Abstract: A tool holds and axially fixes a high-pressure shaft of an aircraft engine in a state where a high-pressure turbine stage is demounted. The tool includes: a shaft end cap having an inner radius, which is adapted to a predetermined shaft diameter, the shaft end cap plugs onto a turbine-side end of the high-pressure shaft; a shaft end cap receptacle receives the shaft end cap in a radially movable manner and in an axially limited manner in a first direction; a connector is fastenable to the shaft end cap receptacle and has a shank, which is insertable into the high-pressure shaft, the connector being configured to axially secure the shaft end cap receptacle; and a spring element, which is positionally fixed with respect to the shaft end cap receptacle, the spring element being configured to apply a predetermined spring force to the shaft end cap in the radial direction.

Abstract: An improved injector cup may be used in diesel engines that fits more securely into the engine's cylinder heads to better prevent engine coolant from leaking into the fuel and/or fuel leaking into the coolant. An improved injector cup may be designed to accommodate specific engine types and sizes in order to prevent engine coolant from leaking into the fuel and/or fuel leaking into the coolant.

Abstract: Removal tool and method for removing a panel insert from a panel. In one embodiment, the removal tool includes a tool frame to straddle a panel insert installed in a panel, and a puller rod slidably disposed perpendicularly through the tool frame. One end of the puller rod engages the panel insert. The removal tool further includes a biasing member that applies an axial force to the puller rod away from the tool frame, and a heater to apply heat to the panel insert.

Abstract: Examples of a removal tool for a two-piece guide bushing are provided. A specific example comprises a handle, a cap coupled to the handle, the cap comprising arced slots; and a raised boss coupled to the cap, the raised boss configured to fit over the stem guide of a two-piece guide bushing. The guide bushing removal tool may be coupled to a two-piece guide bushing and the guide bushing removal tool may be configured such that rotation of the handle releases the guide bushing center of the two-piece guide bushing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an innovative tool for connecting or disconnecting a runner to/from a shaft assembly. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for carrying out such operations using the tool. Advantageously, connecting/disconnecting operations can occur without having to work under a suspended load, as the tool may be activated for supporting the runner remotely from a location outside a runner footprint.

Abstract: A detachment puller is provided, including a main body, having a threaded hole and a plurality of pivoting portions circumferentially disposed around the threaded hole; a screw rod, screwed with the threaded hole; a plurality of jaws, respectively pivoted to the plurality of pivoting portions, each of the plurality of jaws including an abutted portion; an adjustment mechanism, elastically and movably disposed on the main body, the adjustment mechanism including a plurality of engaging portions, each of the plurality of engaging portions including a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion, the abutted portion being located between the first and second abutting portions, the first abutting portion being movable toward a first direction to press the abutted portion, the second abutting portion being movable toward a second direction to press the abutted portion, the first and second directions being opposite to each other.

Abstract: Providing a seal member taking-out device which can successfully take out a larger number of seal members. The seal member taking-out device includes a shaft member, a cylinder member, a moving member, and a taking-out member. The shaft member is columnar or cylindrical. The cylinder member is cylindrical and the shaft member is inserted through the cylinder member so that the cylinder member is movable in a direction of a central axis of the shaft member. The cylinder member is shorter than the shaft member and extends in the direction of the central axis of the shaft member. The moving member moves a plurality of seal members stacked on the shaft member and the cylinder member, in a direction of a distal end of the shaft member. The taking-out member takes out the seal members from the distal end of the shaft member.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding the re-gripping golf clubs is presented. In an embodiment, a support base comprises an aperture, wherein the aperture is wider than at least a portion of a tapered elongated shaft and narrower than a second wider portion of the tapered elongated shaft. A slot extends from an end of the support base to the aperture. A user may then slide a golf club through the slot and push down to secure the club in place during re-gripping.

