Abstract: An automated and intelligent quantitative system and method for assessing risk in infrastructure systems including, but not limited to, gas, electric, water, sewer, transportation, and/or telecommunication systems. The invention incorporates a graph-based data structure of multiple infrastructure systems. The graph-based data structure includes a multi-layered structure with each layer having nodes for components of one of the multiple infrastructure systems, and edge links between related pairs of the nodes. A spatio-temporal and ontological reasoner performs spatial and temporal reasoning on the graph-based data structure to identify nodes of the graph-based data structure likely affected by the new activity event.

Abstract: An automated and intelligent quantitative system and method for assessing risk in infrastructure systems including, but not limited to, gas, electric, water, sewer, transportation, and/or telecommunication systems. The invention incorporates a graph-based data structure of multiple infrastructure systems. The graph-based data structure includes a multi-layered structure with each layer having nodes for components of one of the multiple infrastructure systems, and edge links between related pairs of the nodes. A spatio-temporal and ontological reasoner performs spatial and temporal reasoning on the graph-based data structure to identify nodes of the graph-based data structure likely affected by the new activity event.

Abstract: A method for connecting a pipe fitting with a buried pipe from above ground in which the top, outer wall surface of the buried pipe is exposed to an aboveground location, producing an exposed outer wall surface. An opening into the pipeline is formed at the exposed outer wall surface following which a fitting to be connected with the pipeline is inserted through the opening into the pipeline and connected with a circumferential pipe surface encircling the opening into the pipeline. Preferably, keyholing techniques are used to carry out the steps of the method so as to substantially limit the amount of excavation required compared with conventional pipe fitting connection procedures.

Abstract: A method for connecting a pipe fitting with a buried pipe from above ground in which the top, outer wall surface of the buried pipe is exposed to an aboveground location, producing an exposed outer wall surface. An opening into the pipeline is formed at the exposed outer wall surface following which a fitting to be connected with the pipeline is inserted through the opening into the pipeline and connected with a circumferential pipe surface encircling the opening into the pipeline. Preferably, keyholing techniques are used to carry out the steps of the method so as to substantially limit the amount of excavation required compared with conventional pipe fitting connection procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting encroachment of property perimeters or boundaries employing a multi-layer structure having an inner layer of polyvinylidene fluoride having piezoelectric properties disposed between and joined with two outer layers of an electrically conductive plastic material. The multi-layer structure is connected with an electrical signal detector and buried at a boundary or property perimeter. The buried multi-layer structure is monitored for generation of an electrical signal. Detection of an electrical signal corresponds to an encroachment of the property perimeter or boundary.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved heat-shrinkable electrofusion fittings and methods. The fittings are basically comprised of an electrically heatable tubular plastic outer member which is shrinkable when heated to a transition temperature, an electrically heatable tubular plastic inner member positioned within the outer member which has a fusion temperature higher than the transition temperature and an electrically activated induction coil for energizing the inner and outer members.

Abstract: An adaptor for use with an electrofusion fitting for enabling a thermoplastic pipe to be coupled to a dissimilar pipe includes a housing sleeve for coupling at one end to the dissimilar pipe with the opposite end being formed on its outer surface with an annular ribbed section covered by a plastic sleeve. An anchoring ring overlies the annular ribbed section of the housing sleeve and is effective to firmly anchor the plastic sleeve to the annular ribbed section of the housing sleeve during electrofusion of the plastic sleeve to one end of an electrofusion fitting, and of the plastic pipe to the opposite end of the electrofusion fitting.