an electrical resistance or high frequency welder which continuously welds the lateral edges of the moving strip to complete the pipe. The apparatus also includes a feed for the plastic sleeve into the incipient metal pipe upstream of the welder. The plastic sleeve has an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the metallic pipe in its as-formed condition.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for inserting a rigid support in a contractible sleeve used to enclose a joint between a pair of electric cables. The support has an outer diameter greater than the unstretched inner diameter of the sleeve. The sleeve is enclosed in a pair of separable half-shells having radially movable pressure elements extending radially inwardly therefrom and engageable with the outer surface of the sleeve. The pressure elements are urged inwardly by compression springs, and the pressure applied to the sleeve by the pressure elements increases with radially outward movmeent thereof. One end of the support is inserted in one end of the sleeve and the support is pulled axially into the sleeve while axial movement and shortening and buckling of the sleeve is opposed by the pressure elements.

Abstract: To facilitate the repair of short sections of pipe by providing a lining in situ, a repair carrier containing the repair lining is moved into position adjacent the pipe length to be lined, the lining is forced out of the carrier into position in the pipe where it is fixed in position and the carrier is then removed from the pipe leaving the lining in place. A flexible tube forming a part of the carrier is used to initially position the lining in the carrier and then to force the lining out from the carrier and urge it against the interior of the pipe, preferably by eversion.

Abstract: This invention relates to protective and appearance sleeving, and more particularly to improved expandable-contractible braided sleeving having a pull cord extending lengthwise of its interior one end of which is attachable to an object to be enshrouded while the sleeving is being assembled thereover. The pull cord may comprise a strip of high strength material imprintable with indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an air actuated plate cylinder to facilitate installation or removal of a print sleeve includes a support frame supporting the first end of the plate cylinder, a gantry mounted on the support frame, first and second carriages mounted for selective movement along the gantry and including first and second air cylinders which are operable to move their respective rams along a predetermined path of travel, and a support member engageable with the second end of the plate cylinder and which is further engageable by one of the rams made integral with one of the carriages, and wherein the print sleeve to be installed or removed is telescopingly received on the support member and wherein the respective rams are selectively moved into and out of respective supporting relationship relative to the second end of the plate cylinder thereby facilitating the installation of the print sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of shafts, particularly in the printing industry. A carriage will receive an assembly of a core of a paper roll with a shaft installed therein, at a receiving station. The carriage is moveable to a second position where the core is removed from the shaft by a transfer mechanism. A shaft retaining device will retain the shaft on the carriage during core removal. After the core has been removed, the same transfer mechanism will transfer the shaft into a core of a new roll positioned in the receiving station.

Abstract: The device is intended for expanding profile pipes set in a well for patching off a troublesome zone, and also for straightening crumpled casings.The device comprises a housing (1) having an expanding member (3) mounted thereon in bearings (4, 5) on a journal (2) extending at an acute angel to the longitudinal axis of the housing (1). The expanding member (3) is shaped as a spherical segment (9) having its external surface defined by alternating portions of a spherical surface (10) and the lateral surfaces of cylinders (11) whose geometric axes being to a plane perpendicular to the axis (13) of the journal (2).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for axially and externally mounting an expandable sleeve onto, and dismounting the sleeve from, a cylinder. The subject device comprises an external fluid-transmission means for expanding the diameter of the expandable sleeve by introducing a fluid capable of expanding the sleeve between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the cylinder. The requisite sleeve expansion is accomplished without transmitting fluid from within the cylinder during the mounting and dismounting operations. The sleeve is contractable by the removal of the fluid.

Abstract: A system for non-destructively salvaging cemented concentric piping members by ramming the concentric piping members, thereby breaking the bond between the piping members and the concrete. The ramming of the concrete portions is accomplished by anchoring the cemented concentric piping members to an immovable base, then separating an outer pipe or casing and inner concentric pipes from each other by using an air hammer.

Abstract: A fixture engages each leg of a chair leg assembly to support each leg against longitudinal displacement along respective leg axes. A ram and associated drive member are mounted opposite each leg free end so that each ram axis is substantially aligned with one leg axis. A glide is adapted to fit loosely on the leg free end in a first position and to be driven tightly onto the leg in a second position. A pair of cam arms are coupled to the ram so that as the ram advances toward a leg that has a glide in the first position thereon, the cam arms and jaw members at the free ends of the cam arms, pivot toward the leg. The jaw members cooperate to align the leg axis with the ram axis while the glide is in the first position and to support the leg transversely to the leg axis as the ram advances to drive the glide into the second position.

Abstract: A device for installation and removal of a wrist pin from a piston includes a press pin having an upper end for engaging a hydraulic ram and a lower end section of reduced diameter which engages into the bore of the upper end of a wrist pin. The lower end of the wrist pin is engaged by an end section of reduced diameter of a guide pin, the end section of reduced diameter having at least one groove encircling its circumference and having an O-ring engaged in the groove. The press pin, wrist pin and guide pin engage together to form a substantially rectilinear rod-like structure, enabling the wrist pin to be inserted through the shaft of the piston and eye of the connecting rod without damage to the shaft.

Abstract: A method and means for adapting a stem of a plumbing valve for use with plumbing trim of a type for which the plumbing valve stem was not originally designed to be used. A bore is drilled into the end of the stem using a conventional hand-held power drill and a special centering tool that provides a first guide hole in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the stem. A transverse hole is also drilled into the stem in alignment with a second guide hole provided by the centering tool. An adaptor, made from a rod having substantially the same diameter as the stem, has a shaft at one end thereof for insertion into the bore drilled into said stem. At least one pin is then passed transversely through both the shaft of the adaptor and the trim to lock rotation of one to rotation of the other, and to prevent the adaptor from disengaging the stem. The other end of the adaptor has a spline thereon that matches a keyway of the plumbing trim that is to be used.