Abstract: A tool and method for inserting an externally threaded object into a threaded receiving hole and removing and externally threaded object from the receiving hole. The tool is provided with an outer body that has a holding portion to hold the externally threaded object during insertion or removal. The holding portion may be a thread that corresponds with the thread of the externally threaded object. The tool also has a tightening body inside the outer body that has an engagement portion for engaging a corresponding engageable portion of the externally threaded body. The tightening body is rotated within the outer body to tighten or loosen the externally threaded body. During insertion or removal, the externally threaded body is securely held by the holding portion of the outer body.

Abstract: An extraction device for use in servicing a pump having a pump housing with a first side, a second side, and a channel extending between the first side and second side. A plunger is located within the channel, and the channel has a threaded opening at the first side. The device includes an externally threaded plug and a driving component selectively extending through the plug. The device is anchored to the pump housing by threading the plug into the threaded opening at the first side. The driving component is then extended into the channel, through and beyond the plug, to engage the plunger and push it out of the housing at the second side.

Abstract: A fastener staging and placement system comprising a staging member capable of temporarily attaching to structures and storing a plurality of ring type fasteners, and a placement member with a means for gripping and removing one or more fasteners to and from the staging member. The staging member comprises a removable and substantially vertically oriented dowel, configured to present a series of ordered sets of fasteners to the placement member, and an attachment means that may be removably attached to various structures. The placement member comprises two or more gripping arms that are configured to flex and exert pressure on at least one fastener thereby securing an ordered set of fasteners.

Abstract: A spherical bearing replacement and installation tool, including a removal cup having an open bearing-facing end, a receptacle portion, and a closed base end having a threaded center hole; a removal bolt sized for passage through a through hole in a spherical bearing and threadable insertion into said threaded center hole; a bearing installation clamp assembly including a clamp body portion having a bar disposed between and joining first and second arms, said first arm having a first through hole and said second arm having a second through hole with a threaded bore, said first and second through holes being cylindrical and axially aligned with one another; a staking tool rotationally disposed in said first through hole; and a bearing press rotationally disposed in said second through hole. A method of using the inventive tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoulder ring, for installation in a threaded pipe coupling between the installed pin ends of two pipes being connected by the coupling, has opposing end faces and a central opening, and may be lobate or circular in shape. The shoulder ring provides enhanced axial retention within the coupling by incorporating a thread element which engages the internal threads of the coupling to prevent or deter displacement of the ring from the coupling. Alternatively, enhanced axial retention may be provided by way of an interference or interlocking fit that is plastically induced during the ring installation process. The shoulder ring may be of lobate or circular configuration, with the axial retention of lobate embodiments being further enhanced by forces acting radially outward against the coupling due to elastic deformation of the ring during installation. Also disclosed are tools for installing the shoulder rings in a threaded coupling.

Abstract: A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe.

Abstract: A device for holding a component to be sheathed with plastic includes a holding element for producing a releasable mechanical keyed connection with an affixation region of the component, which holding element has a push-twist locking element.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a stuffing box is formed from a resiliently deformable material. It features a base and a plurality of elongate finger elements. The finger elements are supported about the periphery of the base, and define outer boundaries of a hollow interior region. Each finger element supports an externally projecting lip. In the relaxed position of the apparatus, the lips project outside the cross-sectional profile of the base. In a compressed configuration, the lips are fully contained within the base's cross-sectional profile. When the apparatus is inserted into a stuffing box loaded with coaxially aligned annular packing elements, it assumes a compressed configuration until the lips clear the lowermost packing element to be removed. The apparatus then assumes a relaxed position with the lips engaging the underside of the lowermost packing element. The apparatus and the engaged packing elements are then withdrawn from the stuffing box.

Abstract: Specialized tools and methods are presented for use on blowout preventers on oil and gas rigs. The specialized tools releseably attach to a threaded, blowout-preventer head to remove the same. In one instance, the tool has a longitudinal shaft, a lifting eye member at one end and a head-mounting member at the other. The head-mounting member attaches to the threaded, blowout-preventer head. In some instances, one or more torque arms may be included to add additional torque. Other embodiments and methods are also included.

Abstract: A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.

