Abstract: An apparatus for tapping live pipes includes an adaptor for affixing to a pipe, the adaptor including a valve for closing off any opening cut into the pipe. The internal drive shaft has a plurality of transverse apertures spaced apart along its length, so that it can be adjusted longitudinally to different positions with respect to the apparatus which grips the drive shaft and urges it toward the pipe during cutting. This avoids the necessity of designing a plurality of apparatuses which are adapted to cutting bits and devices of different lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a plastic fitting against a plastic pipe and for holding them together with a predetermined clamping force includes a carriage and guide rods for guiding the carriage in vertical motion above a fixed pipe support. A frame is fixed with respect to the pipe support, and first and second toggle links are pivoted to the carriage, to the frame and to each other in such a way that the links can achieve an aligned position in which the carriage is in its lowermost location. Mechanical interference is provided to prevent the toggle links from going significantly past the dead center position represented by the alignment. A receptacle is resiliently supported below the carriage for holding the plastic fitting, and a lever is provided for rotating one of the toggle links. The connection of the toggle links to the frame is vertically adjustable with respect to the frame, in order to adjust the degree of downward force placed on the plastic fitting.