Abstract: A tapping sleeve or service clamp has first and second semi-cylindrical sleeve members that fit around a pipe having a side opening, one sleeve member with a fixed side branch which is aligned with said opening. The sleeve member has lug members at opposite ends which are drawn together by bolts. The sleeve member with the side branch has a first inner liner gasket having end portions extending well beyond its straight end edges that are fully tapered to a feather edge and armour strips that located under the lugs when the sleeve members are around the pipe. A second inner liner gasket is provided for the second sleeve member and has tapered end portions that terminate at opposite straight end edges of the second sleeve member with a substantial thickness only somewhat less than the nominal thickness of the second gasket.

Abstract: A high-strength low-bolt pipe clamp of the type having rigid lugs fixed to the ends of a flexible band results from an improved method for connecting the lugs to the band. The lugs are of cast material, while the band is of stainless steel. The connection between each lug and the band end is via a pair of initially open jaws on the lug that define a slot in which the band end is inserted. A plurality of spaced holes through the upper jaw of the lug are in registry with holes through the band end when it is inserted in the slot. The jaws are clamped together and deformed toward the band, and a weld is made in each hole to bind the two jaws together permanently and to securely affix the band to the jaws at the weld points. Preferably the weld fills each hole approximately flush with the surface of the lug.