Abstract: A bayonet-connection-undoing device includes a projection configured for attachment to a hand so as to extend therefrom for depressing a pin to undo a bayonet connection. The device may have a finger ring to which the projection is attached, in which case the attachment to the hand can be made by wearing the ring on the hand, optionally the ring being disposed inside a hand glove, with the projection emerging from the glove. Alternatively or in addition, the device may further include sections of a pipe cleaner, the connection, and the pin which is configured for mutually fixing one of the sections to another. In this case, the depressing is down into a position at which the pin is retracted out of the connection and maintained, without need for the depressing, in a contracted state by relative movement of the sections.

Abstract: A tool for removing a spindle and/or elastomeric bearing from a hub generally includes a coupler, an arm, and a weight slidably engaged with the arm. The weight is slidable with respect to the arm along a predetermined stroke that limits the travel of the weight. The coupler may be secured to a spindle, which spindle is in turn secured to a bearing, or the coupler may be secured directly to the bearing. An operator may slide the weight between a first position adjacent the coupler and a second position opposite the coupler to impart kinetic energy to the spindle and/or bearing, thereby removing the bearing from or the bearing installing into a hub, depending on whether the kinetic energy is in an inboard or outboard direction.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a sleeve removal tool that is able to easily remove a sleeve from a tap without damaging the sleeve. The sleeve removal tool has a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The first fastening member has a first contact surface and inner screw section, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first contact surface comes in contact with the flange of the sleeve all around one ring shaped surface. An inner screw section is provided such that it protrudes in the axial direction from the first contact surface. The second fastening member has a second contact surface and outer screw section, and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first contact surface comes in contact all around the other ring shaped surface of the flange.

Abstract: A hand manipulatable tool for removing and replacing sprinkler heads threadably connected to an underground watering system employs a straight metal pipe component having outwardly flared portions at both extremities adapted to grip the sprinkler heads. A straight handle rod interactive with the pipe component facilitates unscrewing and lifting of the gripped sprinkler head.

Abstract: A drawing device of the present invention includes a first driving element, a bolt, a plurality of second driving elements, and a plurality of clipping rods. The first driving element drives the second driving elements to rotate simultaneously, so that the clipping rods are able to be rotated and operated. Also, a hook portion of each clipping rod is able to hook to a bottom of objects to be drawn out, and the bolt is disposed on a threaded hole of the first driving element and abuts against the objects to be drawn out. At the same time, the clipping rods are moved outward.

Abstract: Actuator levers, collets and collet tools for use in process control devices are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a tool for installing or removing a collet from an actuator lever. The example tool comprises a tool body and at least one of a plurality of inner-diameter threads, a plurality of outer-diameter threads, or a plate to removably couple the tool to at least one of an actuator lever or a collet. The tool is configured to apply a force to at least one of the actuator lever, the collet, a valve shaft, or an intervening structure to install the collet in or remove the collet from the actuator lever.

Abstract: A removal tool which exerts an axial pull on an annular element including a tie rod with a widened end head adapted to be inserted in the coaxial passage of the annular element, beyond the annular element, and a mechanism for engaging with the element in a form of an annular cage with lateral prongs capable of deforming elastically in the radial direction, passing through the axial passage to engage via the elastic prongs thereof with the distal transverse surface of the element and to allow the element to be removed by the engagement of the widened head with the prongs, following the axial movement of the tie rod outside of the hole by a control mechanism.

Abstract: A fitting apparatus for fitting a wire with an elastic wire element has a needle, which has a receptacle. An external diameter at a first end of the needle is smaller than at a second end. Centering jaws are configured to fix the needle and to form in a closed state an orifice, which serves as access to the receptacle of the needle. To push the elastic wire element on, a pusher-on is used. A gripping element holds the needle in an area of the first end. Drives enable relative movements.

