Abstract: A closure assembly for terminating an end of a pipe (4) has an end-cap (4) holding and having fluid-tight connection to a mutually coaxial cylindrical plug (2) and circular collar (3). The plug (2) and the collar (3) are configurable between respective engaged and disengaged configurations and mutually spaced to provide an annular space therebetween when the plug (2) and collar (3) are in their disengaged configurations. The annular space is arranged to receive an end of a pipe (1) arranged coaxially with the plug (2) and collar (3), the plug (2) and collar (3) being respectively slidable into and over the end of the pipe (1). The plug (2), when in its engaged configuration, grips the inner face of said pipe (41) and to provide a fluid tight seal and the collar (3), when in its engaged configuration, grips the outer face of the pipe (1) and to provide a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A boring apparatus, such as a drilling apparatus for forming holes in pressurized pipes, comprises a cutting head (5) mounted to a distal end of a boring bar (2) which is itself connected to a feed screw (3) by a feed nut so that relative rotation between the boring bar (2) and the feed screw (3) cause the cutting head (5) and boring bar (2) to traverse axially along the feed screw (3) while the cutting head (5) is rotated for cutting. The apparatus has a main drive motor arranged to drive the cutting head (5), boring bar (2) and a main drive shaft (4). The main drive shaft (4) and the feed screw (3) are operably connected at the proximal end through a pair of adjacent coaxial planetary gear assemblie (6) whose planetary gear carriers are liked to rotate in unison about the axis.

Abstract: A subassembly is provided for a pipe lathe. The pipe lathe includes a segmented base ring and a drive gear assembly. The segmented base ring is structured to be removably coupled to a work piece having a perimeter. The subassembly includes a gear ring, a separate ring member, at least one tool mounting portion disposed on the separate ring member. The separate ring member is fastenable to the gear ring, in order that the separate ring member rotates with the gear ring but not independently with respect thereto. A number of tool assemblies mount to the tool mounting portion to machine the work piece. The gear ring includes a plurality of teeth, which cooperate with the drive gear assembly of the pipe lathe to rotate the subassembly about the perimeter of the work piece.

Abstract: A subassembly is provided for a pipe lathe. The pipe lathe includes a segmented base ring and a drive gear assembly. The segmented base ring is structured to be removably coupled to a work piece having a perimeter. The subassembly includes a gear ring, a separate ring member, at least one tool mounting portion disposed on the separate ring member. The separate ring member is fastenable to the gear ring, in order that the separate ring member rotates with the gear ring but not independently with respect thereto. A number of tool assemblies mount to the tool mounting portion to machine the work piece. The gear ring includes a plurality of teeth, which cooperate with the drive gear assembly of the pipe lathe to rotate the subassembly about the perimeter of the work piece.

Abstract: A subassembly is provided for a pipe lathe. The pipe lathe includes a segmented base ring and a drive gear assembly. The segmented base ring is structured to be removably coupled to a work piece having a perimeter. The subassembly includes a gear ring, a separate ring member, at least one tool mounting portion disposed on the separate ring member, and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners extend through the apertures of the separate ring member and fasten the separate ring member to the gear ring, in order that the separate ring member rotates with the gear ring but not independently with respect thereto. A number of tool assemblies mount to the tool mounting portion to machine the work piece. The gear ring includes a plurality of teeth, which cooperate with the drive gear assembly of the pipe lathe to rotate the subassembly about the perimeter of the work piece.

Abstract: Systems, processes, articles of manufacture, and techniques may be used to measure a surface to be machined. In particular implementations, a representation of a surface to be machined may be determined. Measuring the surface may include measuring a plurality of surface points at each of a plurality of surface measurement locations with a measurement system moving over a surface and measuring the position of the measurement system. Determining a representation of the surface to be machined may include determining an estimated shape for the surface based on the surface measurements at the surface measurement locations. The surface measurements, the surface measurement locations, and the estimated shape may be stored in computer memory for future retrieval and use.

Abstract: Systems, processes, articles of manufacture, and techniques may be used to facilitate the machining of a surface. In particular implementations, machining a surface may include machining a first surface location with an end effector that is part of a cart movable over the surface. Machining the surface may also include measuring the position of the end effector with a laser tracking system and generating commands for an actuator that positions the end effector. The commands may be based on the position of the end effector and a stored representation of a shape to be achieved by machining.

Abstract: Systems, processes, articles of manufacture, and techniques may be used to determine a machining shape for a surface to be machined. In particular implementations, determining a machining shape may include retrieving stored surface measurements for a surface to be machined, the measurements representing the surface at a plurality of points for each of a number of measurement locations on the surface, and analyzing the measurements to determine a shape to which the surface should be machined. Determining a machining shape may also include determining the surface that may be achieved by machining to the determined shape, analyzing the determined surface to determine whether it is acceptable, and storing the determined shape based on whether the determined surface is acceptable.

Abstract: A torque reaction device (16, 90, 110, 130, 150) is disclosed which can be used with a power wrench (14) to open and close a valve (10) in a valve assembly (12) which absorbs the shock of opening and closing the valve. The torque reaction device includes a torque reaction arm (18) which is mounted on the power wrench. A torque reaction frame (20, 94, 114, 132, 154) is provided which is mounted to the valve assembly in a manner dependant upon the configuration of the valve assembly. The torque reaction frame mounts a U-channel (22) which interacts with the torque reaction arm (18) to prevent uncontrolled movement of the power wrench relative to the valve while opening and closing the valve.