Abstract: A plug removal apparatus for removing a mechanical plug fixed in an end of each heat exchange tube of a heat exchanger includes a plug removing mechanism which engages with and pulls out a cylindrical member of the mechanical plug. The plug removing mechanism includes a mandrel insertable into and threadedly engageable with the cylindrical member, a push rod coaxially extending through the mandrel for pushing a cone member of the mechanical plug, an actuating means for selectively moving the mandrel and the push rod towards and from the mechanical plug, and a drive means for selectively rotating the mandrel into engagement with the cylindrical member.

Abstract: This invention provides a tool for releasing a pipe joint of two pipes of which one is fitted inside the other and the outer pipe is provided with an opening, such as a slot, in the region of the pipe joint. The tool comprises a mandrel located on a pressing means, as well as at least one hook which is pivotally fastened thereto and mounted such that a counter plate located at the end of the hook is adapted to be brought into a position opposite to the mandrel. The pressing means may be implemented as a threaded spindle, as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A coupling sleeve (3) pushed onto the plastic pipe (1) and provided with barbs (3a) is drawn over a driving shoulder against the connecting piece (2) by a union nut (4). The opened-out pipe end (1a) is clamped between a curved end face of the connecting piece (2) and the coupling sleeve (3). Possible leakages caused by the flow of the pipe material are prevented by a spring (6), and the pipe (1) is prevented from turning during assembly by a sliding ring (5).The device used for assembling the pipe connection has grips (13) for fixing the pipe in position with a toggle lock (16) and a press ring (26), which can be displaced in sliding manner on a stop (25) acting as a centering arbor, and can be actuated by a hand lever (31). With only a few manipulations, the coupling sleeve (3) can be pushed onto the centrally held plastic pipe (1).

Abstract: Improvements in means of and methods for mounting grips (hand grips, for example) on handlebars of bicycles and motorcycles; improvements in means of and methods for mounting resilient sleeves on shafts, pipes, rods and the like; inserting a plastic sleeve or strip into a resilient sleeve or handgrip, such operable to serve as a sliding, low friction surface with respect to a handlebar, shaft, pipe, rod or the like as the resilient sleeve or handgrip is mounted thereon.

Abstract: A hand tool for loading an easily damaged resilient elongated object having a generally planar end into a closely fitting relatively rigid casing of conforming shape including a lever member, an elongated tension member with a member for engaging the end of the casing, a resilient compression member for placement against a planar end of the object to be moved and a universal pivot member joining the end of the lever member and the compression member for moving the object in a linear path into the pressure casing without injuring the object being moved.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing an existing buried pipe of a crackable, fracturable material. The apparatus has a fracturing structure which applies an intense local pressure to crack and fracture the existing buried pipe into irregular fragments. This fracturing structure can include one or a plurality of blades, some of which may be retractably and expandably movable. The structure which exerts the intense local pressure is also operable to effect at least some outward movement of the fragments. An expansion structure moves the fragments radially outwardly, generally about the axis of the existing main, to provide a passage for a replacement tubular assembly. The apparatus is moveable through the existing main by the action of either a pushing or a pulling force, and the pushing force may be applied by percussive action.

Abstract: A chuck includes a support and a plurality of pairs of oppositely disposed jaws with the jaws being movable to a position with each pair of jaws disposed on diametrically opposite sides of one element of an assembly. A motor moves selected pairs of the jaws into contact with the element and an additional motor moves the selected pairs of jaws and element away from the support to extract the element while at least one of the pairs of oppositely disposed jaws are maintained in position on the support to secure a second element of the assembly against movement while the selected pairs of jaws extract the one element.

Abstract: A method and means for adapting a stem of a plumbing valve for use with plumbing trim of a type for which the plumbing valve stem was not originally designed to be used. In one embodiment, a spindle is milled on the end of the stem. The spindle is milled through the use of a centering tool that slides over the stem and a hollow mill that is rotated by a hand-held power tool, such as an electric drill, which hollow mill is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stem by the centering tool as the milling operation is carried out. An adaptor, made from a rod having substantially the same diameter as the stem, has a receiving hole bored in one end thereof into which the spindle is inserted. At least one pin is then passed transversely through both the adaptor and the spindle so as to lock rotation of one to rotation of the other, and to prevent the adaptor from disengaging the spindle. The other end of the adaptor has a spline thereon that matches a keyway of the plumbing trim that is to be used.

Abstract: Improvements in means of and methods for mounting grips (hand grips, for example) on handlebars of bicycles and motorcycles; improvements in means of and methods for mounting resilient sleeves on shafts, pipes, rods and the like; inserting a plastic sleeve or strip into a resilient sleeve or handgrip, such operable to serve as a sliding, low friction surface with respect to a handlebar, shaft, pipe, rod or the like as the resilient sleeve or handgrip is mounted thereon.

Abstract: A double-pipe combining device comprising a revolver, at least one pipe combining means arranged on the outer surface of the revolver, and at least one cam mechanism, the pipe combining means comprising a first pipe receiving means, a second pipe receiving means, and a slidable pipe pusher, the cam mechanism being arranged to move the pipe pusher forward and backward within one rotation of the revolver, the double-pipe combining device being arranged to automatically combine the larger-diameter pipe and smaller-diameter pipe, through the reciprocating movement of the pipe pusher, only by placing those pipes respectively in the two pipe receiving means and rotating the revolver.