Abstract: The fence post extraction tool is a tool used to extract a wooden fence post from the ground using only vertical movement. The wooden fence post extraction tool includes a threaded rod that screws into an expanding piercing tip. The expanding piercing tip is driven into a pre-drilled hole located on a top surface of the wooden fence post. The piercing tip is driven into the hole via a hammer sleeve that is slideable engaged about the threaded rod. The threaded rod is attached to an attachment clip located at a distal end from the piercing tip. The attachment clip secures to a lifting means suspended under a tripod, and which lifts the wooden fence post vertically from the ground.

Abstract: The present invention will provide sturdy, adjustable support for installing a garbage disposal onto a kitchen sink. Furthermore, the present invention allows the disposal to be installed without the assistance of a second party. This is accomplished by uniquely clamping the garbage disposal to the underside of the sink, enabling the user to secure the device without the need to support it themselves.

Abstract: The conveyor fastening tool is used for fastening first and second conveyor loop fasteners to each other and comprises first and second channels extending through a main body through which the first and second conveyor loop fasteners will pass. First and second lateral openings in the first and second channels allow the conveyor belt extremity sections to extend therethrough, outwardly of the first and second channels. First and second loop retaining members peripherally spaced about the first and second channels limit movement of the first and second conveyor loop fasteners orthogonally away from the first and second channels including preventing movement of the first and second conveyor loop fasteners out through the first and second lateral openings.

Abstract: A tool for removing a pin from a casing is disclosed. The tool may generally include a rod configured to be coupled to a portion of the pin, a sleeve received on the rod and a flange member received on the sleeve. The flange member may be received on the sleeve such that the flange member is movable in a radial direction relative to the sleeve. Additionally, the tool may include a collar configured to be radially engaged between the flange member and the rod when the flange member is moved radially outwardly relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A power structure of a hydraulic tool contains a base including an outer thread section, a first passage, a second passage, a first hole, a second hole, and a first groove; a first connecting unit including a first tap, a first adapter, a first joint, and a first check nut; a second connecting unit including a second tap, a second adapter, a second joint, and a second check nut; a cylindrical tube including a receiving space, first external screws, first internal screws, and second internal screws; a first spindle including a first path and a second groove; a second spindle including a second path, two orifices, second external screws, third internal screws, and a third groove; a retaining loop; a fitting loop; a plug; a paw unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for installing a metal transition end on an open end of a length of plastic pipe having an outer diameter and an inner diameter by placing a stiffener sleeve within the inner diameter of the plastic pipe at a point which is circumscribed by the metal transition end. An installer apparatus is positioned over the open end of the length of plastic pipe and the metal transition end from the direction of the open plastic pipe end. The apparatus has a draw rod which extends along a horizontal axis generally aligned with the open pipe end. A metal stiffener sleeve is temporarily mounted on a segmented grip located on one end of the draw rod. An actuating sleeve, carried on the draw rod, allows the stiffener sleeve to be installed in a desired location within the open plastic pipe end by using the draw rod to first position the stiffener sleeve in the desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus for dislodging stuck blades in a turbine engine. The apparatus includes a housing, cam structure, and impact structure. The housing is capable of being temporarily secured to a blade disc structure adjacent to a stuck blade to be dislodged. The cam structure is associated with the housing and is adapted to receive an input torque that rotates the cam structure, the cam structure capable of translating the input torque into an impact force, the impact force including a component in a desired direction. The impact structure is associated with the housing and is capable of receiving the impact force from the cam structure and exerting the impact force on a root area of the stuck blade for dislodging the stuck blade from the blade disc structure non-destructively.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for assisting with the installation or removal of a garbage disposal unit. The apparatus comprises a rod, a mechanism coupled to the rod, a plate which is moveably coupled to the rod, and multiple wedges. The wedges are pivotally coupled to the plate. Upon engaging the mechanism, the wedges move from a contracted first position to an expanded second position. When the wedges are in the expanded second position, the wedges are capable of engaging with the inside side walls of a garbage disposal unit to transfer a weight of the garbage disposal unit onto the mechanism and the rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for implanting a prosthesis into a heart of a mammal, such as a person. The disclosure includes a prosthesis that acts as a pressure vent between the left and right atria of the heart. The disclosure also includes a mounting tool for mounting the prosthesis onto a loading tool, the loading tool useful for loading the prosthesis onto a device for delivering the prosthesis into the patient's heart. Control devices and methods for using these devices are also disclosed. The intracardiac pressure vents disclosed allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to relieve elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The devices also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium to minimize the potential for thrombi or other embolic material from entering arterial circulation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning one or more components relative to a work surface are provided. The apparatus can include a frame having a first support member extending therefrom. At least one extendable member can be disposed on the first support member. The extendable member can be adapted to move in a linear direction. At least one magnet can be disposed on the frame. The magnet can include at least one contact side that can be switchable between a magnetized state and a non-magnetized state.

