Abstract: Particulate inorganic pore material, e.g., controlled pore glass (CPG) embedded porous synthetic resin membrane is prepared by mixing inorganic pore material and an aqueous resin, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), aqueous dispersion to form a paste-like mass, heating the mass at a temperature between 50 to 70° C., and forming the mass into a sheet by calendering. The sheet is then sintered to produce a rigid porous sheet. The membrane may be functionalized, as by silanization. The membrane is useful for the same purposes as controlled pore glass or functionalized controlled pore glass.

Abstract: A drill floor hole comprising a through-going vertical opening in a drill floor. A pipe holder is mounted so as to be capable of vertical movement below the opening. The pipe holder is suspended in a pulley loop in a wire drive wherein a wire is attached to the drill floor, runs down and over the pulley loop and passes up to a winch.

Abstract: A method for installing a flange on the end of a tubular member lined with a thermoplastic liner is provided. The flange is formed with a groove having extrusion openings extending from the front to the rear surface of the flange, the groove for receiving the reformed end of the liner which is forced into the extrusion openings and extends above the front surface of the flange to provide a surface for securing with a corresponding flange.

Abstract: A multi-layer roll having a thin fluoropolymer top coat on an elastomeric base layer bonded to a substantially rigid insert is provided. The top coat is formed by placing a thin non-self supporting fluoropolymer sleeve and about the insert, or wrapping within extruded fluoropolymer film about the insert which is placed in a mold sleeve and positioned in a book mold to holds the membrane in place. Liquid or flowable elastomer is injected into the space between the insert and flexible top coat at a point downstream of where the top layer is held in position between mold elements to prevent wrinkling. The mold is then heated to cure the elastomer.

Abstract: A thin, flexible tubular membrane provides a heat containment tube for inserting into and inflation within an underground conduit to be repaired. Folded rigid thermoplastic pipe is inserted into the tube while not and flexible. The tubular membrane is pressurized to exclude unwanted fluids from within the existing conduit. Hot steam is injected into the tube to heat the pipe full-length externally and internally until flexible. The pipe is then rounded and expanded against the walls of the conduit with the tube therebetween. The rounding and expanding of the pipe is carried out progressively by moving a plug through the pipe and by injecting hot steam under pressure behind the plug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for porting lateral connections in a lined pipeline from the lateral side of the liner. An access hole is formed through the liner material covering the lateral connection. A cutting apparatus, such as a water cutter, is inserted through the access hole with the nozzle directed back towards the liner. Alternatively, the cutting apparatus can be fed through the lateral towards the lined opening. The inside surface of the lateral pipe is then used as a guide to aim the water jet at the precise location where the cut is desired as the nozzle is revolved around the inside surface of the lateral to cut the liner to the shape of the connection opening.

Abstract: A direct vision prostate balloon catheter for treating benign prostate hyperplasia to dilate a prostate gland to reduce constriction of the urethra is provided. The catheter includes an expandable balloon and a sighting device such as a cystoscope telescopic lens proximal to the veru montanum to assist in properly positioning the expandable member. The balloon can have a thickened distal end and an overlapping proximal end to prevent undesirable migration during expansion. Alternatively, the balloon can be mounted on two tubes, one slidable axially inside the other to control balloon extension during expansion of the balloon. This construction provides advantages such as proper dilation of the prostatic urethra and helps prevent undesirable dilation of the external sphincter.