Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for stopping the flow of media within a pipeline. The pipeline generally includes one or more pipes connected end-to-end, where each of the pipes has a longitudinal axis with an annular wall. The annular wall has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface, where the inner wall surface defines an inner pipe diameter. In various embodiments, a hole is formed in the pipeline substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the annular wall and extending through the opposing pipe wall. A resilient plug is positioned within the pipeline such that it extends between the holes and is selectively expanded in a radial direction to create a seal with the inner surface of the pipe and holes to prevent flow of the media within the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe support clamp, a system using the clamp, and a method of supporting a pipe with the clamp are disclosed. The pipe support clamp includes two housings, and a number of high temperature inserts, where at least one high temperature insert is coupled to the first housing and at least one high temperature insert is coupled to the second housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing vacuums within a snubber during a predetermined condition are disclosed. The snubber includes a body at least partially filled with fluid, a piston capable of sliding within the fluid in the body, a lockup valve that allows the piston to move freely under operating conditions and limits the motion of the piston under a predetermined set of conditions, and a reservoir positioned within the piston rod containing a reserve of fluid.

Abstract: Pipe tapping apparatuses, devices, methods, and systems are provided for hot-tapping a pipe or fluid conduit containing a pressurized fluid. According to an embodiment, a pipe-tapping device can comprise a machine lower portion, a machine feed portion, and a machine drive portion. The machine lower portion can be disposed proximate to a pipe and can include a threaded insert situated distal to the pipe. The machine feed portion can include a first thread set and a second thread set. The first thread set can correspond to the threaded insert so that the machine feed portion is adapted to move axially relative to the machine lower portion. The machine drive portion can include a threaded interior. The threaded interior can correspond to the second thread set so that the machine drive portion is adapted to move axially relative to the machine feed portion. Other various embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A mechanical elbow clamp, a system using the clamp, and a method of supporting a pipe with the clamp are disclosed. The elbow clamp includes a first clamp and a second clamp. One end of the first clamp is attached to one end of the second clamp. The elbow clamp also includes an upper link, which attaches another end of the first clamp to another end of the second clamp, and a load bearing element attached to the upper link.

Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system and method that comprises multiple communications devices. At least one communications device is coupled to an element of the infrastructure.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are described that enables unattended, remotely distributed appliances, such as vending machines, utility meters, thermostats and kitchen appliances (ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) to be connected inexpensively to each other and to a centrally located server. The apparatus 1) uses relatively simple “personality” modules to adapt the apparatus to the application in combination with a sophisticated core module that provides the intelligence needed to process data locally, to format that data and to transfer it to a remote server and 2) uses existing Internet-based communication links, thereby avoiding the costly proprietary links used with current state-of-the-art solutions.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are described that enables unattended, remotely distributed appliances, such as vending machines, utility meters, thermostats and kitchen appliances (ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) to be connected inexpensively to each other and to a centrally located server. The apparatus 1) uses relatively simple “personality” modules to adapt the apparatus to the application in combination with a sophisticated core module that provides the intelligence needed to process data locally, to format that data and to transfer it to a remote server and 2) uses existing Internet-based communication links, thereby avoiding the costly proprietary links used with current state-of-the-art solutions.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are described that enables unattended, remotely distributed appliances, such as vending machines, utility meters, thermostats and kitchen appliances (ovens, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) to be connected inexpensively to each other and to a centrally located server. The apparatus 1) uses relatively simple “personality” modules to adapt the apparatus to the application in combination with a sophisticated core module that provides the intelligence needed to process data locally, to format that data and to transfer it to a remote server and 2) uses existing Internet-based communication links, thereby avoiding the costly proprietary links used with current state-of-the-art solutions.

Abstract: The present invention is a plug system having a plug for insertion into a pipeline, wherein the plug system is insertable via a fitting attached to the pipeline. A pre-drilled aperture of the pipeline positioned normal to the cylindrically-shaped pipeline may interfere with a pig traveling through the pipeline. In one embodiment, the plug includes two coaxial cylindrical portions. A first cylindrical portion has a diameter greater than the aperture diameter, while the second cylindrical portion has a diameter less than the aperture diameter. Additionally the plug defines a hole that is oriented perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical portions, wherein the diameter of the hole is approximately the size of inside diameter of the pipe. The plug has a retaining member to stabilize the plug system. When the plug is installed in the pipe it permit a pig to flow freely, thereby eliminating pigging hazards.

Abstract: An infrastructure monitoring system and method that comprises multiple monitoring devices and/or multiple output devices. Each monitoring device includes at least one sensor for collecting data, a data storage device for storing the data, a processor for analyzing the data, and a communications device for transmitting and receiving data. The system may also include an operations center for controlling and receiving data from the plurality of devices.

Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.

Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.

Abstract: The protection system protects a fire hydrant. The protection system includes a nozzle, a protection device, and a bracket assembly. The nozzle defines a bore, is in fluid communication with an interior of the fire hydrant, and is adaptable to receive a fire hose. The protection device is carried by the bore of the nozzle for prohibiting access into the interior of the fire hydrant from the exterior. The protection device includes a first position for preventing access into the fire hydrant from the exterior, and a second position wherein water can flow from inside the fire hydrant externally via the nozzle. The bracket assembly is coupled to the protection device for rotating the protection device and carried by the nozzle, wherein the bracket assembly has sufficient rotational travel for enabling the protection device to move from the first position to the second position, depending on the water pressure.

Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.

Abstract: A fire hydrant system relating to protection of a water supply from contamination. The fire hydrant system includes a barrel adapted to communicate at least indirectly with a water supply; a nozzle extending from the barrel; a hydrant valve adapted to controllably regulate communication between the barrel and the water supply; a valve actuator adapted to allow actuation of the hydrant valve; a nozzle cap adapted to at least close off the nozzle opening; and a hydrant shoe in communication with the water supply, the hydrant shoe comprising a backflow prevention assembly, wherein water can flow from the water supply through the hydrant shoe into the barrel at an open position of the backflow prevention assembly disc, and wherein media cannot enter the water supply via the barrel when the backflow prevention assembly disc is in a closed position.

Abstract: A unitary water meter setter, preferably provided in an integral brass casting, has a continuous inlet pipe having an inwardly extending inlet service leg with a threaded end, and an inlet meter support leg extending upwardly with respect thereto to a threaded meter inlet end and a continuous outlet pipe having an inwardly extending outlet service leg aligned with the inlet service leg with a threaded end and an outlet meter support leg extending upwardly with respect thereto to a threaded meter outlet end. A central bracing structure rigidly connects spaces and positions the inlet and outlet pipes to receive a water meter and connecting components. The connecting components include a first set of two riser pipes each providing substantially the same rise, one of the riser pipes threadably connected at one end to the threaded meter inlet end of the inlet pipe, and the other riser pipe connected at one end to the meter outlet end of the outlet pipe.