Abstract: A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe.

Abstract: A piston pin puller adaptor tool, which includes a body, a puller screw attached to the body and a number of interchangeable adaptor sleeves, which attach to the body. The interchangeable adaptor sleeves include at least a short skirt adaptor sleeve and a full skirt adaptor sleeve. Also, an adaptor sleeve for use with a pin puller tool, which has been configured to interface with the contours of a short skirt piston.

Abstract: An universal clutch alignment tool is provided. A tool rod is assembled with a connecting mechanism, and the connecting mechanism is then assembled with a positioning pipe, thereby forming a tool for assembling/disassembling a clutch. The connecting mechanism includes a sleeve, a driving rod, and connecting blocks. The sleeve is made into a hollow pipe in which a driving head at one end of the driving rod is disposed. The surface of the sleeve is formed with slots respectively arranged at an angular interval in which the connecting blocks are received. The outer surface of the driving head is formed with a conical driving slope. The middle section of each driving block is provided with a V-shaped notch. The inner walls on both sides of the notch are formed with two connecting slopes symmetrical to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for releasably coupling an extendable element to an actuator. Such a system may include an actuator housing with a specially adapted integral connecting end having a cavity therein. An extendable element may extend into the cavity through an opening in the connecting end of the housing and be coupled to a motive element of the actuator by a rotatable collar that resides in the cavity. A cover plate forms a part of the actuator housing connecting end. The cover plate compliments the integral portion of the connecting end and, in conjunction therewith, encloses the collar and the coupled portion of the extendable element. A substantially hollow end cap is passed over the extendable element and releasably attached to the actuator housing to enclose the distal connecting end thereof. In some embodiments, the coupled extendable element may reciprocate within an outer tube that is also releasably attached to the actuator housing.

Abstract: A device for the assembly of a motor vehicle clutch (99), has a pretensioning device (1) for clamping a plate spring (102), which is arranged in a clutch cover (100) of the motor vehicle clutch (99) together with a pressure plate (104) and by which the pressure plate (104) is pressed against a carrier plate (119) of the clutch (99) during operation. The clutch cover (100) is mounted stationarily during operation by a plurality of mounting bolts on a driven plate (97) and wherein the pretensioning device (1) has a base plate (2) with a central pressing screw (6), which is axially adjustable centrally through the base plate (2) against the plate spring (102) for pretensioning the plate spring (102).

Abstract: A fixture for final finishing flange faces of a hub of a knuckle assembly includes a mounting surface, a drive arrangement and a clamping arrangement. The drive arrangement is operative for engaging and rotating the hub of the knuckle assembly relative to the remainder of the knuckle assembly. The drive arrangement includes a drive member extending along a drive axis. The drive member is rotatable about the drive axis. The clamping arrangement is carried by the mounting surface. The clamping arrangement radially surrounds the drive arrangement and is operative for clamping the fixture relative to the mounting surface. The clamping arrangement includes a housing, a piston assembly radially positioned between the housing and the drive member, and a clamping sleeve radially disposed between the piston assembly and the clamping sleeve. The piston is movable in a first direction generally parallel to the drive axis.

