Abstract: A flexible pipe connector including a first cylindrical member, a second cylindrical member to be inserted into the first cylindrical member, an annular restricting groove defined in an inner peripheral face of the first cylindrical member, an annular attaching groove defined in an outer peripheral face of the second cylindrical member and having a shorter length than the restricting groove in a direction of cylinder axis, a retaining member radially expandably and detachably fitted to the attaching groove for coming into contact with an end face of the restricting groove in the cylinder axis direction so as to restrict range of relative movement between the first and second cylindrical members in the cylinder axis direction. The outer peripheral face of the second cylindrical member and the inner peripheral face of the first cylindrical member are provided with a radial opposing distance therebetween determined so as to allow insertion and withdrawal of the retaining member.

Abstract: A pipe coupling apparatus includes a coupling case for surrounding an outer periphery of an existing pipe in a sealed state. The coupling case defines a pipe coupling opening for coupling a new pipe to the coupling case, and an executing opening for use in cutting a branching opening in the existing pipe. A lid is mounted on the coupling case for sealing the executing opening. The branching opening is formed in a way to prevent a fluid from flowing out of the executing opening. The coupling case houses a first valve operable from outside the coupling case to open and close the coupling opening, and a second valve also operable from outside the coupling case to move into the existing pipe through the branching opening for closing one of passages defined by the existing pipe and communicating with the branching opening.

Abstract: An expansion pipe joint includes an inner sleeve having an annular projection formed on an outer surface thereof, and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve and having an annular groove formed on an inner surface thereof. An elastic ring is mounted in the annular groove for engaging the annular groove and the annular projection. The inner and outer sleeves are axially slidable relative to and inseparable from each other. The outer sleeve defines an end portion for allowing the annular projection to be inserted deeper inside than the ring.

Abstract: A method of rendering an existing pipeline flexible, by cutting out an intermediate portion of a pipe in a ring form, inserting a pipe joint into a cutout position, and connecting the pipe joint to the pipe. The pipe joint used in this method includes a plurality of sleeves interconnected in a fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The pipe joint is inserted into the cut-out position and connected to the pipe, with the plurality of sleeves substantially fixed to one another while being interconnected in the fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The sleeves are thereafter released from the fixed state.

Abstract: A method of rendering an existing pipeline flexible, by cutting out an intermediate portion of a pipe in a ring form, inserting a pipe joint into a cutout position, and connecting the pipe joint to the pipe. The pipe joint used in this method includes a plurality of sleeves interconnected in a fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The pipe joint is inserted into the cut-out position and connected to the pipe, with the plurality of sleeves substantially fixed to one another while being interconnected in the fluid-tight condition to be oscillatable relative to one another. The sleeves are thereafter released from the fixed state.

Abstract: A structural kit for the installation of a flow regulator valve in pipeline without interruption of the fluid flow in the pipeline. To make precise cutting of the desired portion of the pipeline in simple cutting operation and to just fit the valve into the cut-away portion thereof, a plane of the ring-shaped gear having cutting tools is tilted against a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pipe so as to cut away the pipe section the upper portion of which is longer than that of the bottom portion thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a water shut-off control valve to a predetermined position on a water distribution pipe, such as, for example, an installed service pipe, without stopping the passage of water therethrough wherein a T-pipe is attached to the damaged water distribution pipe, a first valve assembly is then mounted on the T-pipe assembly, a hole boring assembly is mounted on the free end of the first valve assembly in watertight relation therewith, and a hole then bored into the water distribution pipe and the hole is closed by the first valve member after which the boring assembly is withdrawn. A second valve assembly having an external housing is mounted to the free end of the first valve assembly by means of the external housing and the valve seat of the second valve housing then inserted through the opening and the water distribution pipe locked in place to shut off the flow of water through either distribution pipe and the external housing is thereafter removed.