Abstract: A pin puller includes a coupler to connect a pull rod to an end of a pin. A follower attaches to a tail end of the pin. The coupler may comprise a pair of mating shells having features to engage the pin and pull rod. An actuator is configured to apply tension to the pull rod. The pin puller may be used to remove and install pins and associated bushings in truck suspensions and other applications.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a fitting into a hose including a handle with a trigger parallelly disposed relative to an elongated translation rod movable in one direction including a fitting holder releasably mounted on the translation rod. A bell crank and linkage system connects the trigger to the translation rod for longitudinal movement and enhances the mechanical advantage to facilitate the insertion of the fitting into the hose. The hose holder is adjustable to accommodate different diameter hoses and the fitting holder can be changed to accommodate different shaped and sized fittings. The insertion tool can be used to insert the fitting into the hose while these units are in the ground or it can be oriented and changed to accommodate insertions at various attitudes. A knife is attached to the translation rod to allow the translation rod to be positioned to remove the hose from its fittings.

Abstract: A bit extracting tool, used to pull rotatable cutting bits from bit pocket holders. The bit extractor tool comprises two concentric pipe sleeves: an inner tension sleeve with fingers to slide over and hook the rotatable cutting bit's exposed annular ring at the bit end, and a threaded hole at the pulling end which receives the tension bolt; a tension bolt which, when tightened, pulls the tension sleeve away from the pocket and pushes on the capped pulling end of the outer compression sleeve; and, a compression sleeve, open on the bit end which pushes on the face of the pocket holder surface, is capped on the pulling end to bear the force of the tension bolt as it pulls the inner sleeve, and locks the finger hooks into the annular bit ring, which tow the bit out of the bit pocket.

Abstract: An installation aid for installing a blocking element on a suspension strut of a motor vehicle, the installation aid having a flexible, Y-like design with a trunk section, a first branch section and a second branch section, wherein the first branch section is longer than the second branch section, a respective eye is arranged at a free end of the trunk section and at a free end of the second branch section, and the eye on the branch section is designed in such a manner that at least regions of the first branch section can be passed there through.

Abstract: An alignment tool affords a safe and economical way to install surface casing, eliminating the need to align or delay the installation in speedhead or multibowl well drilling applications. The alignment tool includes two split halves that may clamp onto an existing surface casing. A top plate of the alignment tool may overlay the top flat surface edge of the surface casing, eliminating the possibility of the surface casing coupling to strike the flat edge and obstructing passage. The top plate may include a beveled edge to further help align the surface casing into the conductor pipe.

Abstract: Medical device loading apparatuses, systems, methods and kits are described. A loading apparatus comprises a main body having a proximal end defining a proximal opening, a distal end defining a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The passageway defines a proximal chamber having a first inner diameter, a distal chamber having a second inner diameter, and a transition chamber disposed between the proximal and distal chambers. The transition chamber has an inner diameter that transitions from the larger second inner diameter to the smaller first inner diameter. The main body has a separable connection that divides the main body between proximal and distal portions when disrupted.

Abstract: A body jewelry tool to aid in the application and removal of body piercing retaining fasteners comprises a tubular body of non-corroding stainless steel for a long life and ease of cleaning for sanitary use. The outer surface comprises a rubberized grip. An operational end of the device comprises an internal grasping mechanism that readily adapts to all sizes of threaded ball fasteners used as retainers on body piercings. In such a manner, the user or wearer can hold the jewelry in one hand while the tool is used to grasp and hold the retaining ball with the other hand. The device is then easily turned to remove or install the ball as necessary.

Abstract: A pipe adjustment tool for use in aligning the confronting ends of a pair of pipe sections having a joint therebetween provides a frame having a seating surface for acting against an exterior surface of a pipe section. The seating surface being disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to a threaded bore of the frame. A flexible clamping member is attached to the frame at one end and is a of length to substantially encircle the pipe section. The opposite end of the clamping member is received and secured by a retainer. The retainer and the frame are connected together by an articulated joint formed by a ball-shaped end of a threaded bolt extending through frame and a ball-shaped socket in the retainer. The retainer and frame are movably relative to each other by operating the threaded bolt to provide tension in the clamping member about the pipe section.